An overview of the lab's affiliations
Freie Universität Berlin Genetics Institute
Stephan Sigrist is a Full Professor (W3) in Genetics, Institute of Biology, Freie Universität Berlin, Germany. As part of the genetics institute of the FUB, our focus is "red biotechnology" with Drosophila melanogaster as model organism
The FUB facilities
NeuroCure - Cluster of excellence
Stephan Sigrist is the Co-Director of the DFG Cluster of Excellence NeuroCure, Charité Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Germany
The focus of the Cluster is on investigating neurological and psychiatric disorders. The aim of this interdisciplinary research network is to better understand disease mechanisms and to develop new therapies. Fostering local networks of scientists and their research activities lies at the heart of the Cluster’s efforts. In addition, NeuroCure has established a significant number of new research groups as well as several technological platforms.
By promoting close cooperation between basic science and clinical research, the Cluster aims to more rapidly transfer findings from basic research to clinical application. To facilitate this process, NeuroCure has established its own clinical research center (NCRC). The NCRC supports researchers in conducting clinical trials, and gives patients access to new therapies and diagnostic options through participation in clinical trials.
The CharitéCrossOver (CCO) building at the Charité Campus Mitte (CCM) hosts our second mainlab with focus on Drosophila larval NMJ studies.
Collaborative Research Centre 958 "Scaffolding of Membranes - Molecular Mechanisms and Cellular Functions"
Professor Sigrist is Spokesperson of the Collaborative Research Center 958 “Membrane Scaffolding”
The collaborative research centre aims at elucidating the molecular mechanisms by which dynamically organized protein-protein assemblies scaffold cellular membranes and exert cellular functions.
The collaborative research centre will tackle this problem using convergent multidisciplinary approaches. These include advanced and super-resolution imaging techniques to visualize the organization of membrane-associated scaffolds, structural biology and proteomics to obtain insights into the molecular architecture of proteins and protein assemblies, and powerful genetic or cell biological manipulations to study and perturb the function of select components in living cells or in vivo.
Einstein Foundation
Since 2014 Professor Sigrist is Einstein Professor of the Einstein Foundation Berlin. The Foundation aims to promote science and research of top international calibre in Berlin and to establish the city as a centre of scientific excellence. In addition to its endowment, the Foundation also receives state funding. An independent scientific commission of the highest standard selects projects for funding. Financial support and donations are welcome.
DZNE German Centre for Neurodegenerative Deseases
Stephan Sigrist is group leader at the German Centre for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE). The DZNE investigates the causes of diseases of the brain and the nervous system and develops novel strategies for prevention, treatment, and patient care. Our research focuses on “neurodegeneration”, a pathological, slowly progressing phenomenon characterized by neuronal damage and dysfunctions, which can ultimately lead to cell death. Neurodegeneration may cause dementia, movement disorders and other serious health issues. It manifests in a wide spectrum of diseases including Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), ataxias and childhood onset neurodegenerative disorders.
We aim to improve quality of life of patients and relatives.