Thomas Langer

Prof. Dr. Thomas Langer leads the Department of Mitochondrial Proteostasis at the Max Planck Institute for Biology of Ageing. His research focuses on mitochondrial proteases, their role in cellular aging, and age-related diseases. He investigates how mitochondrial dynamics, lipid trafficking, and proteostasis impact neurodegeneration and metabolic disorders.

• Key Grants: DFG CRC 1218 & 1403, German-Israel MitoBalance, Marie Sklodovska-Curie ITN Remix
• Notable Awards: Humboldt Foundation & EMBO Postdoctoral Fellowships

His work spans mitochondrial membrane dynamics, lipid homeostasis, calcium signaling, and stress responses. Recent studies highlight connections between OMA1 protease activation, ferroptosis, and cardiomyopathy, as well as prohibitin-mediated membrane organization in neurodegenerative diseases. Collaborative projects with institutions in Germany and Japan further expand his research impact.

Publications show consistent contributions to journals like Nature, Cell Metabolism, and Nature Cell Biology, with recurring themes in mitochondrial fragmentation, metabolic reprogramming, and neuroprotection. His lab trains a large cohort of PhD students and postdocs, fostering next-generation scientists in mitochondrial biology.