Thomas Jentsch

Thomas Jentsch is a Full Professor at Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin with joint appointments at the Max-Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine (MDC) and Leibniz Institute for Molecular Pharmacology (FMP) in Berlin, where he heads the Department of Physiology and Pathology of Ion Transport since 2006. He also serves as Deputy Director of the FMP since 2009.

His educational background includes dual advanced degrees: a PhD in Physics (1982) from Fritz-Haber-Institute (Max-Planck-Society) with thesis on field ionization, and an MD (1984) from Institute for Clinical Physiology, Freie Universität Berlin with thesis on pHi-regulating processes. His academic journey began with studies in both Physics (1974-1980) and Medicine (1972-1978) at FU Berlin.

Dr. Jentsch's research focuses on the physiology and pathology of ion transport systems, with particular emphasis on cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying neurodegeneration, epilepsy, and sensory biology. His laboratory investigates cell volume regulation signaling in the central nervous system, intracellular trafficking pathways, endosomal/lysosomal function, and kidney physiology. His work bridges molecular biophysics with clinical implications, utilizing mouse models to understand disease mechanisms.

His scientific contributions have been recognized through membership in Academia Europaea (1999) and receiving the Award of Excellence (2001).

• Member of Academia Europaea (1999)
• Award of Excellence (2001)

Throughout his career, Professor Jentsch has led major research institutions including serving as Director of the Center for Molecular Neurobiology Hamburg (ZMNH) from 1995-2006 and as Full Professor of Molecular Neuropathology at Hamburg University from 1993-2006. His laboratory has received substantial research funding to investigate ion channel functions and their pathological implications.

Currently, his research team at the MDC/FMP continues to make significant contributions to understanding ion transport physiology, with ongoing projects examining the molecular basis of neurological disorders and kidney function through advanced cellular and animal models.