INSTITUT FUR MOLEKULARE BIOLOGIE GGMBH

Their core work

IMB Mainz is a molecular biology research institute focused on understanding the ubiquitin system — the cellular machinery that tags proteins for degradation, repair, and signalling. Their work spans from fundamental mechanisms of protein quality control and epigenetic gene regulation to translational efforts in drug target identification and biomarker discovery. They develop research tools (e.g., ubiquitylation toolkits) and investigate how failures in protein homeostasis contribute to cancer, neurodegeneration, and infections.

What they specialise in

How they've shifted over time

IMB's early H2020 work (2018–2019) was firmly rooted in classical ubiquitin biochemistry — ligases, proteases, ubiquitin chains, and their roles in DNA repair, cancer, and neurodegeneration. By 2019–2021, their focus shifted toward more translational and applied aspects: short linear motifs (SLiMs), targeted protein degradation via PROTACs, and computational approaches including bioinformatics and data analysis. The addition of RNA biology and cross-disciplinary training (INTEG-RNA) suggests a broadening beyond pure ubiquitin research toward integrative molecular biology.

IMB is moving from fundamental ubiquitin biochemistry toward translational applications (PROTACs, drug targets) and expanding into RNA biology and computational methods — positioning them at the intersection of protein degradation therapeutics and integrative molecular research.

How they like to work

IMB operates with a balanced profile: they coordinate half their projects (including both ERC grants and a Proof of Concept) and participate as partners in the other half, typically in training networks. Their 32 unique partners across 12 countries indicate a well-connected but not sprawling network — they engage meaningfully rather than superficially. They are comfortable both leading focused research (ERC) and contributing specialist expertise to larger multi-partner training consortia (MSCA-ITN).

IMB has collaborated with 32 distinct partners across 12 countries, built primarily through MSCA training networks and ERC-associated partnerships. Their network spans Western and Southern Europe, reflecting the typical geography of molecular biology research consortia.

What sets them apart

IMB stands out as one of Germany's dedicated ubiquitin biology centres, with deep expertise spanning the entire ubiquitin system — from ligases and DUBs to chains and targeted degradation. Their combination of ERC Advanced and Starting Grants signals research leadership at both senior and junior PI levels, which is uncommon for an institute of this size. For consortium builders, IMB offers rare depth in protein degradation mechanisms with a clear translational trajectory toward PROTAC-based therapeutics and biomarker development.

Highlights from their portfolio

• HybReader
  Largest project (EUR 2M ERC Advanced Grant) investigating R-loop epigenetics — represents IMB's highest-level individual research recognition.
• UBIMOTIF
  Focuses on PROTACs and short linear motifs in the ubiquitin system — directly relevant to the booming targeted protein degradation drug development field.
• UBIQUITON
  ERC Proof of Concept grant to commercialize a ubiquitylation research toolkit — rare example of translating fundamental ubiquitin research into a marketable product.