Profile
Abstract
I focus on the role and signalling rationale of G protein-coupled receptors of the adhesion family (adhesion GPCRs). I am interested in the physiological context, in which adhesion GPCRs operate, which sensory stimuli they perceive, how they convert them into cellular responses, and how ailments can arise from their dysfunction. A second research topic of my lab is the investigation of synaptic proteins and how their molecular properties contribute to the process of transmitter release. I am utilising invertebrate model organisms such as the roundworm Caenorhabditis elegans and the fruit fly Drosophila melanogaster for in vivo studies capitalising on their accessibility to genetic manipulation, physiological, biophysical, imaging and behavioural readouts. Combined with biochemical and cell-based analyses I seek to determine the principles that underlie the molecular actions of adhesion GPCRs and synaptic actuators in health and diseases such as neuropsychiatric ailments and cancer.
Professional career
- since 05/2023
Scientific co-director, University Cancer Center Leipzig, University Hospital Leipzig - since 03/2022
Adjunct professor, Institute of Biology, Faculty of Life Sciences, Leipzig University - since 10/2016
Full professor for Biochemistry, Chair of General Biochemistry, Rudolf Schönheimer Institute for Biochemistry, Medical Faculty, Leipzig University - 05/2016 - 09/2016
Heisenberg professor, Institute of Physiology & Comprehensive Heart Failure Center, Medical Faculty, University of Würzburg - 07/2009 - 04/2016
Group leader, Institute of Physiology, Medical Faculty, University of Würzburg
Education
- 10/2005 - 06/2009
Doctoral studies in Neurosciences (D.Phil.), University of Oxford, UK - 09/2004 - 09/2005
Studies in Neuroscience, University of Oxford, UK - 09/2000 - 01/2006
Doctoral studies in Medicine (Dr. med.), University of Würzburg - 10/1997 - 06/2004
Studies in Medicine, University of Würzburg
Panel Memberships
- since 01/2011
"Adhesion GPCR Consortium"Co-chair and board member - 01/2015 - 12/2022
DFG Research Unit 2149 "Adhesion GPCR signalling"Spokesperson
- show detailsScholz, N.; Dahse, A.-K.; Kemkemer, M. et al.Molecular sensing of mechano- and ligand-dependent adhesion GPCR dissociationNature. 2023. pp. 945–953.
- show detailsLangenhan, T.Adhesion G protein-coupled receptors-Candidate metabotropic mechanosensors and novel drug targetsBasic & clinical pharmacology & toxicology. 2020. 126 (S6). pp. 5–16.DOI: 10.1111/bcpt.13223
Research fields
Biochemistry, Pharmacology, Neurobiology, Neuroscience, Neurophysiology, Tumour biology, Cancer research, oncology
Contact for media inquiries
Phone: +49 341 97 22 100
Fax: +49 341 97 22 109