Steffen Scholpp

Professor Steffen Scholpp is a leading cell and developmental biologist at the University of Exeter's Living Systems Institute, where he investigates Wnt signaling and cytoneme biology in zebrafish embryos, human neurons, and cancer models through high-resolution imaging and mathematical modeling.

• Academic Positions:
  • 2023–Present: Professor of Cell and Developmental Biology, University of Exeter
  • 2017–2023: Associate Professor, University of Exeter
  • 2009–2016: Emmy-Noether Group Leader, Karlsruhe Institute of Technology
• Education:
  • 2003: PhD in Neurobiology (summa cum laude), University of Heidelberg

His research focuses on intercellular Wnt protein transport via cytonemes—specialized filopodia that control signal propagation speed, direction, and concentration. These mechanisms are studied in zebrafish embryos to understand vertebrate development and regeneration, funded by the BBSRC and MRC. Collaborations with biophysicists and mathematicians have produced quantitative models for signal molecule distribution.

In recent publications, he explored Prime Editing applications in zebrafish, Wnt/ROR2/JNK pathway roles in Alzheimer's, and receptor exchange mechanisms via cytonemes. His lab also organizes major events like the First UK Zebrafish Meeting and contributes to WntUK community initiatives.