Welcome to the Wittmann Lab

Team members

Sina Wittmann: Group Leader

s.wittmann@imb.de
I am passionate about understanding how our cells regulate the intricate process of gene expression and am particularly fascinated by intrinsically disordered regions. My role within the group is to develop strategies to address all the questions we have and to secure the funding necessary to do so.
Outside of the lab, you can find me enjoying nature through hiking or cycling, as well as experimenting with vegetarian cooking.
Franziska Roth: Lab Technician

F.Roth@imb-mainz.de
As lab manager, I ensure compliance with safety standards, coordinate the team and contribute actively to research by producing viruses and expressing proteins in insect cells. I also continuously optimise workflows and implement new technologies.
Outside of the lab, I enjoy staying active by playing handball and exploring the mountains, as well as unwinding with a good book.
Elnaz Hosseini: Postdoc

e.hosseini@imb-mainz.de
I am a postdoctoral researcher studying the phase separation of NUP98-HOXA9 (NHA9) fusion transcription factors on DNA tethers. My research focuses on uncovering the biophysical mechanisms that regulate these interactions and their role in gene expression and the formation of biomolecular condensates. I use single-molecule fluorescence microscopy combined with optical tweezers on the C-Trap platform to visualize and quantify the dynamic behavior of transcription factors on DNA.
Outside of research, I enjoy skating, cooking, and reading novels and popular historical books.
Radhika Khatter: PhD Student

r.khatter@imb-mainz.de
My project aims to understand whether the transcription factor (TF) Neurogenin-3 regulates pancreatic endocrine differentiation through biomolecular condensate formation.
When not in lab, I enjoy playing table tennis, strumming my ukulele, and sipping wine (or chai) by the river.
Leonhard Thews: PhD Student

L.Thews@imb-mainz.de
My PhD project explores how pioneer transcription factors (PTFs) use biomolecular condensation to remodel chromatin structure.
Apart from the lab work I enjoy gardening, reading and spending time with my two cats.
Mahdi Narimani: Research Assistant

m.narimani@imb-mainz.de
My project investigates the reprogramming potential of Klf4, a pioneer transcription factor and one of the four canonical Yamanaka factors critical for cellular identity transitions.
When I’m not in the lab, I’m probably on the futsal court, out with my camera, hiking somewhere new, or getting lost in a good video game now and then.
Mia Behrensmeyer: Student Research Assistant

m.behrensmeyer@imb-mainz.de
I am currently responsible for maintaining and updating our lab’s website. In addition, I support the team with graphic design tasks, helping to create visual materials.
Outside the lab, I enjoy reading or listening to a good book, spending time in the sun, and being with family and friends.
Bernadette Lang: Student Research Assistant

B.Lang@uni-mainz.de
I investigate the phase separation behaviour of the transcriptional activator Brd4.
Outside the lab, I enjoy running, reading crime novels and I spend a lot of time in the mountains with hiking, mountain biking or working as a ski instructor during the winter.
Begüm Atalay: Guest Researcher

B.Atalay@imb-mainz.de
I am currently completing my internship in the lab, I am working on the NGN3 protein. My work involves protein purification, plasmid DNA isolation and transformation, DNA-binding assays, SDS-PAGE analysis, and LLPS-related studies. I also take part in imaging and data analysis using confocal microscopy.

Outside the lab, I enjoy running, working out, traveling, spending time in nature, and exploring topics related to science and biotechnology.