Hans-Henning Kunz

Professor Hans-Henning Kunz leads the Chair of Plant Biochemistry and Physiology at the Department of Biology I (Botany) at Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich. His research group investigates fundamental mechanisms of plant cell biology with particular focus on chloroplast function and ion transport processes. Located at the Biocenter in Planegg-Martinsried, the laboratory maintains state-of-the-art facilities for molecular biology, genetics, microscopy, and photosynthesis research.

Dr. Kunz's research program centers on plant chloroplasts and transport processes within this essential organelle, with special emphasis on ion transport proteins and their role in organelle development, stress signaling, and photosynthesis. His laboratory employs Arabidopsis thaliana as the primary model system while expanding into algal models. The group utilizes cutting-edge techniques including forward and reverse genetics, CRISPR/Cas9 genome editing, confocal fluorescence microscopy, in vivo photosynthesis measurements, and protein biochemistry. A distinctive feature of their approach involves designing novel molecular tools through DNA synthesis to accelerate functional characterization of poorly understood chloroplast proteins.

The publication record demonstrates consistent high-impact contributions to plant science, with research trends revealing deepening exploration of chloroplast ion homeostasis, stromal signaling networks, and the interplay between ion transport and photosynthetic efficiency. Recent work has particularly focused on potassium transporters (KEA family), calcium signaling in chloroplasts, and redox regulation of photosynthetic processes under stress conditions.

• Alexander von Humboldt Foundation Fellow
• Human Frontier Science Program Fellow

Professor Kunz actively mentors doctoral students and postdoctoral researchers, with current advisees including Lorenz Holzner, Susanne Mühlbauer, Sebastian Schwartz, and Eduard Windenbach. His laboratory has successfully trained numerous alumni who have progressed to independent research careers, including Dr. Carsten Völkner, Dr. Rachael DeTar, and Dr. Ricarda Höhner. The group maintains international collaborations and welcomes postdoctoral fellows, building on Dr. Kunz's own experience as an international fellow. Recent student achievements include Eduard Windenbach receiving the PlantScienceDBG master's thesis award.

The Kunz laboratory operates as a multidisciplinary team comprising scientific staff (including PD Dr. Bettina Bölter and Dr. Benjamin Brandt), doctoral students, technical personnel, and administrative support. Their research infrastructure supports comprehensive investigations from molecular genetics to physiological phenotyping, with particular expertise in chloroplast isolation, ion transport assays, and advanced imaging techniques. Current work continues to explore the complex ion homeostasis networks within chloroplasts and their critical roles in plant adaptation to environmental challenges.