2 March 2026
In order to understand biological processes, it is often necessary to first decipher the three-dimensional structure of the molecules involved - a complex process that requires extensive equipment and considerable expertise. The 'StrukturaLink Rhein-Ruhr' network, led by Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf (HHU), brings together modern Structural Biology. The universities in Bochum and Cologne as well as the Forschungszentrum Jülich are also involved. The project will receive a total of £1.1 million in funding over five years.
Many central processes of life take place at the molecular level. Proteins fold, bind to each other and change their structure. Their structure determines how cells function and adapt; pathogens use specific molecular structures to penetrate cells; but defective structures themselves can also cause disease, as in the case of sickle cell anaemia of haemoglobin.
In the past, researchers from the consortium have deciphered how powdery mildew fungi modify their attack molecules to circumvent the defences of cereals. In doing so, they discovered a common structure that significantly improves our understanding of plant immune recognition.
Understanding all these processes requires a variety of different structural biology methods, as no single technique can capture the complexity of biological processes on its own. This is where 'StrukturaLink Rhein-Ruhr' comes in: the new DFG-funded equipment centre links state-of-the-art structural biology technologies and expertise at four locations in North Rhine-Westphalia. An integrative approach is pursued: High-resolution cryo-electron microscopy (cryo-EM) and cryo-electron tomography (cryo-ET), X-ray crystallography, small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS) and computer-aided modelling and protein dynamics calculations are specifically combined to enable comprehensive analysis of biological processes.
Prof. Dr. Sander Smits, head of the Centre for Structural Studies (CSS) at HHU, is the spokesperson for the consortium: 'Each of these methods provides different, complementary information; only their interaction enables a complete structural and functional understanding.'
In Düsseldorf, the focus is on SAXS analyses and molecular modelling, among other things, which can be used to investigate flexible and dynamic protein complexes in solution. Cologne offers high-resolution cryo-EM with special sample preparation options. Bochum has particular expertise in X-ray structural analysis and specialised sample preparation for oxygen-sensitive proteins. Finally, in Jülich, the Ernst Ruska Centre provides infrastructure for cryo-EM and cryo-ET, which is of central importance for structural cell biology.
A central element of StrukturaLink is the 'super-user concept': specially trained scientists are available as contact persons at all locations and accompany projects from planning to evaluation. This ensures that complex methods are used efficiently and bottlenecks in practical implementation are avoided. In addition to research, the network focuses specifically on Training and knowledge transfer. Joint usage and data concepts are also being established to provide sustainable support for research.
"This joint project intensifies our long-standing collaboration. By networking expertise and infrastructure, we can address structural issues beyond individual institutions at a scientific level that can only be achieved in a consortium,' emphasises Smits.
Cooperation partners
Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf, the University of Cologne, Ruhr University Bochum and Forschungszentrum Jülich are participating in 'StrukturaLink Rhein-Ruhr". In addition to spokesperson Prof. Dr. Sander Smits, the other location spokespersons are: Prof. Dr. Elmar Behrmann (Cologne), Prof. Dr. Eckhard Hofmann (Bochum) and Prof. Dr. Carsten Sachse (Forschungszentrum Jülich). They all contribute different areas of expertise in structural analysis to the network.
In the long term, the network is intended to extend beyond the four locations and be open to other research institutions in North Rhine-Westphalia. The aim is to establish a powerful regional infrastructure that enables excellent structural biology research, strengthens cooperation and sustainably increases the international visibility of the Rhine-Ruhr research location.
Text: Arne Claussen
Press release Heinrich-Heine-Universität
