Max Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine

The MDC Mission

The Max Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine in the Helmholtz Association (MDC) carries out basic biomedical research with the aim of understanding the molecular basis of health and disease, and translating these findings as quickly as possible into clinical application. The research involves the diagnosis and treatment of diseases, as well as their prevention.

MDC 25 years

Research We investigate the molecular basis of health and disease in four research areas: cardiovascular and metabolic diseases, cancer, diseases of the nervous system and medical systems biology.
Translation We want the general public to benefit from our research, so we place a special emphasis on technology transfer and translating our research to the clinics.
Training We train the next generation of scientists and provide all our employees with a stimulating environment and training opportunities.

Research Highlights

Reconstructing life at its beginning, cell by cell

In a technological tour de force, Berlin scientists have created a virtual model of an early fly embryo. Its interactive interface allows researchers to explore the blueprint that underlies development at unprecedented spatial resolution and predict which cells express which genes.

Circular RNA linked to brain function

For the first time, scientists have shown that circular RNA is linked to brain function. When a RNA molecule called Cdr1as was deleted from the genome of mice, the animals had problems filtering out unnecessary information – like patients suffering from neuropsychiatric disorders.

Further research highlights

News

Charity Jubilee Concert and Commemorative Speech: The MDC celebrates Max Delbrück’s 111th birthday

18 September, 2017

It was a special birthday celebration for a special birthday: 111 years ago, on September 4, Max Delbrück was born in Berlin. The MDC celebrated the birthday at the MDC congress center.

MDC kidney specialist Schmidt-Ott receives honor for his work on acute kidney injury

16 September, 2017

In recognition of his outstanding scientific achievements in kidney research, MDC researcher Prof. Kai Schmidt-Ott has been chosen by the German Society of Nephrology (DGFN) to receive the Dr. Werner Jackstädt Research Award.

Study of transplanted hearts reveals risk gene for cardiovascular disease

14 September, 2017

In the largest transcriptome study to date, an international research team analysed the RNA of transplanted hearts and discovered a number of new risk factors for dilated cardiomyopathy and other heart conditions which could thus be recognised more easily in future.

Further news on MDC Insights