Institute for Physiology and Pathophysiology

Research at the Department of Physiology and Pathophysiology investigates the function of epithelia and secretory glands with an emphasis on mechanisms of 1) epithelial damage by transition metals and 2) dysfunction of exocrine glands in cystic fibrosis.

Innovative projects of global relevance, which are investigated using state-of-the-art methodology, deal with diseases caused by environmental factors and are the focus of our research. Through national and international cooperation and substantial extramural funding (e.g. German Research Foundation), our work is highly regarded and recognized in the scientific community.

The aims of our research are to study 1) the impact of environmental pollution by transition metals on human health, 2) mechanisms of exocytotic secretion in order to develop novel therapies of diseases, such as cystic fibrosis, pancreatitis and diabetes mellitus. The principle of the Department is to integrate research and teaching.