Research Profile

The Chair was established in 2017 and has been headed by Prof. Dr. Anna Kipp since that time.

We investigate the functions and interactions of essential trace elements, having gained fundamental insights into the interplay between copper and selenium. Furthermore, we aim to understand how deficiencies in selenium, copper, and zinc affect other trace elements and their homeostasis.

However, our most extensive experience lies in the study of the trace element selenium. According to current DGE reference values for nutrient intake, adults should consume 60–70 µg of selenium per day. Yet, a daily intake at this level is rarely achieved in European countries; the status is therefore considered suboptimal. This can negatively impact the immune system or the development of cancer. Our work can be classified as basic research and aims to elucidate mechanistic relationships at the molecular level that can eventually be translated into dietary recommendations. To this end, we utilize human cell lines, feeding studies involving mouse models, and human intervention studies.