Press Page Brenda Schulman

The department of Molecular Machines and Signaling was established in July 2017. We focus on understanding how ubiquitin (UB) and UB-like protein modifications direct extraordinary changes in the fates of their targets, such as altering stability, subcellular localization, interactions, or conformation.

The vision for the department is to combine biochemical reconstitution, structure, enzymology, chemistry, protein design, cell biology and genetics – along with other cutting-edge technologies in collaboration with close colleagues (Especially in neighboring departments) – in an integrated and circular process, with continuous flow of information between methodologies.

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The image shows a laptop screen in the background with the text “Targeted-Directed MicroRNA Degradation.” Below that, a protein complex is shown in various colors. Beneath it are the words “2-RNA Factor Authentication” and “MicroRNA.” Eight small boxes contain asterisks (*), making it look as though someone has just entered a password. Below the password boxes is a button labeled “Degrade” In the foreground, a hand is shown holding a cell phone. The screen displays: Trigger RNA. Here, too, there is a field with 6 password asterisks, and below it a button labeled “Authenticate”

Study reveals “two-factor authentication” system that controls protein and microRNA destruction

March 19, 2026

Schulman

In a new Nature study, researchers from the MPI of Biochemistry and the Whitehead Institute in the United States have uncovered how cells selectively destroy certain microRNAs through protein… more

The image shows three proteasomes on the left that have joined together to form a trimer. On the right is a tomogram of a yeast cell from a cryo-electron image, showing the paracrystalline structure of the proteasome storage granules.

Structure and function of proteasome storage granules elucidated

January 28, 2026

Baumeister Schulman

New insights into the structure of membraneless organelles: Proteasomes form paracrystalline structures in proteasome storage granules. more

Cracking the Code of Protein Degradation

March 24, 2025

Schulman

Scientists from the Max-Planck-Institute of Biochemistry developed a new technology to decipher the intricacies of the protein degradation code within cells. more