Biological signalling research addresses the communication processes that are fundamental to life and health. It explores how cells react to diverse conditions and cues, and how they communicate with one another to orchestrate the development and function of the organism – whether it be a human, animal or plant.

From single molecules to cells, tissues and organs, signals act across spatial scales. They also act across temporal scales, ranging from milliseconds to lifetimes. Through signalling, organisms are able to coordinate essential processes across biological scales. 

Cells constantly receive a variety of signals from outside and from inside the cell. Moreover, signals influence each other and have different meanings depending on the context. As a result, cellular decision-making is typically influenced by multiple signals acting in combination.

The mechanisms of signalling integration and decision-making are at the core of research carried out in CIBSS. It is driven by the aim of translating new signalling mechanisms and concepts into novel technologies and approaches to address global challenges such as human health and food security.

The research programme is structured into three research areas that are closely interlinked:

• Molecules to Cells (CIBSS-A)
• Cells to Tissues and Organs (CIBSS-B)
• Technologies and Innovation (CIBSS-C)

Molecules to Cells (CIBSS-A) focuses on uncovering basic signalling mechanisms at the subcellular and cellular level. An important aspect is the integration of signals. To react appropriately to multiple incoming signals, cells have to process them in signal integration hubs. This suborganellar compartmentalisation plays a crucial role in maintaining homeostasis and in adapting to changes from both within the cell and its environment. Past signals can leave a molecular imprint, such as epigenetic states, and might even act transgenerational. CIBSS researchers are deciphering the molecular principles of signalling memory.

Cells to Tissues and Organs (CIBSS-B) addresses the general principles of inter-compartment communication (spanning inter-organelle, -cellular and -organ signalling). It also explores signalling memory in the context of tissue niches and organs. By building on insights of the molecular principles of biological signalling, this creates strong synergies to ensure that fundamental discoveries made at the molecular level can be applied to more complex multicellular systems, allowing for a more comprehensive and mechanistic understanding of signal integration hubs across the scales of life.

Technologies and Innovation (CIBSS-C) builds on the growing fundamental understanding of signal integration across biological scales. Research at CIBSS develops chemical and genetic Control-of-Function tools that enable the precise control of signalling processes. CIBSS advances the technologies for acquiring and analysing complex data in experimental signalling systems and uses AI and machine learning to gain new insights into signal integration mechanisms.

_{Header image: © Michal Rössler / University of Freiburg}