Special Research Area (SFB) "Biomembranes"

Increasing our understanding of the assembly, function and pathophysiology of biomembranes, and their interaction with lipoproteins is the principal objective of this SFB. Disturbances of lipid and membrane function, initiated by exogenous or endogenous determinants, play an important role in the pathogenesis and progression of diseases such as atherosclerosis and obesity. The cellular and molecular mechanisms causing these distortions are still not well understood. It is, therefore, a key issue of our concerted efforts to elucidate the underlying events in healthy and diseased states at the cellular and molecular levels. Nine research projects, and one administration project, provide the scientific and administrative infrastructure for this research program. The close interaction between this number of research groups from the Graz University of Technology and from both the medical and natural sciences faculties of the University of Graz provides the critical mass and competitive environment for both rapid advances in research and a challenging program of graduate student education in biochemical, molecular and medical research. not assigned KP: Institute der Karl-Franzens-Universität Graz not assigned KP: SFB Biomembranen F700