Arthur Neuberger

Recognized for:
Pioneering research on TRP channels leading to new ways of treating pain, cancer, and skin diseases, as well as deciphering the mechanism of how we sense temperature.

Areas of Research Interest and Expertise:
Cryo-Electron Microscopy, Structural Biology, Membrane Protein Biochemistry, Ion Channels

Previous Positions:

Walter Benjamin Fellow, Columbia University (USA)
Postdoctoral Research Associate, The Rockefeller University (USA)
PhD in Pharmacology, University of Cambridge (UK)
MPhil in Management Science and Operations, University of Cambridge (UK)
Diplom in Biology, Julius-Maximilians-Universität Würzburg (Germany)
BSc in Business Management and Economics, Julius-Maximilians-Universität Würzburg (Germany)
Europarechtsokonom in European Law, Julius-Maximilians-Universität Würzburg (Germany)

Research Summary:

Arthur Neuberger, PhD, is pioneering research on TRP (Transient Receptor Potential) channels, which are cell membrane proteins. These channels either regulate ion homeostasis or act as cellular sensors for various cellular and environmental signals, leading to safer, non-addictive pain relief and new cancer therapies. Neuberger mapped the structure of human TRPV1, a key pain and heat sensor, providing an alternative to conventional opioid-based pain relief. Neuberger also discovered how plant compounds from cannabis and soy can block TRPV6, the major calcium uptake channel in the human gut and a channel heavily linked to cancer, which suggests these natural compounds can be effective cancer therapeutics. Neuberger’s work not only advances our understanding of TRP channels but also offers practical solutions for pain management, cancer treatments, and more. 

Key Publications:

1. A Neuberger, YA Trofimov, MV Yelshanskaya, J Khau, KD Nadezhdin, LS Khosrof, NA Krylov, RG Efremov, AI Sobolevsky. Molecular pathway and structural mechanism of human oncochannel TRPV6 inhibition by the phytocannabinoid tetrahydrocannabivarin. Nature Communications, 2023.
2. A Neuberger, M Oda, YA Nikolaev, KD Nadezhdin, EO Gracheva, SN Bagriantsev, AI Sobolevsky. Human TRPV1 structure and inhibition by the analgesic SB-366791. Nature Communications, 2023.
3. A Neuberger, YA Trofimov, MV Yelshanskaya, KD Nadezhdin, NA Krylov, RG Efremov, AI Sobolevsky. Structural mechanism of human oncochannel TRPV6 inhibition by the natural phytoestrogen genistein. Nature Communications, 2023.
4. A Neuberger, KD Nadezhdin, AI Sobolevsky. Structural mechanism of TRPV3 channel inhibition by the anesthetic dyclonine. Nature Communications, 2022.

Other Honors:

2024 The Bayerische Staatsminister für Wissenschaft und Kunst Elitenetzwerk Bayern Group Leader
2023 Columbia University nominee for Postdoctoral Excellence Award
2021-2024 German Research Foundation Walter Benjamin Fellowship
2017 Global Challenges Research Fund Research Councils UK delegate
2017 Gordon Research Seminar on Multi-Drug Efflux Systems, best oral presentation
2016 Selected by the Master of Jesus College Cambridge for a private presentation to HRH Prince Edward
2016 SET for Britain Finalist
2014-2018 University of Cambridge Department of Pharmacology, The Herchel Smith Scholarship
2014 University of Cambridge Department of Pharmacology, Cambridge European Scholarship
2013-2014 Cambridge Judge Business School The Economic and Social Research Council Scholarship

In the Media:

Columbia University Postdoc Society Blog – Unveiling the secrets of pain: decoding the structure of a human receptor for effective relief

Manufacturing Chemist – Limits of drug repurposing

Royal Society of Biology Blog – The fight against multidrug resistant bacteria