Gernot is Professor in Biochemistry at University Regensburg and expert in epigenetics, chromatin biology, and molecular mechanisms of aging.

He is well known for integrating biochemistry, biophysics, cell biology, and bioinformatics to investigate the molecular mechanisms of epigenetics. His team was the first to demonstrate that the DNA-packaging histone proteins, which form nucleosomes, can be actively moved along DNA. His team contributed to the elucidation of the mechanisms of chromatin remodeling and showed that specific positioning of these packaging units on DNA directly affects gene expression. The chromatin remodeling enzymes are master regulators of fundamental biological processes such as organismal development, cancer and aging.

His team is exploring the roles of RNA-guides epigenetic actuators and non-canonical DNA structures in DNA packaging and their fundamental impact on epigenetic regulation.

He successfully translated his discoveries into biophysical assays that enable industry-scale identification and quantitative validation of small molecule modulators of epigenetic modifiers of healthy aging

His lab further identified inhibitors of an essential chromatin remodeler in Plasmodium that kill the Malaria-causing parasite by targeting asexual development and sexual differentiation enabling a transformative new treatment of Malaria.

Gernot is co-founder of 2bind GmbH in Regensburg, a renowned CRO and industry partner in early drug development & formulation.