Martin Lochner

Prof. Dr. Martin Lochner is a Lecturer and Group Leader at the Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine (IBMM), University of Bern, Switzerland, since 2016. His research focuses on developing small molecular tools for studying ion channels, receptors, and transporters, complementing molecular biology techniques with chemical approaches. He previously served as a Swiss National Science Foundation Professor (Assistant Professor) in Bioorganic Chemistry at the University of Bern (2010–2015) and held academic positions at the University of Warwick and University of Cambridge.

• Diploma: Chemistry, University of Zürich (1998)
• PhD: University of Basel, iron porphyrin model compounds
• Postdoctoral: University of Cambridge, total synthesis of Peloruside A (2003–2004); study of 5-HT3 receptors (2004–2005)

His research spans Chemical Biology, Medicinal Chemistry, and Molecular Pharmacology. Key projects include:

• Design of fluorescent receptor ligands for GPCRs like adenosine A1 receptors.
• Development of photo-crosslinking probes to study protein interactions.
• Creation of fluorescent turn-on probes for precise protein labeling.
• Targeting TRPM4 and CaSR channels with selective inhibitors.

Recent publications highlight his work in parasitology, ion channel pharmacology, and food chemistry. Notable contributions include the synthesis of BnOCPA, a selective adenosine A1 receptor agonist with analgesic properties, and EvoSiR probes for calcium sensing receptors.

Scientific Memberships

• Royal Society of Chemistry (MRSC)
• Swiss Chemical Society

Students and Team

Dr. Lochner mentors a team including:

• Dr. Michele Leuenberger (Postdoctoral Researcher)
• Achille Schild (PhD Student)
• Dominic Tscherrig (PhD Student)