We investigate how epigenetic mechanisms, chromatin organization, and nuclear architecture regulate gene expression, with a focus on heterochromatin—a transcriptionally silent chromatin state that is essential for genome stability and cellular identity. Our work aims to uncover how heterochromatin is established, propagated, and spatially constrained within the nucleus.
By combining genetics, functional genomics, and quantitative cell biology, we identify key regulatory factors and dissect the mechanisms that control heterochromatin dynamics across space and time.
Using the model organism Schizosaccharomyces pombe (fission yeast), we leverage conserved chromatin features and powerful genome-wide approaches to achieve a mechanistic understanding of epigenetic regulation.
Our laboratory is located at the Institute of Genetics of Justus Liebig University Giessen, Germany, and is embedded in an international network of collaborators across Europe and beyond. Together with our partners, we combine expertise in chromatin biology, quantitative genomics, biochemistry, single-cell methods, and computational approaches.
Training and scientific exchange are an integral part of our research. We coordinated the Marie Skłodowska-Curie doctoral network Cell2Cell, bringing together academic and industrial partners from across Europe. Through collaborative research, international graduate training, workshops, and scientific meetings, we foster an open, collaborative, and supportive research environment.
Max Planck Epigenetics
Freiburg, Germany
Dec 2-4 2026
Wrapping up our Master’s course on heterochromatin regulation and fission yeast genetics with pizza & drinks! Over the past weeks, students moved from gene expression and chromatin analyses to a full genetic screen, generating lots of interesting data along the way. Thanks to a fantastic group of students and everyone in the BraunLab who contributed.
Time to say goodbye 💙 This week we celebrated the farewell of Agnisrota, marking 6 yrs of impressive PhD work—from LMU Munich to JLU Giessen. With enthusiasm for science & contributions to many projects, Agnis left a lasting mark on our lab. While we’ll miss her greatly, we’re incredibly proud of all she has achieved—and truly happy to see her take the next step as a postdoc in Nils Krietenstein’s group 🇩🇰 as part of the new EpiC.