Kay Grobe

Prof. Dr. Kay Grobe is a tenured Full Professor in Physiological Chemistry at the University of Münster’s Medical Faculty. He leads the Grobe Lab, focusing on the (patho)biochemistry of heparan sulfate and Hedgehog signaling pathways. His work investigates morphogen release mechanisms, matrix-dependent development, and the role of glycosaminoglycans in cellular patterning.

• Professor at University of Münster since 2020
• Heisenberg Professor (2016–2022)
• Independent Group Leader since 2008

Research interests include Hedgehog signaling in development and disease, heparan sulfate biosynthesis, and protein-lipid interactions. Key projects involve Drosophila models to study morphogen transport and gradient formation. Recent work highlights roles of Dispatched and heparan sulfate in Sonic Hedgehog shedding.

Over 100 publications in journals like Developmental Cell, Nature Communications, and eLife. Awards include DFG grants and the Mizutani Foundation award. Active in mentoring PhD students and postdocs, including current advisees Janna Puschmann and Jannis Wittke.