RTG 2756

RTG 2756

Cytoskeletal elements of active matter – from molecular interactions to cellular biophysics (CYTAC)

JOIN RTG CYTAC!

RTG 2756 CYTAC and Max Planck Institute for multidisciplinary sciences are currently offering a funded PhD position in project A1.2025. Please find the description of the position and application guidlines here.

The research training group (RTG) 2756 “Cytoskeletal elements of active matter – from molecular interactions to cellular biophysics”, based at the Georg-August University of Göttingen, is funded by the German Research Foundation (DFG) from January 2023 to December 2027. The cytoskeleton is a complex network of protein filaments of living cells. It is responsible for mechanical and dynamic properties of the cell and thus instrumental for many important cellular functions. The Research Training Group “Cytoskeletal elements of active matter – from molecular interactions to cellular biophysics (CYTAC)” is devoted to covering all length scales involved - from the level of individual molecules, through mesoscopic filaments and membranes, all the way to cells. Naturally, this research is performed in a highly interdicsiplinary manner and involves physics, physical and bio-chemistry, cell biology and mathematical data analysis.

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Over 3 days in mid-September, students got together at the MPI-NAT for an RTG outreach event where they learned how to use simulations for biophysics research. With no previous experience in the chosen simulation software, and for the most part little biophysics background, the students both overcame the entry barrier to the world of simulations and dove into the fascinating world of the cellular cytoskeleton. After only an hour's worth of guidance and a couple of hours of self-learning, the students started conceptualizing projects, forming teams, and simulating to test their ideas. In the following two days the teams reconsidered their original plans, pivoted when necessary, overcame challenges and analyzed their results. The organization team, consisting mostly of CYTAC RTG members, provided support when needed. A rich and diverse program of optional nano-classes was also offered by the organization team and by guest speakers, with topics ranging from AI coding to visualization with Blender and Paraview. Read more about...

Events


  • October 2024: Laura Brinkmann was awarded the Poster Prize of "The Cytoskeleton as Active Matter" seminar in Bad Honnef, Germany. Participants enjoyed her presentation with the title "Structure and mechanics of strained membrane-bound F-actin". Congratulations!
  • September 2024: The second RTG CYTAC retreat took place in Mariaspring near Göttingen. We enjoyed two days of presentations and focused discussions, as well as a cool biophysics treasure hunt created by the RTG students Pratima and Laura.
  • September 2024: 'Gö Cytoskeleton Hackathon 2024' by CYTAC RTG and Alumni Göttingen took place in MPI-NAT. In a fun and collaborative environment, six student teams dove into the fascinating world of cytoskeleton biophysics, and two teams were awarded prizes for their simulation projects.
  • July 2024: New publication by the RTG member Hendrik Bruns in Biophysical Journal. Congratulations!
  • February 2024: The RTG CYTAC post-doctoral researcher Dr. Pallavi Kumari was selected for the prestigious and competitive Marie Skłodowska-Curie Fellowship. Congratulations!
  • February 2024: Excellent start of the year for Elena Todisco from the RTG CYTAC. Congratulations to her publication in Developmental Cell!
  • October 2023: The first CYTAC Publication is out! Pallavi Kumari published The unique biomechanics of intermediate filaments – From single filaments to cells and tissues


... for more news and events, see our Events page