Collaborative Research Center 894

"Ca²⁺ signals: Molecular Mechanisms und Integrative Functions"

Reception, processing and transfer of information are fundamental to higher organisms. Among a myriad of signaling molecules, Ca²⁺ ions stand out. Their concentration in the cytosol of most cells is kept at an extremely low level (≤ 100 nM) allowing small changes in calcium flux to have far reaching effects.

The Collaborative Research Center 894 (Sonderforschungsbereich 894 – CRC/SFB 894) investigates a wide range of Ca²⁺ signaling, from the molecular mechanisms of their creation to their integrative effects on the whole body. The objective of the CRC 894 is to examine how subcellular Ca²⁺ signals control the physiological behavior of whole organs. 

The 18 projects analyze the origin and course of elementary Ca²⁺ signals in the cells of the immune system, the central nervous system, the cardiovascular system, sensory systems and the neuroendocrine system. Three platform projects provide techniques and services which are available to all the projects, thus supporting them in realizing their goals.  Furthermore, the platform projects focus on methodological developments in the fields of high resolution microscopy (P1), production and maintenance of transgenic animals (P2) and generation of peptides and antibodies (P3).

CRC 894 is funded by the  German Research Foundation (DFG). 


• First funding period: 01.01.2011-31.12.2014
• Second funding period: 01.01.2015-31.12.2018
• Third funding period: 01.01.2019-31.12.2022