Cramer conducts basic research as the head of the Department of Molecular Biology Cramer's laboratory investigates the molecular mechanisms and systemic principles of
gene transcription in eukaryotic cells. The laboratory uses integrated structural biology methods, including
X-ray crystallography,
cryo-electron microscopy, and biochemical tools. The Cramer laboratory also uses
functional genomics and
computational biology approaches to study the principles of transcription in living cells. Cramer's group created the first molecular movie of transcription initiation and elongation. Moreover, Patrick Cramer developed methods to analyze fundamental aspects of RNA
metabolism in cells by integrating aspects of both molecular and
systems biology. His long-term goal is to understand the
expression and the
regulation of the genome. The laboratory thus pioneers an approach that combines structural and genome-wide methods and may be referred to as molecular systems biology. In April 2020, Cramer's team at the Max Planck Institute of Biophysical Chemistry created the first "3D structure of the corona polymerase" for the
COVID-19 virus. Their model will allow researchers "to investigate how antiviral drugs such as remdesivir – which blocks the polymerase – work, and to search for new inhibitory substances." Cramer also commits himself to the further development of life sciences in Germany and Europe. He was one of the founders of the national cluster of excellence "
Center for Integrated Protein Science (CIPSM)" and initiated the construction of the new research building, the "Munich Research Center for Molecular Biosystems (BioSysM)". In addition, Cramer was one of the members of the scientific and technical advisory board of the Bavarian state government and worked on bioethics within the institute TTN. == Other activities ==