Marcel Wiermer

Prof. Marcel Wiermer leads the Biochemistry of Plant-Microbe Interactions group at the Institute of Biology, Free University of Berlin. His research focuses on molecular mechanisms of plant immunity, particularly nucleocytoplasmic communication in response to pathogens. Key affiliations include the Department of Biology, Chemistry, Pharmacy.

Research Interests: The Wiermer Group investigates nuclear transport receptors (NTRs) and nuclear pore complex proteins (NUPs) in plant disease resistance using Arabidopsis. Research spans biochemical, genetic, and genomic approaches to study immune-regulatory protein trafficking, defense gene regulation, and chromatin organization. Translational work extends to crop plants and fungal pathogens.

Publication Trends: Recent articles (2017–2025) emphasize NLR-mediated immunity, nuclear transport machinery, and protein turnover in plant defense. Themes include Arabidopsis genetics, pathogen interactions, and molecular signaling, with publications in journals like Plant Cell, Science, and New Phytologist.

Lab Team: Current members include postdoctoral researchers (Dr. Tiziana Guerra, Dr. Claire Jourdain, Dr. Arezoo Rahimi, Dr. Silke Schilling), PhD candidates (Kristin Konopatzki, Philipp Rohmann, Marcos Martin Sanchez, Max-Emanuel Zirngibl), and technical staff (Vanessa Allendorf, Cordula Braatz, Peggy Gabor).