Müller Lab

The research division is studying lipid signaling as well as the metabolism of lipids an secondary metabolites in plant adaptation responses to abiotic and biotic stress. We also use high end metabolomics to study the impact of the endogenous clock in Drosophila on the regulation of metabolism.
We heavily use metabolomics/lipidomics as an entry approach to identify rapid metabolic adaptation mechanisms that are frequently posttranscriptionally regulated and are therefore often overlooked. Matching metabolism to a changing environment is an essential first line response and failure in appropriate metabolic adjustment may have severe fitness consequences. We use genetic methods to functionally test the relevance of metabolic fine tuning in the context of abiotic and biotic stresses.

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You are invited to join our research team. Depending on your interests and the duration of your stay in our group (F-practical courses, bachelor- or master thesis)you can participate in a broad range of research project using genetic and molecular methodology or high end mass spectrometry based metabolite profiling and metabolomics/lipidomics.
Running the metabolomics core unit of the biocenter, biology students can also participate in cooperation projects with groups from the infection biology/microbiology, genetics and neurophysiology, bioinformatics, ecology and medicine dealing with the analysis and modeling of metabolite pathways in model organisms ranging from microbes, worms, plants, insects (e.g. drosophila), fish and mammals (mice, humans). Hence, training in metabolite analysis not only provides the opportunity for interdisciplinary academic research but also to acquire knowledge highly relevant for a future career in the agrochemical-, pharmaceutical-chemical and food industry (quality control) and the health sector (biomarkers and diagnostics).