LMU: Julian Stingele receives generously endowed scholarship

Stingele‘s research group at the LMU Gene Center uses a combination of biochemical and genetic approaches to identify the endogenous sources of DNA and RNA damage. Moreover, he investigates the mechanistic principles that underlie the responses of cells to this threat to their survival. The endogenous sources of damage include formaldehyde, which is a normal intermediate in certain metabolic processes in mammalian cells. However, the compound can cause formation of crosslinks between DNA and proteins – and these in turn can inhibit DNA replication. The principal aim of Stingele’s research is to characterize the processes that result in such damage – to reveal the causes for neurodegenerative disorders and cancers.

“This award is a tremendously gratifying international recognition of the work carried out by my team. We are looking forward to using the funding for novel, high-risk projects.” says Stingele.

The Vallee Scholar Awards Program recognizes outstanding early career scientists at a critical juncture in their careers. Each Scholar receives $340,000 in discretionary funds to be spent over four years for basic biomedical research. Candidates are competitively selected based on the originality and innovation of their science, the quality of their proposal as evidenced by ideas and execution, and their record of accomplishment. Since 2013, 41 junior faculty have been appointed Vallee Scholars for an investment total of almost $12 million.

The Vallee Foundation was established by Bert and Kuggie Vallee as their legacy to the advancement of medical science and medical education. The Foundation stimulates development of interdisciplinary sciences related to human health by promoting interaction between productive scientists worldwide.