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Nachrichten, Termine, Experten
At the Leibniz Institute on Aging – Fritz Lipmann Institute (FLI) in Jena, a new research group led by experimental biologist Dr Dennis de Bakker began work in January 2026. This was made possible by the Carl Zeiss Foundation's Nexus programme, which offers postdocs the opportunity to establish their own interdisciplinary research group. The funding amounts to up to 1.5 million euros for a period of five years. The primary goal of the research group is to uncover the mechanisms of brain ageing through cross-species comparisons.
Jena. Experimental biologist Dr Dennis de Bakker, who specialises in brain ageing and neurodegenerative diseases, was successful in a competitive process organised by the Carl Zeiss Foundation's Nexus programme with his project ‘Unveiling the mechanisms of brain ageing through cross-species comparison’.
Neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's could affect up to 150 million people worldwide by 2050. Although ageing is the most important risk factor for most of these diseases, the genetic and molecular processes that contribute to brain ageing are still poorly understood. This knowledge gap significantly hinders the development of effective prevention strategies against age-related neurodegenerative diseases.
Dr Dennis de Bakker's research aims to identify the genetic and molecular mechanisms that drive brain ageing in vertebrates. ‘To this end, we are investigating which genetic and molecular factors determine the differences in the rate of brain ageing between closely related species with different ageing trajectories,’ says Dr. de Bakker. These findings could serve as the basis for strategies aimed at slowing down brain ageing and delaying the onset of neurodegenerative diseases in humans.
‘Our work focuses on two killifish species: Nothobranchius kadleci, which exhibits slow brain ageing, and Nothobranchius furzeri, which exhibits rapid brain ageing.’ The short lifespan of 4–9 months and the pronounced age-related brain phenotypes in Nothobranchius furzeri make this species a powerful and easily manageable model system.
"Using a multi-omics approach, we aim to identify genetic and molecular factors that either protect against accelerated brain ageing or promote its progression. Using artificial intelligence and bioinformatic methods, we are investigating potential target structures for molecular interventions – including proteins or genetic loci – that could be suitable for slowing down brain ageing," explains Dr de Bakker. Molecular biology and genetic engineering approaches are then used to modulate these targets in a targeted manner and delay age-related changes in the brain.
Dennis de Bakker describes the personal significance of founding this research group as follows: “Starting my own research group has been a major personal goal for the past 12 years, and I am deeply grateful to the Carl Zeiss Stiftung and the FLI for their trust and support in making this goal a reality.”
“The first two months have been a lot of fun, thanks to my outstanding team members and the remarkable support I have received from colleagues across the institute. We are very excited to begin our work and initiate collaborations across the FLI and beyond.”
Contact
Christel Werner
Press & Public Relations
Phone: 03641-656374, Email: presse@leibniz-fli.de
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Background
The Leibniz Institute on Aging – Fritz Lipmann Institute (FLI) – upon its inauguration in 2004 – was the first German research organization dedicated to research on the process of aging. Around 350 employees from around 40 nations explore the molecular mechanisms underlying aging processes and age-associated diseases. For more information, please visit http://www.leibniz-fli.de.
The Leibniz Association connects 96 independent research institutions that range in focus from natural, engineering, and environmental sciences to economics, spatial, and social sciences and the humanities. Leibniz Institutes address issues of social, economic, and ecological relevance.
They conduct basic and applied research, including in the interdisciplinary Leibniz Research Alliances, maintain scientific infrastructure, and provide research-based services. The Leibniz Association identifies focus areas for knowledge transfer, particularly with the Leibniz research museums. It advises and informs policymakers, science, industry, and the general public.
Leibniz institutions collaborate intensively with universities – including in the form of Leibniz ScienceCampi – as well as with industry and other partners at home and abroad. They are subject to a transparent, independent evaluation procedure. Because of their importance for the country as a whole, the Leibniz Association Institutes are funded jointly by Germany’s central and regional governments. The Leibniz Institutes employ around 21,400 people, including 12,170 researchers. The financial volume amounts to 2 billion euros. For more information: http://www.leibniz-gemeinschaft.de/en/.
Dr. Dennis de Bakker
Quelle: Thomas Müller
Copyright: Photo: FLI / Thomas Müller
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Dr. Dennis de Bakker
Quelle: Thomas Müller
Copyright: Photo: FLI / Thomas Müller
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