Prof. Dr. Torsten Sch?neberg

Prof. Dr. Torsten Sch?neberg

Universit?tsprofessor

Haus J
Johannisallee 30
04103 Leipzig

Phone: +49 341 97 - 22150
Fax: +49 341 97 - 22109

Abstract

My scientific work focuses on the molecular and functional characterization of G-protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs). These receptors play a central role in cellular signal transduction and are crucial for numerous physiological processes. My research includes the investigation of previously understudied GPCRs (orphan GPCRs), the molecular evolution of GPCRs, and GPCR mutations that can lead to diseases such as diabetes, obesity, and neurological disorders. Additionally, we explore how these receptors can be utilized as therapeutic targets for the development of new drugs. Through innovative methods in molecular pharmacology, our work contributes to understanding the physiological functions and pathophysiology of this receptor family, as well as to the development of new rational therapeutic approaches.

Professional career

  • 07/1993
    Medical Thesis, Humboldt Universit?t zu Berlin
  • 09/1992 - 12/1993
    Resident (Arzt im Praktikum), Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Medical Faculty (Charité), Humboldt Universit?t zu Berlin
  • 01/1994 - 02/1995
    Postdoc at National Institute of Diabetes, Digestive and Kidney Diseases, at the National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, U.S.A.
  • 03/1995 - 11/2001
    Postdoc at the Institute of Pharmacology, Medical Faculty, Free University of Berlin
  • 01/1994 - 12/1999
    Medical certification (Pharmacology and Toxicology)
  • 01/2000 - 03/2002
    Scientific Assistant at the Institute of Pharmacology, Medical Faculty, Freie Universit?t Berlin
  • 03/1995 - 11/2001
    Habilitation in Pharmacology and Toxicology, Freie Universit?t Berlin
  • 04/2002 - 03/2003
    Heisenberg Stipendiat at the Institute of Pharmacology, Medical Faculty, Freie Universit?t Berlin
  • since 04/2003
    Full Professor (C4/W3) in Molecular Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Universit?t Leipzig
  • since 04/2021
    Adjunct Full Professor in the School of Medicine at UGHE, Rwanda

Education

  • 09/1986 - 08/1992
    Medical School, Ernst-Moritz-Arndt University of Greifswald

Panel Memberships

  • 09/2013 - 03/2020
    Elected panel member of the German Research Foundation
  • 01/2008 - 12/2010
    Board Member, German Society for Endocrinology

Prof. Dr. Torsten Sch?neberg, Director of the Rudolf Sch?nheimer Institute of Biochemistry at Leipzig University, researches the molecular function and signal transduction of G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs). These receptors play a central role in cellular communication and are involved in numerous physiological processes. A particular focus of his research is on previously understudied GPCRs (orphan GPCRs) and mutations associated with diseases such as diabetes, obesity, and neurological disorders.

To study these receptors, Prof. Sch?neberg's team employs cutting-edge methods in molecular biology, biochemistry, and pharmacology. These include techniques such as genome editing (CRISPR/Cas), functional assays to analyze receptor activity, and the use of animal models to understand the physiological effects of GPCR mutations. Another key research area is the investigation of the molecular evolution of this receptor family.

By identifying receptors as potential therapeutic targets, his work contributes to the development of new drugs that specifically target GPCRs.

Another focus of his research is comparative genomic studies of extinct and currently living species to understand molecular adaptation processes.

  • A High-coverage Ancient Genome for Analyzing Arctic Adaptation Mechanisms – the Steller’s Sea Cow Case
    Schoeneberg, Torsten
    Duration: 05/2019 – 04/2023
    Funded by: DFG Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft
    Involved organisational units of Leipzig University: Rudolf-Sch?nheimer-Institut für Biochemie
    show details
  • SFB 1423/A05: Structures of adhesion GPCR by cryo-electron microscopy
    Schoeneberg, Torsten
    Duration: 01/2020 – ongoing
    Funded by: DFG Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft
    Involved organisational units of Leipzig University: SFB 1423: Strukturelle Dynamik der GPCR-Aktivierung und Signaltransduktion; Lehrstuhl für Molekulare Biochemie (Medizin)
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  • SFB1423/C04: The neglected receptor N terminus - signal filter, signal integration, trans-signaling of adhesion GPCR
    Schoeneberg, Torsten
    Duration: 12/2019 – ongoing
    Funded by: DFG Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft
    Involved organisational units of Leipzig University: SFB 1423: Strukturelle Dynamik der GPCR-Aktivierung und Signaltransduktion; Rudolf-Sch?nheimer-Institut für Biochemie
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  • Structural studies on extracellular adhesion GPCR signaling
    Schoeneberg, Torsten
    Duration: 01/2018 – 12/2021
    Funded by: DFG Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft
    Involved organisational units of Leipzig University: Rudolf-Sch?nheimer-Institut für Biochemie; FOR 2149: Elucidation of Adhesion-GPCR signaling
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more projects

  • Schoeneberg, T.
    Modulating Vertebrate Physiology by Genomic Fine-Tuning of GPCR Functions
    Physiological Review. 2024.
    show details
  • Kuhn, C.; Stenzel, U.; Berndt, S.; Liebscher, I.; Schoeneberg, T.; Horn, S.
    The repertoire and structure of adhesion GPCR transcript variants assembled from publicly available deep-sequenced human samples
    Nucleic Acids res.. 2024. 52 (7). pp. 3823–3836.
    show details
  • Le Duc, G.-D.; Velluva, A.; Cassatt-Johnstone, M. et al.
    Genomic basis for skin phenotype and cold adaptation in the extinct Steller's sea cow
    Science advances / American Association for the Advancement of Science. 2022. 8 (5).
    show details
  • Le Duc, D.; Renaud, G.; Krishnan, A.; Almen, M. S.; Huynen, L.; Prohaska, S.; Ongyerth, M.; Bitarello, B. D.; Schioth, H. B.; Hofreiter, M.; Stadler, P. F.; Pruefer, K.; Lambert, D.; Kelso, J.; Schoeneberg, T.
    Kiwi genome provides insights into evolution of a nocturnal lifestyle
    GENOME BIOLOGY. 2015.
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  • Liebscher, I.; Sch?n, J.; Petersen, S. C.; Fischer, L.; Auerbach, N.; Demberg, L. M.; Mogha, A.; C?ster, M.; Simon, K.-U.; Rothemund, S.; Monk, K. R.; Schoeneberg, T.
    A tethered agonist within the ectodomain activates the adhesion G protein-coupled receptors GPR126 and GPR133
    Cell reports.. 2014. 9 (6). pp. 2018–2026.
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more publications

Since 2019                             Medical Biochemistry and Pharmacology for Medical students at the UGHE, Rwanda


Since 2003                             Medical Biochemistry and Molecular Biology for Medical students and Master students at the Leipzig University, Germany


Since 2003                             Clinical Toxicology for Medical students and Toxicology Qualification of Natural scientists at the Leipzig University, Germany


1992-94 and 1995-2003        Pharmacology and Toxicology for Medical students, Charité Berlin, Germany


  • Biochemistry and Molecularbiology for Medical and Dental Medicine Students

    Lectures

    Seminars

Research fields

Biochemistry

Specializations

-Biochemie -Pharmakologie -Toxikologie

Contact for media inquiries

Phone: +49 341 97-22150