Prof. P. Saftig

Paul Saftig, Biochemical Institute at the University Kiel is director of the department. He is chairing a group of scientists working at projects aiming to understand the functions of lysosomes and their role in health and disease. There is a focus to decipher the (patho)physiological role of membrane components of the lysosomal compartment. Approved therapies for lysosomal storage disorders including mannosidosis were developed in the lab. New trafficking routes to the lysosomal compartment were discovered. The role of lysosomal proteins and different types of membrane-associated proteases in more common neurodegenerative disorders like Alzheimer Disease and Parkinson Disease are addional topics of interest. Dr. Saftig´s work has been presented in about 300 original publications and review articles in highly recognized scientific journals. In 2011 Dr. Saftig received the highest German Alzheimer Research Award. Dr Saftig has chaired and is still chairing a number of national and European research networks.