Martin Kampmann, PhD
Associate Professor
Biochemistry and Biophysics
School of Medicine

415-514-5545

The Kampmann lab develops and applies innovative technologies to understand cellular and molecular mechanisms of aging-associated neurodegenerative diseases, and to discover new therapeutic strategies. A major focus of our research are Alzheimer's disease and related dementias.

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We have pioneered a CRISPR-based functional genomics platform in human iPSC-derived neurons, glia and 3D assembloids, which enables genome-wide modifier screens of disease-relevant cell biology in patient-derived cells. We have also developed cell-type specific CRISPR screening approaches for mouse models of disease.

We use biochemistry, biophysics and cell biology to test mechanistic hypotheses generated by our functional genomics platform.

Major research questions are:

What controls protein aggregation in neurons, and why is it toxic? Why are some neuronal subtypes selectively vulnerable? Our main focus here is on the protein tau. How do non-neuronal cells such as microglia and astrocytes contribute to disease? What controls their beneficial and toxic states and functions in disease?

Awards

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  • Rainwater Prize for Innovative Early Career Scientist, Rainwater Charitable Foundation, 2022
  • Cell Science Junior Fellow, Allen Institute, 2020
  • Excellence in Graduate Student Mentoring Award, UCSF Biomedical Sciences Program, 2019
  • Ben Barres Early Career Acceleration Award, Chan Zuckerberg Initiative, 2018
  • Investigator Award, Chan Zuckerberg Biohub, 2017
  • Innovative Research Grant, Stand Up 2 Cancer, 2016-2019
  • New Innovator Award, NIH, 2015-2020
  • Allen Distinguished Investigator Award, Paul G. Allen Family Foundation, 2015-2018
  • Pathway to Independence Award (K99/R00), NIH/NCI, 2014-2018
  • Postdoctoral Fellowship, Program for Breakthrough Biomedical Research, UCSF, 2012
  • Postdoctoral Fellowship, Jane Coffin Childs Memorial Fund, 2010-2013
  • David Rockefeller Fellowship, The Rockefeller University, 2006
  • Predoctoral Fellowship, Howard Hughes Medical Institute, 2003-2008
  • Saunders Prize for Natural Sciences, Magdalene College, Cambridge University, 2003
  • Keilin Prize for Natural Sciences, Magdalene College, Cambridge University, 2002
  • Undergraduate Scholarship, German National Merit Foundation (Studienstiftung), 1999-2003

Education & Training

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  • Postdoctoral Fellow Systems Biology UCSF 07/2015
  • PhD Cell Biology, Biophysics The Rockefeller University 06/2009
  • BA / MA Biochemistry Cambridge University 06/2003
  • Vordiplom Human Biology Marburg University 06/2000

Interests

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  • Neurodegenerative Diseases
  • Cell Biology
  • Protein Homeostasis
  • Cancer Biology
  • Functional Genomics
  • Biochemistry

Websites

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Grants and Projects

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Publications (123)

Top publication keywords:
NeuronsNuclear Pore Complex ProteinsSaposinsClustered Regularly Interspaced Short Palindromic RepeatsNuclear PoreEndosomal Sorting Complexes Required for TransportLysosomesInduced Pluripotent Stem CellsNervous System DiseasesGenetic TestingNeurodevelopmental DisordersB-Cell Maturation AntigeneIF-2 KinaseRNA InterferenceCRISPR-Cas Systems

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