Accurate timing for differentiation of cells and their precise spatial integration into a complex organism require constant communication across cellular interfaces. Exchange of information and signals mostly occurs via assembly and disassembly of molecular platforms that serve as cellular decision-making hubs. To understand the dynamic organization and decision-making processes at cellular interfaces this collaborative research center will follow an integrated research approach, combining projects at two levels:
 

First we will decipher the formation of particular plasma membrane domains in isolated cells and at interfaces between neighboring cells. Second we will study the functional consequences of selected cellular interfaces in the context of the organisms. Our studies employ state-of-the-art high-resolution imaging modalities and utilize the advantages offered by genetic model organisms. We will then integrate both levels of analyses by incorporating the mechanistic insights gained from simpler model systems into a multicellular context to gain a better understanding of how specific properties of cellular interfaces are used to shape and regulate complex tissue structures within organisms.