Markus Affolter

Prof. Markus Affolter is a Full Professor in Developmental Biology at the University of Basel's Biozentrum. Since 2005, he has led research on cellular networks, organ formation, and vascular morphogenesis using Drosophila melanogaster and zebrafish models. His work spans molecular processes like morphogen regulation, protein manipulation technologies, and blood vessel assembly.

• Education: PhD in Molecular & Cell Biology (Laval University, 1983–1987), MSc and BSc in Biology (Laval University, 1981–1982; 1981–1982), and studies at ETH Zurich (1978–1980).
• Key Research Areas:
  • Organ and vascular network development
  • CRISPR and protein binder methodologies
  • Morphogen dynamics (e.g., Dpp in wing growth)
  • Mechanical forces in lumen formation
• Recent Publications:
  • 2025 – Endothelial cell rearrangements via actomyosin dynamics
  • 2025 – Light-regulated kinase control of in vivo protein function
  • 2024 – CRISPR knockin protocols in Drosophila
• Scientific Honors:
  • Elected EMBO and Leopoldina member
  • Editorial roles in Development, Developmental Biology, and Current Opinion in Genetics & Development
  • START Fellowship (SNSF), HFSPO Grant (1999–2002)
• Students:
  • Doctoral: Ludovico Maggi, Sophie Schnider
  • Master’s: Lena Nelböck-Hochstetter
• Labs & Teams: Leads a multidisciplinary group at Biozentrum, focusing on Drosophila and zebrafish models. Collaborations include SystemsX and EU 'Cells into Organs' networks.