About
Dr. Sebastian Rumpf is a Junior Research Group Leader at the Cells-in-Motion Excellence Cluster at the University of Münster, where he leads the Rumpf Group focused on Developmental Neurodegeneration within the Institute of Neuro- and Behavioral Biology. He has been a Group Leader since 2013 under the DFG Heisenberg Programme, following postdoctoral research at the University of California San Francisco. Dr. Rumpf completed his Dr. rer. nat. at the Max-Planck-Institute of Biochemistry in Martinsried and holds the title of Privatdozent (Priv.-Doz.).
Dr. Rumpf's research focuses on neuronal morphogenesis in Drosophila, specifically studying how neurons acquire their shape during development. His work centers on dendrite pruning - the process where neurons selectively eliminate unnecessary connections during development. His group uses Drosophila larvae as a model system, particularly examining 'class IV dendritic arborization' (c4da) neurons in the larval skin. These neurons undergo precise dendrite pruning at the onset of the pupal phase, making them an ideal model for studying this process.
His research has revealed key mechanisms involved in dendrite pruning, including the role of the ubiquitin-proteasome system, microtubule dynamics, and metabolic regulation. Dr. Rumpf's work has shown that proteins like Valosin-Containing Protein (VCP), PP2A phosphatase, and AMPK play crucial roles in this process. His research often involves collaborations with other labs at the University of Münster and beyond, using techniques ranging from fly genetics and live imaging to biochemistry.
Analysis of his recent publications shows a consistent focus on the cellular mechanisms of neuronal remodeling, with particular emphasis on cytoskeletal regulation, protein degradation systems, and metabolic control during development. His work has increasingly incorporated mechanical aspects of pruning, as evidenced by his 2023 paper on mechanical tearing in sensory neurites.
- DFG Heisenberg Programme Fellowship
- Cells-in-Motion Flexible Funds grant
- Junior European Drosophila Investigator
Dr. Rumpf has successfully mentored numerous PhD students including Neele Wolterhoff (now a postdoc at FU Berlin), Rafael Krämer, Svende Herzmann, Sandra Rode, Marco Marzano, and others. His research has been supported by various grants, including collaborative projects with the Rentmeister lab. The Rumpf lab is part of the Münster Collaborative Research Center SFB1348 and participates in the Cells-in-Motion excellence cluster, contributing to graduate training through the CiM-IMPRS program.
The Rumpf lab maintains active collaborations within the University of Münster and with other Drosophila research groups, including the Klämbt lab, Stanewsky lab, and Luschnig lab. They regularly host events and participate in the broader Drosophila research community, including co-organizing the weekly Cells-in-Motion Brown Bag Lunch seminar series.
