Anton Wutz

Anton Wutz is a Full Professor of Genetics at the Institute of Molecular Health Sciences within the Department of Biology at ETH Zurich. His research focuses on epigenetic regulation and cell identity control, particularly examining how the cell nucleus specifies different cell types in the body and how changes in cell identity are regulated during development.

His educational background includes:

• PhD from Technical University of Graz (1997), with research conducted at the Research Institute of Molecular Pathology in Vienna, Austria
• Postdoctoral work with Rudolf Jaenisch at the Whitehead Institute for Biomedical Research in Cambridge, USA
• Group leader at the Research Institute of Molecular Pathology (2001-2009)
• Principal Investigator at the Wellcome Trust Centre for Stem Cell Research, University of Cambridge (2009-2013)

Professor Wutz's research primarily investigates epigenetic mechanisms, with a particular focus on X chromosome inactivation and its role in development and disease. His laboratory has made significant contributions to understanding how chromatin architecture and nuclear organization regulate gene expression during cell differentiation. The group has pioneered the use of haploid embryonic stem cells for genetic screening approaches, enabling novel insights into epigenetic regulation. Their work bridges molecular biology, genetics, and developmental biology to uncover fundamental principles of cellular identity specification.

Analysis of Professor Wutz's recent publications reveals a strong focus on X chromosome inactivation mechanisms, with particular attention to the Xist RNA and its associated protein complexes. His research spans multiple model systems including mouse embryonic stem cells, organoids, and in vitro gametogenesis models. Key themes include the role of phase separation in chromatin organization, the impact of chromosome dosage on cellular processes, and the connection between epigenetic regulation and disease mechanisms such as autoimmunity. His laboratory continues to develop innovative genetic tools for studying mammalian developmental pathways.

Professor Wutz actively contributes to several educational programs at ETH Zurich, teaching courses in epigenetics, computational methods in genome analysis, and fundamental biology. His laboratory serves as a training ground for PhD students and postdoctoral researchers interested in epigenetics and developmental biology. Through collaborations with other research groups at ETH Zurich and internationally, his team maintains a strong research program exploring the fundamental mechanisms of epigenetic regulation.

The Wutz laboratory operates within the Institute of Molecular Health Sciences at ETH Zurich, utilizing advanced molecular and cellular techniques to investigate epigenetic mechanisms. The group maintains active collaborations with other research teams both within ETH Zurich and internationally, fostering a dynamic research environment focused on understanding the molecular basis of cell identity regulation.