Working Group of Prof. Dr. Dr. Sc. Betzel

The main research topic of our group is the structure-function analysis of selected proteins and nucleic acids with relevance in infection and inflammation. In addition to biochemical and molecular biological techniques we apply complementary biophysical methods, particular X-rays crystallography, small-angle X-ray scattering and laser light scattering.

Our research group operates the "Laboratory for Structural Biology of Infection and Inflammation" on the DESY campus. The laboratory offers most ideal conditions, equipment and facilities, for innovative research in the field of structural biology using synchrotron and free-electron laser radiation.

Photo: UHH/Belda

Tau:heparin condensates mature to pathological seeding in HEK cells and also form fibres. In contrast, suramin in Tau:suramin condensates modulates and minimizes pathological Tau seeds and also prevents fibre formation.

Another step in the fight against Alzheimer's disease
The course of Alzheimer's dementia can be positively influenced by various drugs - but the brain disease cannot yet be stopped or cured. In the research journal Scientific Reports, a team led by Prof. Christian Betzel of Universität Hamburg outlines a possible therapeutic approach. [more]
CUI Research Highlights, 23 March 2023

The chemist Dr. Vasundara Srinivasan from Universität Hamburg is the main author of the study, now published in a natural science journal.

Researchers Discover Naturally Occurring Substances Against Coronavirus
Researchers at Universität Hamburg and DESY have identified 3 substances that are promising for the development of anti-corona medication. All of the substances have already been used in medications, writes the team in its article in Communications Biology. [more]
Newsroom Press releases Universität Hamburg, 18 August 2022

In a massive X-ray screening, scientists identified promising candidates for drugs against SARS-CoV-2 (artist's impression). Credit: DESY, Science Communication Lab

DESY X-ray lightsource identifies promising candidates for COVID drugs: Existing active substances bind to key virus protein
A team of researchers has identified several candidates for drugs against the coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 at DESY´s high-brilliance X-ray lightsource PETRA III. They bind to an important protein of the virus and could thus be the basis for a drug against Covid-19. [more]
News from the DESY research centre, 2 April 2021

Among other things, the multimodal multiphoton microscope can reliably distinguish salt crystals (here in red) from protein crystals (here in blue).

Supermicroscope for Protein Crystals: Combination of techniques locates microcrystals for structural analysis
A novel kind of microscope is able to detect tiny protein crystals, which are beyond the imaging power of even modern light microscopes. The innovative technique relies on various non-linear optical effects to image even nanocrystals, which are increasingly being used for protein structure analyses nowadays. [more]
News from the DESY research centre, 10 November 2020

Structure of the parasite's IMP dehydrogenase

Research team finds possible new approach for sleeping sickness drugs: X-ray laser reveals structure of a key enzyme of the parasite Trypanosoma brucei
Using ultra-bright X-ray flashes, a team of researchers has tracked down a potential target for new drugs against sleeping sickness: The scientists have decoded the detailed spatial structure of a vital enzyme of the pathogen, the parasite Trypanosoma brucei. [more]
News from the DESY research centre, 30 January 2020

The three-diemnsional structure of the enzyme CTX-M-14 β-lactamase with the inhibitor avibactam bound to its active centre (green), as reconstructed from the measurements at the European XFEL.

First experiments at Europe's new X-ray laser reveal unknown structure of antibiotics killer
An international collaboration led by DESY and consisting of over 120 researchers has announced the results of the first scientific experiments at Europe's new X-ray laser European XFEL. The pioneering work not only demonstrates that the new research facility can speed up experiments by more than an order of magnitude, it also reveals a previously unknown structure of an enzyme responsible for antibiotics resistance. [more]
News from the DESY research centre, 2 October 2018

Rod shaped in vivo crystals grown inside of insect cells

In vivo cystallization: Finding the right key
Christian Betzel calls the small, grey house in the middle of the spacious DESY campus in Hamburg his outstation. To get there, you have to find your way through construction sites, huge building complexes and the parking lots of the research centre until you come upon the two-storey building on a little hill. In this house, Betzel and his postdoctoral researchers, PhD students and interns work on the new revolution of structural biology: in vivo crystallization. [more]
Röntgen-Ångström-Cluster Newsletter, Juli 2017

Analysis in outer space
On 8 February, a transport rocket will head off to the ISS space station. On board: samples from a research group under the aegis of Prof. Dr. Dr. Christian Betzel from Universität Hamburg. The group will analyze what happens to the samples at zero gravity. [more]
Press releases Universität Hamburg, 7 February 2017