Who is ...
Prof. Dr. Roman-Ulrich Müller
About
Prof. Dr. Roman‑Ulrich Müller is a physician-scientist specializing in nephrology and molecular medicine. Since June 2019, he has held the W2 Professorship in Translational Nephrology at the University of Cologne and University Hospital Cologne. His work bridges clinical nephrology with cutting-edge research in RNA biology, kidney aging, and organ protection.
Academic and Clinical Background
Prof. Müller studied Medicine at the Universities of Freiburg and Heidelberg (2000–2007), earning his doctorate (Dr. med., summa cum laude) in 2007. He completed research fellowships at The Rockefeller University in New York and Yale University, deepening his expertise in RNA regulation and molecular cell biology.
From 2008 to 2014, he trained in Internal Medicine and Nephrology at University Hospital Cologne. He achieved board certification in both disciplines and received his habilitation in Internal Medicine in 2015. He is now the speaker of the Center for Rare and Hereditary Kidney Disease and leads the ADPKD unit at the University Hospital Cologne.
Research Focus
At the heart of Prof. Müller’s research is the study of how RNA-based mechanisms and cellular stress responses shape genetic kidney disease, renal aging, injury, and regeneration. His lab explores:
- RNA-binding proteins and non-coding RNAs
- Nutrient-sensing and metabolic pathways (e.g. NAD⁺, hypoxia signaling)
- Stress resistance, longevity, and regeneration in renal tissue
- Translational studies on ADPKD, AKI, and chronic kidney disease
His team uses modern molecular biology tools including RNA-seq, CRISPR/Cas9, and model organisms such as C. elegans and mice. Integration with clinical data supports the development of novel biomarkers and therapeutic strategies.
Academic Leadership
Prof. Müller leads a research group at the CECAD Cluster of Excellence in Aging Research and an associated group at the Center for Molecular Medicine Cologne (CMMC). He also coordinates the Cologne ADPKD center and mentors PhD students through the Graduate School for Ageing Research. He currently chairs the “Genes & Kidney” working group of the European Renal Association, and sits on multiple editorial and scientific advisory boards.
Awards & Recognition
- Carl-Ludwig Award – German Society of Nephrology (2020)
- DFG and ANR Review Panel Member
- Scientific Advisory Boards: Transfer Board UoC, Foundations
Selected Topics of Interest
- Caloric restriction and NAD⁺ metabolism in kidney disease
- DKK3 as a predictive biomarker in nephrology
- Targeted therapies for ADPKD
- Aging and regeneration in the nephron
Key Publications
- Ripa R, Ballhysa E, Steiner JD, Laboy R, Annibal A, Hochhard N, Latza C, Dolfi L, Calabrese C, Meyer AM, Polidori MC, Müller RU, Antebi A. Refeeding-associated AMPKγ1 complex activity is a hallmark of health and longevity. Nat Aging. 2023 Dec;3(12):1544-1560. doi: 10.1038/s43587-023-00521-y. Epub 2023 Nov 13. PMID: 37957359; PMCID: PMC10724066.
- Cukoski S, Lindemann CH, Arjune S, Todorova P, Brecht T, Kühn A, Oehm S, Strubl S, Becker I, Kämmerer U, Torres JA, Meyer F, Schömig T, Hokamp NG, Siedek F, Gottschalk I, Benzing T, Schmidt J, Antczak P, Weimbs T, Grundmann F, Müller RU. Feasibility and impact of ketogenic dietary interventions in polycystic kidney disease: KETO-ADPKD-a randomized controlled trial. Cell Rep Med. 2023 Nov 21;4(11):101283. doi: 10.1016/j.xcrm.2023.101283. Epub 2023 Nov 7. PMID: 37935200; PMCID: PMC10694658.
- Späth MR, Hoyer-Allo KJR, Seufert L, Höhne M, Lucas C, Bock T, Isermann L, Brodesser S, Lackmann JW, Kiefer K, Koehler FC, Bohl K, Ignarski M, Schiller P, Johnsen M, Kubacki T, Grundmann F, Benzing T, Trifunovic A, Krüger M, Schermer B, Burst V, Müller RU. Organ Protection by Caloric Restriction Depends on Activation of the De Novo NAD+ Synthesis Pathway. J Am Soc Nephrol. 2023 May 1;34(5):772-792. doi: 10.1681/ASN.0000000000000087. Epub 2023 Feb 9. PMID: 36758124; PMCID: PMC10125653.
- Seufert L, Benzing T, Ignarski M, Müller RU. RNA-binding proteins and their role in kidney disease. Nat Rev Nephrol. 2022 Mar;18(3):153-170. doi: 10.1038/s41581-021-00497-1. Epub 2021 Nov 3. PMID: 34732838.
- Müller RU, Fabretti F, Zank S, Burst V, Benzing T, Schermer B. The von Hippel Lindau tumor suppressor limits longevity. J Am Soc Nephrol. 2009 Dec;20(12):2513-7. doi: 10.1681/ASN.2009050497. Epub 2009 Sep 24. PMID: 19797165; PMCID: PMC2794223.