In memoriam: Rolf Stahl

Rolf Stahl, senior professor at the University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, passed away unexpectedly on February 25, 2023. Throughout his scientific career, Stahl dedicated efforts toward advancing our understanding of pathogenesis immune-mediated kidney diseases with a particular focus membranous nephropathy. Many discoveries and contributions to field have directly translated improvements in patient care. was born 1948 raised Baden Wurttemberg, Germany. He studied medicine Stuttgart-Hohenheim Tubingen southern After fellowship training pathology Tubingen, he received Buswell Fellowship Department Medicine, State Buffalo, New York, where role prostaglandins renin-angiotensin system diseases. From 1980 1985, returned Germany completed internal nephrology Freiburg. In 1986, an American Society Nephrology meeting, sought out Dr. William Couser, head Division Washington Seattle, explore possibility spending 2 years Couser research group, which had extensive experience creating, characterizing, studying animal models human immunologic diseases, especially Impressed by Rolf's sincerity, creativity, commitment clinically relevant basic research, invited join laboratory division as visiting scholar for years, that dramatically altered direction research. Known affectionately colleagues “Russian Professor” intensity dedication thrived working closely international group physician–scientists, including Richard Johnson, Matthias Schulze, Jurgen Floege, Stephen Adler, YiPu Chen, Masaomi Nangaku, Charlie Alpers, Stuart Shankland, others, focused exclusively both clinical experimental aspects topic became main interest rest career. 1989, Germany, first assistant Freiburg then full Frankfurt/Main. 1993, appointed director newly founded III. Medicine developed team over course almost 25 into one major departments Faculty Hamburg. also made significant medical education Hamburg dean from 2001 2003 2007. April 2017, retired department chair remained active member continued run highly productive program until final days. addition educational administrative achievements, succeeded establishing own clinicians scientists, who exemplified implementation translational nephrology, combining morphologic studies, work, well-characterized models, technical advancements decipher disease pathophysiology improve treatment patients. launched several collaborative initiatives internationally visible hub For contributions, awarded Franz Volhard Medal, highest honor German 2017. The most distinguished were glomerular particularly Larry Beck David Salant (also trainee Boston, MA), identified phospholipase A2 receptor 1 (PLA2R1) common target antigen nephropathy,1Beck Jr., L.H. Bonegio R.G. Lambeau G. et al.M-type idiopathic nephropathy.N Engl J Med. 2009; 361: 11-21Crossref PubMed Scopus (1583) Google Scholar work provided critical insights pathogenicity anti-PLA2R1 antibodies. They guided establishment antibody measurements nephropathy, tool use today worldwide.2Hoxha E. Reinhard L. R.A.K. Membranous nephropathy: new pathogenic mechanisms their implications.Nat Rev Nephrol. 2022; 18: 466-478Crossref (17) His together other leading teams, has established basis current antibodies diagnosing, managing, estimating prognosis patients deeply involved characterization molecular nephropathy identification antigens, recently netrin G1.2Hoxha earlier description thrombospondin type-1 domain-containing protein 7A (THSD7A) potential link between malignancies nephropathy3Hoxha Wiech T. P.R. al.A mechanism cancer-associated 2016; 374: 1995-1996Crossref (117) strong impact providing definition “primary” “secondary” Under leadership, anti-THSD7A elegant nephropathy.4Tomas N.M. Hoxha Reinicke A.T. al.Autoantibodies against type induce nephropathy.J Clin Invest. 126: 2519-2532Crossref (152) Scholar,5Reinhard Reitmeier A. al.Pathogenicity anti-PLA R1 minipigs: pilot study.J Am Soc 2023; 34: 369-373Crossref (1) These studies care, resulting improved diagnosis, treatment, immune underlying this important disease. projects creative, ambitious, state art, and, important, relevant. devoted himself goal better pathomechanisms developing targeted therapies end. written chapter long evolving story Despite heavy duties, patient-centered meticulous history taking examinations well known emulated students. One achievements leadership during 2011 enterohaemorrhagic Escherichia coli epidemic Hamburg, success served blueprint abroad. deep nature, will, determination, self-discipline, loyalty, empathy, diligence, curiosity left legacy successful clinician, investigator, teacher, administrator ranks him among top academic physician–scientists era will serve inspiration young physicians opportunity pursue challenging pathway. lifelong medicine, avid athlete cyclist. recognized powerful sports can play bringing people together. community abroad, is saddened passing Stahl—a scientist, caring mentor, outstanding skilled husband father. be remembered community, survived wife Gaby, 3 sons, 4 grandchildren. family friends, colleagues, mentees forever remain grateful worked him. All authors declared no competing interests.