Prof. Sebastian Iben is a researcher affiliated with Ulm University, Germany, specializing in molecular genetics, cell biology, and dermatology. His work primarily focuses on protein homeostasis (proteostasis), translational fidelity, and their implications in aging and neurodegenerative diseases.

About the Talk:

Protein homeostasis, or proteostasis, is crucial for maintaining cellular function—especially in dynamic tissues like the skin, which are prone to environmental stress and aging. Disruption in this balance leads to the accumulation of misfolded proteins, contributing to inflammation, cellular senescence, and age-related decline.

In their 2025 study, Iben et al. introduce a highly sensitive Nano-luciferase–based assay to detect translational errors—offering a powerful tool to monitor proteostasis and translation fidelity in real time.

Impact on Skin and Aging Research

• Aging Biomarker: Enables detection of molecular changes driving skin aging (e.g., UV damage, oxidative stress).
• Therapeutic Screening: Supports evaluation of compounds that enhance translational accuracy.
• Disease Insight: May aid early detection of proteostasis-linked skin disorders.

This tool opens new avenues for studying and potentially reversing age-related changes by targeting the molecular root: protein synthesis fidelity.

Research Focus and Contributions

Prof. Iben’s research explores the mechanisms by which errors in protein synthesis contribute to the accumulation of misfolded proteins, a hallmark of neurodegenerative diseases. In his 2023 publication titled “To Aggregate or Not to Aggregate – Is it a Matter of the Ribosome?” in BioEssays, he discusses how ribosomal infidelity may lead to protein misfolding and aggregation, potentially driving neuronal cell loss in neurodegenerative conditions.

Additionally, Prof. Iben has investigated the role of proteostasis in premature aging syndromes. His work titled “Loss of proteostasis—a common pathomechanism in premature aging?” examines how disruptions in protein homeostasis may underlie accelerated aging observed in certain progeroid syndromes.

In a collaborative study, Prof. Iben contributed to the development of a highly sensitive method to detect translational infidelity. This assay utilizes Nano-luciferase to measure errors in protein synthesis, providing a valuable tool for studying diseases associated with defective protein synthesis and for screening potential therapeutic compounds.