Redox Regulation

  • Cell and Tumor Biology

Prof. Dr. Tobias Dick

We aim to understand how tumor cells adapt to oxidative stress.

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Our Research

Redox regulation is a process by which endogenous oxidants and reductants, derived from metabolism, dynamically modify proteins (including metabolic enzymes and transcription factors) to change their functional behavior in an adaptive manner. Research in recent years has started to reveal how tumor cells sense redox changes to trigger rapid adaptation and lasting cytoprotection. 

Our group aims to understand the relevant sensing and signaling pathways, as well as the mechanisms of stress tolerance. Based on mechanistic insight, we develop tools enabling the visualization and manipulation of redox regulation inside living cells and model organisms. We employ these tools to better understand stress adaptation in both healthy and malignant situations. We are interested in intervention strategies that selectively disrupt cytoprotective mechanisms in malignant cells.

Key Publications

2025 - Nature Chemistry

Site-specific activation of the proton pump inhibitor rabeprazole by tetrathiolate zinc centers

2024 - Nature Communications
2023 - Nature Metabolism
2023 - Nature Chemical Biology
2022 - Nature Chemical Biology
2020 - Nature Communications
2017 - Nature Chemical Biology
2016 - Nature Chemical Biology
2015 - Nature Chemical Biology
2014 - Nature Chemical Biology
2013 - Nature Chemical Biology
2008 - Nature Methods

Team

7 Employees

  • Prof. Dr. Tobias Dick

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  • Ilona Braspenning-Wesch

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  • Laura de Cubas Landaluce

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  • Julia Langer

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  • Teresa Marker

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  • Alexander Pattberg

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  • Danny Schilling

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Open Positions

PhD Position

We are looking for a PhD student to join our efforts to understand the roles of biological sulfane sulfur species (persulfides, polysulfides) as antioxidants and as inhibitors of ferroptosis.

This work is part of the DFG-funded Priority Program SPP2306 "Ferroptosis: from Molecular Basics to Clinical Applications".

Highly motivated applicants with a solid background in chemistry/biochemistry/cell biology are encouraged to apply.

We expect excellent communication skills and enthusiasm for science.

Applications must include a cover letter, CV, copies of exams, and names of 2 referees.

 

Master Thesis Position

We are looking for a highly motivated student to work on a Master thesis in the field of free radical biology.

Get in touch with us

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Prof. Dr. Tobias Dick
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