Scientists from the University of Würzburg and the University of Freiburg succeeded in determining the complex molecular structure of the bacterial enzyme cytochrome bd oxidase. Since humans do not have this type of oxidase, this enzyme could be an interesting target for novel antibiotics.

A team of researchers lead by Helmholtz Zentrum München and the University of Würzburg identified an enzyme as a novel and strong inhibitor of ferroptosis, the iron dependent form of cell death: ferroptosis suppressor protein-1, short FSP1. This protein is expressed in a variety of cancer cell lines and therefore represents an attractive drug target for cancer treatment. The results were published in the journal Nature.

For the foundation of the first two Dioscuri centers our RVZ group leader Dr. Grzegorz Sumara will return to Poland. The Grzegorz Sumara centre will focus on elucidating signalling pathways involved in metabolic diseases.