Welcome to the Collaborative Research Center 1348
The precise spatial and temporal organization of cellular differentiation, essential for organismal development and physiology, depends on the correct formation and function of cellular interfaces. These interfaces facilitate the efficient transfer of materials and information between cells, through the dynamic assembly of molecular platforms at the plasma membrane. Such platforms integrate external and internal signals and transduce mechanical forces, guiding development and ensuring correct responses to physiological and pathophysiological changes. The Collaborative Research Center (CRC) 1348 focuses on understanding how these dynamic cellular interfaces are formed and how they control decision-making in cells and tissues.
We have developed a comprehensive strategy combining molecular modeling, structural biology, biochemistry, organic synthesis, genetics, cellular and developmental biology. This approach aims to unravel the molecular mechanisms governing cellular interactions and responses in individual cells as well as in multicellular organisms. Leveraging advances in high-resolution imaging, optogenetics, single-cell technologies, synthetic biology, and engineering, CRC 1348 aims to not only understand but also to precisely manipulate dynamic processes at the plasma membrane. Our goal is to provide a deep understanding of the molecular principles that govern cellular interface formation and function, setting the foundation for future efforts to recreate biological complexity from the bottom up.
SFB 1348 Seminar
September 25, 2025
Exciting seminar with Georgia Rapti about "Glia-neuron intertwined mechanisms sculpt brain circuit architecture across lifespan: insights from C. elegan". Click here for more information.
"Bottom-up Synthetische Biologie - Ein Baukasten für die Zelle"
Vortrag für Lehrkräfte und Schüler*innen am 06.10.2025 mit Prof. Dr. Seraphine Wegner
Der Bottom‐up Ansatz in der synthetischen Biologie konzentriert sich auf die detaillierte Analyse und das Verständnis essentieller Lebensprozesse, indem es diese Prozesse als elementare Module in minimalen synthetischen Systemen rekonstituiert. Das ultimative Ziel dabei ist es, eine lebende Zelle komplett aus nicht lebenden Komponenten zu konstruieren und die Untersuchung lebender Systeme aus einer fundamentalen Perspektive zu ermöglichen. Die grundlegenden Erkenntnisse auf dem Weg zu einer synthetischen Zelle können auf lange Sicht zur Etablierung neuer biotechnologischer Verfahren führen, die auf synthetischen Zellkonstrukten basieren und die Fähigkeiten von natürlichen Organismen erweitern.
How to get to the CRC 1348?
The CRC 1348 office is located in the Multiscale Imaging Center (MIC). Our seminars take place in the MIC auditorium.
Arrival by public transport
From Münster central station (Münster Westf Hbf) you can reach the MIC by bus in around 30 minutes.
Bus stops:
- Schreiberstraße: bus line 5, every 15 minutes from Münster Westf Hbf/bus platform B1 – bus line 11, every 20 minutes from Münster Westf Hbf/bus platform C1
- Mendelstraße: bus line 2, every 30 minutes from Münster Westf Hbf/bus platform C1
- P + R Coesfelder Kreuz: bus line 12, every 20 minutes from Münster Westf Hbf/bus platform C1
(Status as of November 2023)
Arrival by plane
- Airport Düsseldorf (DUS): Several train connections to Münster central station (Münster Westf Hbf), travel time approximately 1,5 hours
- Airport Münster-Osnabrück (FMO): Small airport, bus connection to Münster central station (Münster Westf Hbf), bus line S50, leaving every 60 minutes, travel time approximately 30 minutes
(Status as of November 2023)