Markus Rüegg

Markus Rüegg is a Full Professor of Neurobiology at the Biozentrum, University of Basel, where he leads a research group focused on skeletal muscle aging, neuromuscular junction (NMJ) maintenance, and muscular dystrophies. He has held academic positions since 1992, progressing from Assistant to Full Professor, and remains an active researcher and educator.

• Full Professor of Neurobiology, University of Basel (2004–present)
• Co-founder and CEO, SEAL Therapeutics Ltd. (2021–present)
• Vice-President, Swiss Foundation for Research and Muscle Diseases (FSRMM)
• President, Animal Ethics Commission of Basel-Stadt, Basel-Landschaft, and Aargau

Education:

• Graduate Studies in Biochemistry and Neurobiology, University of Zurich (1985–1988)
• Studies in Biochemistry, University of Zurich (1979–1985)
• Matura Typus B, Kantonsschule Aarau (1975–1979)

His research investigates the molecular mechanisms underlying muscle aging and neuromuscular diseases, with a focus on mTORC1 signaling, NMJ stability, and gene therapy for muscular dystrophies. His lab uses genetically modified mouse models, CRISPR/Cas9 gene editing, and viral vector delivery to explore disease mechanisms and therapeutic strategies. A key finding is that hyperactivity of mTORC1, while essential for muscle growth, drives sarcopenia when chronically activated.

The recent publications and ongoing projects reflect a strong trend in translational neuroscience, particularly in developing linker protein-based therapies for LAMA2-related muscular dystrophy and understanding the role of transcriptional networks in aging muscle. These works span molecular, cellular, and systemic levels, integrating advanced imaging, transcriptomics, and proteomics.

Scientific Awards:

• Lelio Orci Award, Life Sciences Switzerland (2021)
• Robert Bing Prize, Swiss Academy of Medical Sciences (2000)
• Distinction for Ph.D. Thesis, University of Zurich (1989)

Prof. Rüegg has advised multiple PhD and master’s students and leads a vibrant research team including postdoctoral fellows and technical associates. His research is funded by SNSF, Innosuisse, EJP RD, and the Novartis Research Foundation. He serves as Co-Editor-in-Chief of Skeletal Muscle and holds editorial roles in Current Opinion in Physiology and Journal of Neuromuscular Diseases. He also chairs scientific advisory boards and contributes to ethics and policy in animal research.

His laboratory, the Rüegg Lab, is embedded within the Biozentrum’s interdisciplinary neuroscience network and collaborates internationally. The lab actively works on translating basic findings into clinical applications, particularly through SEAL Therapeutics AG, highlighting a strong commitment to bridging science and medicine.