Michael Sattler

Prof. Dr. Michael Sattler is a Full Professor of Biomolecular NMR at the Technical University of Munich (TUM) and Director of the Institute of Structural Biology at Helmholtz Zentrum München. He leads the Molecular Targets & Therapeutics Center and directs the Bavarian NMR Center. His research focuses on integrative structural biology, elucidating molecular mechanisms of biological pathways through advanced NMR techniques combined with cryo-EM, SAXS, and crystallography. Key areas include RNA regulation (alternative splicing, non-coding RNAs), disease mechanisms (e.g., spinal muscular atrophy), and structure-based drug discovery for cancer and infectious diseases.

Education & Career

• PhD in Chemistry (1995) from Goethe University Frankfurt
• Postdoc at Abbott Laboratories (Chicago) and EMBL Heidelberg (Group Leader, 1997–2007)
• Full Professor at TUM since 2007
• Director roles at Helmholtz Munich and Bavarian NMR Center since 2007

Research Highlights

Prof. Sattler's work has revealed structural insights into RNA:protein interactions (e.g., SF1-RNA, U2AF), SMN Tudor domain recognition, and drug discovery strategies targeting Hsp90 and viral proteases. His lab pioneered integrative structural biology approaches and established high-end NMR facilities like the 1.2 GHz spectrometer.

Awards & Recognition

• ERC Synergy Grant (2023)
• Leopoldina Membership (2017)
• EMBO Membership (2012)
• Erwin Schrödinger Prize (2020)

Teaching & Leadership

He teaches advanced courses in NMR spectroscopy, biochemistry, and structural biology at TUM. Leads EU Horizon-funded training networks (AEGIS, RNAct) and organizes international conferences on NMR and drug discovery.