Head of Institute:  Univ.-Prof. Dr. Wolfgang A. Linke
Robert-Koch-Str. 27b, D-48149 Münster

+49-251-83-55540 (fon)
+49-251-83-55331 (fax)
wlinke@uni-muenster.de 

Research:

At the Institute of Physiology II, we investigate how biological structures give rise to function — from molecules and cells to muscles and organs — and how these processes change in disease. A major focus of our research is the cardiovascular system, particularly the heart, as well as skeletal muscle. We study the cytoskeleton of cardiac cells, with particular emphasis on sarcomeres, titin, muscle mechanics, and the molecular mechanisms underlying heart disease. Other research areas include ion channels in cancer, blood and immune cell mechanics, and the structure and function of the nuclear envelope and nuclear pores.

By combining physiology, molecular and cell biology, biophysics and medicine, we study the relationship between molecular structure, mechanical properties and biological function. Advanced technologies, including (sub)cellular mechanics, Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM) and high-resolution microscopy, enable us to visualize biological structures and quantitatively investigate their mechanical properties, from the nanoscale to individual cells and tissues. Our aim is to understand how molecular and mechanical processes shape cellular behavior and ultimately determine organ function.

Teaching: 

Medical students are confronted with an ever-growing body of knowledge, making it essential to distinguish fundamental principles from specialized information. Our teaching therefore focuses on the basic concepts of human physiology and on understanding functional relationships rather than simply memorizing facts. Through lectures, seminars and practical courses, we connect physiological mechanisms with medical questions and provide students with the foundation needed to understand pathological changes and disease. Our interdisciplinary team, bringing together expertise in medicine, biology, chemistry, pharmacy and biophysics, contributes diverse perspectives to this shared educational mission. Please explore the individual sections of our website to learn more about our current research and teaching activities.