Professorship Nutritional Toxicology
The Nutritional Toxicology group investigates how diet and foodborne toxicants affect biological processes focusing on genotoxicity, aging, and chronic disease development. Using 3R-based model systems like C. elegans and human cell systems, we translate mechanistic insights into real-world contexts to support preventive nutrition and regulatory decision-making.
Objectives and Significance
Nutritional toxicology investigates the potentially harmful effects of dietary components on the human body. The aim is to understand these processes at the molecular and cellular levels in order to identify risks at an early stage, develop preventive strategies, and derive evidence-based dietary recommendations and regulations. In doing so, nutritional toxicology makes an important contribution to key societal issues such as health, disease prevention, and healthy aging.
Research
Our research program is guided by the key theme “Nutritional Genotoxicology and Gerontotoxicology” - the nutritional toxicology of DNA damage and aging processes. It is embedded within the institute’s research focus on “Molecular mechanisms of nutrition-dependent homeostasis and dysfunction.”
We specifically investigate genotoxicological and gerontotoxicological processes with the aim of elucidating the underlying molecular mechanisms and deriving new insights to promote healthy aging.
In addition, we are committed to the development and implementation of 3R-based approaches that enable in-depth mechanistic toxicology. Through these efforts, we establish a sustainable, in vitro and non-vertebrate-based experimental platform and strategies for academic research, which also provides the foundation for translational applications and regulatory implementation.
Teaching
The Professorship for Nutritional Toxicology is deeply involved in teaching within the international Master’s program in Toxicology as well as the Bachelor’s and Master’s programs in Nutritional Science at the University of Potsdam. Our students benefit from a research-driven, interdisciplinary education with strong scientific relevance.
Moreover, we offer the course "3Rs in Toxicology" in collaboration with Prof. M. Leist (University of Konstanz) and other renowned guest speakers – as part of the continuing education program of the Society of Toxicology for obtaining the "Board-Certified Toxicologist (GT)" certificate.