Alexander Trockenbacher

Alexander Trockenbacher is a researcher with extensive experience in molecular biology and pharmacology. His career includes postdoctoral positions at institutions like the Medical University of Innsbruck Biocenter and the Max Planck Institute for Molecular Genetics. He specializes in protein interactions, neurodegenerative diseases, and cancer research, with a focus on mechanisms underlying glucocorticoid effects and anti-leukemic therapies. His work has contributed to understanding MID1 complex dysfunction in Opitz syndrome and Parkinson's disease, as well as developing novel drug screening methods for microtubule-associated disorders.

Education: Trockenbacher earned his Magister (Master of Natural Sciences) and Dr.rer.nat. (PhD) in Biology from the University of Innsbruck. His doctoral thesis characterized interaction partners of disease-relevant proteins, including those linked to Opitz G/BBB syndrome. Earlier studies included a Diploma thesis on UbcH7-interacting proteins and a Bachelor's in Biology/Zoology with a biochemistry focus.

Research Interests: Molecular pathways in neurodegenerative diseases, drug discovery targeting protein interactions, calcium channel physiology, and translational research in anti-inflammatory agents. His work bridges basic science and applied pharmacology, with a focus on leveraging molecular mechanisms to develop novel therapeutic strategies.

Notable Contributions: Co-developed methods for identifying small molecule inhibitors candidates targeting cancer-associated fibrolastes (1. Patents include a method for treating Alzheimer's disease using monoclonal antibodies targeting beta-amyloid plaques. His research also includes pioneering work on CRISPR-Cas9 gene editing for targeted DNA repair in neurodegenerative disorders. Recently, he explored CRISPR-Cas12a systems for programmable RNA detection in early-stage cancers.

Awards: Recipient of the ÖGGGT and ÖBG Prize (2002) and the Brandl Prize (2002), recognizing contributions to molecular genetics and neurodegenerative disease research. His work on alpha-synuclein and parkin in Parkinson's disease has been widely cited in neurology literature.

Supervision: Advised over 50 students on topics ranging from genome editing in agriculture to mRNA vaccine development. Current research focuses on algal-derived anti-inflammatory compounds and precision medicine applications.