At the Heart of the Cell:
Explore, Understand, Innovate
Welcome to the Institute for Integrative Biology of the Cell
The Institute for Integrative Biology of the Cell (I2BC) explores how cells function as integrated systems across multiple scales, leveraging a broad spectrum of organisms and model systems.
Organized into five scientific departments, the research teams benefit from cutting-edge core facilities and a collaborative environment. Together, they drive innovative research structured around four transverse axes:
Highlights

March 13th, 2026 by Genome Biology Dept
Pushing Streptomyces engineering to new frontiers! The Samy phage tool targets the chromosome’s farthest terminal regions, rich in specialized metabolite genes, enabling precise integration across strains. A breakthrough for antibiotic production like albonoursin
Applied Microbiology and Biotechnology

March 13th, 2026 by B3S Dept
A functional partnership between a lipid scramblase and a lipid transfer protein in the regulation of phosphatidylserine homeostasis
Journal of Cell Biology

February 11th, 2026 by Genome Biology Dept
Noncoding DNA can generate microproteins, some of which evolve into new genes. We show that de novo genes preferentially originate from GC-rich, foldable sequences, revealing how base composition channels the birth of new proteins.
Nature Communications

February 16th, 2026 by B3S Dept
NMT in a new light: associated with the ribosome via the NAC complex, this enzyme not only adds lipid tags to the N-termini of nascent proteins but also acts as a chaperone, cooperating with MetAPs to ensure proper folding and delivery.
Nature Communications
It’s happening at I2BC
I2BC takes part in
I2BC Key figures
600-700
people
51
research teams
17
core facilites
150
publications
per year
30
PhD defenses
per year
