Dieter Edbauer

Prof. Dr. Dieter Edbauer is a Professor of Translational Neurobiochemistry at Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München (LMU) and a member of the German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE) in Munich. His research focuses on molecular mechanisms underlying neurodegenerative diseases, particularly Alzheimer’s disease, frontotemporal dementia (FTD), and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). He is renowned for his work on the C9orf72 gene, including the discovery of dipeptide repeat proteins (DPRs) generated from its hexanucleotide repeat expansions, and their role in disease pathogenesis.

His research interests include RNA toxicity, protein aggregation (e.g., TDP-43, FUS), and the amyloid-like cascade hypothesis for C9orf72 ALS/FTD. He collaborates with groups like the Haass Lab and has mentored graduate students such as Denise Orozco and Benjamin Schwenk. His publications span topics like lysosomal dysfunction, TREM2 in Alzheimer’s pathology, and zebrafish models of neurodegeneration.

Edbauer’s work emphasizes translational neurobiochemistry, linking genetic mutations to cellular dysfunction. He explores therapeutic targets for neurodegenerative diseases, leveraging insights from mouse models and patient-derived data. His findings on DPR toxicity and hnRNPA3 sequestration highlight the interplay between RNA and protein pathologies in neurodegeneration.

• Labs/Teams: Associated with the Haass Lab and DZNE research groups.
• Advising: Mentors graduate students in neurodegenerative disease research.
• Key Findings: Established C9orf72 repeat expansions as a translational pathology driver, linking DPRs to neurodegeneration.