Michael Ehrmann

Prof. Dr. Michael Ehrmann is a Full Professor of Microbiology at the University of Duisburg-Essen, affiliated with the Faculty of Biology and the Center of Medical Biotechnology (ZMB). He leads a research group focused on protein quality control mechanisms, particularly the HtrA family of serine proteases. His work bridges microbiology, structural biology, and chemical biology, aiming to understand fundamental cellular processes with implications for human disease.

• Full Professor (C4/W3), University of Duisburg-Essen (2004–present)
• Chair, Center of Medical Biotechnology (ZMB) (since 2005)
• Established Chair, School of Biosciences, Cardiff University (1999–2004)
• Group Leader, University of Konstanz (1991–1999)
• Postdoctoral Research Assistant, Harvard Medical School (1988–1991)

Michael Ehrmann's research centers on evolutionarily conserved mechanisms of protein quality control, especially the dual chaperone-protease functions of HtrA proteases. His lab investigates how these proteins detect misfolded proteins, integrate stress signals, and regulate cellular proteostasis. Key areas include the structural and functional plasticity of HtrA proteases, their role in bacterial stress response, and their involvement in human diseases such as Alzheimer’s, cancer, and arthritis. The group employs chemical biology tools and collaborates with pharmaceutical partners to develop therapeutic modulators of HTRA1.

The recent publications highlight a strong focus on the molecular mechanisms of HtrA proteases, particularly HTRA1. Research trends include allosteric regulation, substrate-induced activation, structural dynamics, and therapeutic targeting. Articles span disciplines from structural biology to translational medicine, with frequent appearances in high-impact journals such as Nature, Cell, and PNAS. The work increasingly integrates chemical biology and disease models, reflecting a translational trajectory.

• Fellow, American Academy of Microbiology (2013)
• Member, Scientific Advisory Board, Gemini Therapeutics (2015–2021)
• Member, Editorial Board, EcoSal Plus (2017–present)

Prof. Ehrmann has supervised numerous scientific coworkers and PhD students, though specific names are not listed. He has led major research projects funded by the DFG (e.g., CRC 1093, CRC 1430) and EFRE/JTF initiatives such as ClearView, which aims to develop HTRA1 inhibitors for age-related macular degeneration. His collaborations with Markus Kaiser and Tim Clausen have been instrumental in advancing chemical and structural biology approaches. He serves on institutional research boards, including the University Alliance Ruhr (UAR).

Michael Ehrmann leads the Ehrmann Lab at the Center of Medical Biotechnology (ZMB), University of Duisburg-Essen. The lab is part of the DFG Collaborative Research Centers (CRC 1093 and CRC 1430), focusing on biological targets and cell state transitions. The team collaborates closely with structural biologists, chemists, and pharmaceutical partners to study proteostasis and develop therapeutic strategies targeting HtrA proteases.