Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Leibniz Institute for Molecular Pharmacology (FMP), Berlin

What are the mechanisms that enable nerve cells to function? In pursuing this question, Volker Haucke focuses particularly on a process known as endocytosis: when cells take up fluid and small substances from their environment, they specifically fold in areas of their membrane. This also regulates the composition of the cell membrane and the transport of receptors from the cell surface. In conjunction with processes involving the transport of substances out of the cell, endocytosis in nerve cells plays a crucial role in ensuring precise signal transmission at synapses and preventing the degeneration of the nerve cells. Haucke has gained new insights into the interaction between neuronal protein complexes, lipid signals and mechanisms that break down the cell’s own components. Based on his findings, he has already developed inhibitors of important enzymes in lipid metabolism, thereby raising hopes of new anti-cancer drugs.

Volker Haucke studied biochemistry at the FU Berlin and obtained his doctorate at the Biozentrum, University of Basel. After a postdoc stay at Yale University, USA, he went to the University of Göttingen as a junior research group leader. From there he returned to FU Berlin as a professor of biochemistry. Since 2012, he has headed the Leibniz Association’s Berlin Research Institute for Molecular Pharmacology. He has already received numerous prizes and grants for his work, including an ERC Advanced Grant and the 2020 Feldberg Prize. Haucke’s memberships include the German National Academy of Sciences Leopoldina, the Academia Europaea and the European Molecular Biology Organization (EMBO).

GEPRIS

In our information system GEPRIS you will find an overview of current and completed projects of Professor Dr. Volker Haucke.

Further Information

• Research Funding > Prizes > Gottfried Wilhelm Leibniz Prize
• List of all prizewinners