Stefan Lichtenthaler

Prof. Dr. Stefan Lichtenthaler is a Full Professor of Neuroproteomics at the Technical University of Munich (TUM) School of Medicine and Health and leads a research group at the German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE) in Munich. His interdisciplinary research focuses on understanding the molecular mechanisms of Alzheimer's disease and developing new diagnostic and therapeutic approaches.

His academic journey began with chemistry studies at the Universities of Karlsruhe, Montpellier (France), and Heidelberg. His educational milestones include:

• 1993-1994: M.Sc. thesis at the University of Heidelberg
• 1994-1998: PhD thesis (summa cum laude) at the Center for Molecular Biology, Heidelberg University
• 1999-2002: Postdoctoral fellowship in molecular biology at Harvard Medical School, Boston, USA

Prof. Lichtenthaler's research centers on proteolytic processes in the brain, particularly focusing on the molecular scissors (proteases) ADAM10 (alpha-secretase) and BACE1 (beta-secretase), as well as newly identified genetic risk factors for Alzheimer's disease. His work investigates how these proteases and modulators function in healthy brains and contribute to Alzheimer's pathogenesis, with the goal of developing targeted treatments. His team employs a wide range of modern techniques from biochemistry, molecular and cell biology, and neurobiology, utilizing both in vitro and in vivo models of Alzheimer's disease.

His recent publications demonstrate a strong focus on neuroproteomics, with particular emphasis on understanding protease functions in Alzheimer's disease, developing novel proteomic methods, and identifying potential biomarkers. The research spans fundamental molecular mechanisms to translational applications, with a clear trajectory toward improving diagnostic tools and therapeutic approaches for neurodegenerative conditions.

Throughout his distinguished career, Prof. Lichtenthaler has received several prestigious awards:

• Alzheimer Research Award of the Hans and Ilse Breuer Foundation (2014)
• Emmy-Noether fellowship from the German Research Foundation (1999-2001)
• Dr. Sophie Bernthsen Prize (1994)
• Invited guest professorship at the University of Pavia, Italy (2015)

Prof. Lichtenthaler actively contributes to the scientific community through various leadership roles. He serves on the editorial boards of the Journal of Alzheimer's Disease, Molecular Neurodegeneration, and the FASEB Journal. He is a member of the Medical Advisory Board of the Fritz-Thyssen Foundation and participates in several academic programs including the International Max Planck Research School for Life Science and the 'Graduate School of Systemic Neurosciences' at LMU. Additionally, he serves as the speaker for the PhD program 'Medical Life Science and Technology' (TUM-MLST) at TUM and participates in the DZNE tenure committee.

His laboratory at DZNE employs advanced proteomic technologies including an Exploris 480 Orbitrap and a timsTOF Pro mass spectrometer. The research team investigates protease functions in Alzheimer's disease using various experimental systems such as mice, iPSC-derived human cells, primary mouse cells, and cell lines. Their work on developing the proteomic hiSPECS method for secretome analysis represents a significant methodological advancement in the field.