How do cells form tissues?

We want to understand how cells form tissues and how these tissues develop into complex organisms.

Decoding Diversity

We want to understand the molecular principles underlying the development of organisms and how they brought about diversity.

Going into the unknown

We develop new technologies that make the invisible visible and simulate biological processes to understand life.

What makes cells tick?

We want to understand how cells function in detail, how they communicate, and how they organize intracellular exchange.

We are the Max Planck Institute of Molecular Cell Biology and Genetics (MPI-CBG)

We do pioneering basic research. 500 curiosity-driven scientists from over 50 countries ask: How do cells form tissues? Our research programs span multiple scales of magnitude, from molecular assemblies to organelles, cells, tissues, organs, and organisms.

Science News

Scavenger cells protect against worm infections

Fluorescent protein makes scavenger cells visible

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Programming supercomputers superfast

Novel software library reduces development times

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Just breathe

Newly discovered gene ensures proper growth of respiratory systems

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Hippo – a novel player for brain size

The YAP protein of the Hippo pathway is a necessary and sufficient factor for the expansion of the neocortex.

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Challenges of building an artificial cell

New method for reconstituting proteins produced by cell-free systems

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A new force awakens

Newly discovered physical force contributes to proper development of the red flour beetle

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To proliferate or not to proliferate

Shape of neural progenitor cells influences brain size

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