Sven-Erik Behrens

Prof. Dr. Sven-Erik Behrens serves as a Professor in the Department of Microbial Biotechnology at the Faculty of Natural Sciences I of Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg. He is affiliated with the Protein Research Center 'Charles Tanford' and maintains an active research program focused on RNA biology, molecular virology, and biotechnological applications.

His primary research interests encompass RNA-based plant protection strategies, viral replication mechanisms (particularly for flaviviruses and plant viruses), and innovative vaccine development using Kluyveromyces lactis yeast expression systems. Behrens' work investigates fundamental RNA-protein interactions, RNA chaperone activities, and the molecular basis of antiviral defense mechanisms in plants. His laboratory explores how RNA accessibility influences viral replication and how this knowledge can be harnessed for developing novel RNA-based antiviral strategies.

Analysis of his recent publications (2021-2025) reveals a clear research trajectory focused on identifying accessible RNA sites for targeted antiviral applications, optimizing yeast-based vaccine platforms for both plant and animal pathogens, and investigating the role of non-coding RNAs in plant development and stress responses. His work spans multiple disciplines including plant virology, medical virology, and microbial biotechnology, demonstrating translational research from basic molecular mechanisms to practical applications.

Prof. Behrens leads research in the Department of Microbial Biotechnology, collaborating with various groups working on plant-pathogen interactions and vaccine development. His laboratory employs advanced techniques including RNA structure probing, fluorescence-based assays for RNA chaperone activity, and plant in vitro systems for studying viral replication. The research demonstrates significant potential for developing novel approaches to combat viral diseases in both agricultural and medical contexts.