Manfred Jung

Manfred Jung is Professor and Chair of Pharmaceutical and Medicinal Chemistry at the University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine. His research program focuses on chemical epigenetics and the development of inhibitors targeting histone-modifying enzymes for therapeutic applications, particularly in cancer treatment. He leads a research group within the Collaborative Research Center Medical Epigenetics (SFB 992), which serves as a key collaborative framework for his work.

Professor Jung's research interests center on epigenetic mechanisms, specifically targeting histone-modifying enzymes as therapeutic intervention points. His laboratory specializes in the synthesis of inhibitors for zinc-dependent histone deacetylases (HDACs), NAD⁺-dependent histone deacetylases (sirtuins), histone acetyl- and methyltransferases, as well as FAD- or Fe(II)/ketoglutrate-dependent histone demethylases and reader proteins like Spindlin1. His group develops biochemical assays to determine inhibitory potential and validates findings on a cellular level, often in collaboration with other research groups at the University of Freiburg.

Analysis of Professor Jung's recent publications reveals a strong emphasis on structure-based drug design and selective inhibition of specific epigenetic targets. His work spans multiple therapeutic areas, with significant contributions to cancer therapy through HDAC and sirtuin inhibitors, as well as innovative approaches to treating parasitic diseases like schistosomiasis through targeting schistosomal HDACs. His research demonstrates a consistent trajectory from basic biochemical characterization through cellular validation to potential therapeutic applications.

Professor Jung's scientific contributions have been recognized with the PHOENIX Pharmaceutics Science Award 2016 for his work on sirtuins. His publications include numerous high-impact papers in journals such as Nature Communications, Journal of Medicinal Chemistry, and Nucleic Acids Research, reflecting the significance of his contributions to the field of epigenetic drug discovery.

As Chair of Pharmaceutical and Medicinal Chemistry, Professor Jung oversees a research program that integrates medicinal chemistry, biochemistry, and cellular biology approaches to epigenetic drug discovery. His laboratory maintains strong collaborations within the University of Freiburg, particularly through the Collaborative Research Center Medical Epigenetics (SFB 992), and with international research groups working on epigenetic mechanisms and therapeutic applications.