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Andreas Grabrucker

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Andreas Grabrucker

Prof.

 https://orcid.org/0000-0003-0005-4810

Accepting PhD Students

20092026

Research activity per year

Personal profile

Research Interests

My research is interested in the underlying mechanisms of genetic and non-genetic risk factors for disorders, such as trace metal biology, of the Central Nervous System. Zinc and its function at synapses and in intracellular signaling are at the core of my research. Zinc, as an environmental factor taken up by the diet, is also at the center of gut-brain interactions.

My research is particularly captivated by the interplay of non-genetic factors and the CNS in mechanisms such as synapse formation and maturation. The dysregulation of trace metals, a key non-genetic factor, is a recurring theme in many brain disorders. Unraveling their role in modifying synaptic function, especially in the context of diseases triggered by both genetic and environmental components, is a fascinating and pressing area of study.

To investigate the role of genetic and non-genetic factors in disorders of the CNS, I use several approaches. For example, targeted manipulation of biometal levels in animal models and cells derived from human induced pluripotent stem cells is a significant goal in my research. To that end, developing novel drug carriers (i.e., Nanoparticles) and assays designed to evaluate their biological effects, safety, and toxicity has become an essential part of my research. On the other hand, we investigate human patients with selected disorders and perform a state-of-the-art assessment of their cell biology using 3D organoids derived from hIPSC.

By delving into the intricate balance of environmental and genetic factors in trace metal homeostasis, my research aims to pave the way for innovative therapeutic strategies. This, in turn, holds the promise of restoring normal function in individuals grappling with brain disorders, instilling a sense of hope and optimism in the field.

Teaching Interests

LS4003 - Introduction to Anatomy and Physiology

BY4031 - Integrative Physiology

BY6014 - Neurological and Inflammatory Diseases

BY6005 - MSc Biomolecular Sciences Research Project

Biography

CAREER PROFILE

 
Education 
  • 2000-2005  TU Munich, Germany, Diploma in Biology, Major: Genetics, Minor: Neurobiology and Zoology
  • 2005-2009   University Ulm, Germany, PhD, international PhD program in molecular medicine 
Employment
  • 2009-2011 Postdoctoral fellow, Stanford University, USA, Dept. of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Stanford School of Medicine
  • 2011-2016 Assistant Professor, University Ulm, Germany, Dept. of Neurology
  • 2011-2016 Executive Director of the Neurocenter of Ulm University   
  • 2017-2024 Associate Professor in Cell Biology, University of Limerick, Ireland, Dept. of Biological Sciences.
  • 2019 Guest Assoc. Prof. University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Italy
  • 2020-2024 Research CLuster Lead at the Bernal Institute of University of Limerick, Ireland
  • 2024-         Professor in Cell Biology, University of Limerick, Ireland, Dept. of Biological Sciences
 
Scientific Activities - My research focuses on synaptopathies as a key feature of neurodevelopmental diseases. Disruptions in synaptic structure leading to abnormal circuit formation and function are potentially the major determinant of such brain diseases. My work aims to understand how genetic and non-genetic factors contribute to neuronal dysfunction and to develop novel research and treatment strategies using nanotechnology.    

External positions

Gust Assoc Professor, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia

Jan 2019 → Dec 2019

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  • Is autism a developmental zinc deficiency?

    Sauer, A. K., Stanton, J. E. & Grabrucker, A. M., Mar 2026, In: Clinical Nutrition. 58, p. 106592

    Research output: Contribution to journal › Review article › peer-review

  • Synaptic protein mutations in autism

    Sauer, A. K., Walsh, J. A., Curran, D., Zohourian, N., Stanton, J. E., Zabetakis, I., Brown, J. A. L. & Grabrucker, A. M., 26 Mar 2026, In: Neurobiology of Disease. 223, p. 107365

    Research output: Contribution to journal › Review article › peer-review

  • Amyloid beta-induced signalling in leptomeningeal cells and its impact on astrocyte response

    Abubaker, M., Stanton, J. E., Mahon, O., Grabrucker, A. M., Newport, D. & Mulvihill, J. J. E., Apr 2025, In: Molecular and Cellular Biochemistry. 480, 4, p. 2645-2660 16 p., 112322.

    Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review

    Open Access

  • Investigating the neuronal role of the proteasomal ATPase subunit gene PSMC5 in neurodevelopmental proteasomopathies

    Küry, S., Stanton, J. E., van Woerden, G. M., Bosc-Rosati, A., Hsieh, T. C., Bray, L., Oloudé, M., Rosenfelt, C., Scott-Boyer, M. P., Most, V., Wang, T., Papendorf, J. J., de Konink, C., Deb, W., Vignard, V., Studencka-Turski, M., Besnard, T., Hajdukowicz, A. M., Thiel, F. G. & Wolfgramm, S. & 129 others, Florenceau, L., Cuinat, S., Marsac, S., Verrès, Y., Dangoumau, A., Poirier, L., Wentzensen, I. M., Tuttle, A., Forster, C., Striesow, J., Golnik, R., Ortiz, D., Jenkins, L., Rosenfeld, J. A., Ziegler, A., Houdayer, C., Bonneau, D., Torti, E., Begtrup, A., Monaghan, K. G., Mullegama, S. V., Volker-Touw, C. M. L. N., van Gassen, K. L. I., Oegema, R., de Pagter, M. S., Steindl, K., Rauch, A., Ivanovski, I., McDonald, K., Boothe, E., Dauber, A., Baker, J., Fabie, N. A. V., Bernier, R. A., Turner, T. N., Srivastava, S., Dies, K. A., Swanson, L. C., Costin, C., Abdulrazak, A., Jobling, R. K., Pappas, J., Rabin, R., Niyazov, D., Chun-Hui Tsai, A., Kovak, K., Beck, D. B., Malicdan, M. C. V., Adams, D. R., Wolfe, L., Ganetzky, R. D., Muraresku, C. C., Babikyan, D., Sedláček, Z., Hančárová, M., Timberlake, A. T., Saif, H. A., Nestler, B., King, K., Hajianpour, M. J., Costain, G., Prendergast, D., Li, C., Geneviève, D., Vitobello, A., Sorlin, A., Philippe, C., Harel, T., Toker, O., Sabir, A., Lim, D., Hamilton, M. J., Bryson, L. J., Cleary, E., Weber, S., Hoffman, T. L., Cueto-González, A. M., Tizzano, E. F., Gómez-Andrés, D., Codina-Solà, M., Ververi, A., Pavlidou, E., Lambropoulos, A., Garganis, K., Rio, M., Levy, J., Langas, S. J., McRae, A. M., Lessard, M. K., D’Agostino, M. D., De Bie, I., Wegler, M., Abou Jamra, R., Kamphausen, S. B., Bothe, V., Potocki, L., Olinger, E., Sznajer, Y., Wiame, E., Thompson, M. L., Schroeder, M. C., Gooch, C., Smith, R. A., Pandya, A., Busch, L. M., Völker, U., Hammer, E., Wende, K., Cogné, B., Isidor, B., Meiler, J., Ripoll, C., Bigou, S., Laumonnier, F., Hildebrand, P. W., Eichler, E. E., McWalter, K., Krawitz, P. M., Roux-Dalvai, F., Elgersma, Y., Marcoux, J., Bousquet, M. P., Droit, A., Poschmann, J., Grabrucker, A. M., Bolduc, F. V., Bézieau, S., Ebstein, F. & Krüger, E., Dec 2025, In: Nature Communications. 16, 1, 10545.

    Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review

    Open Access

  • Metal Dyshomeostasis as a Driver of Gut Pathology in Autism Spectrum Disorders

    O Grady, K. & Grabrucker, A., 20 Mar 2025, In: Journal of Neurochemistry. 169, 3, p. 1 20 p., 169:e70041.

    Research output: Contribution to journal › Review article › peer-review

    Open Access
View all 123 research outputs
  • 3 Membership of council