معرفی
Serge Nef is a Full Professor at the University of Geneva's Faculty of Medicine, where he is affiliated with the Department of Genetic Medicine and Development. He serves as the Director of the Department and as a Delegate to the Dean's Office for Faculty Research Platforms and Premises. His research is central to the Molecular and Genetic Mechanisms of Sexual Development group.
His research interests lie at the intersection of molecular genetics and developmental biology, with a primary focus on the genetic programs governing sex determination, gonadal differentiation, and testicular function. His work aims to elucidate the molecular basis of disorders of sexual development (DSD), understand the critical role of insulin-like growth factors (IGFs) in male fertility and spermatogenesis, and assess the impact of environmental toxicants on human sperm quality and function. He employs cutting-edge genomic and genetic techniques, including exome sequencing, CRISPR/Cas9 genome editing in mouse models, and single-cell RNA sequencing.
His recent publications reveal a strong trend in using advanced genomic technologies to dissect the fundamental processes of sexual development and reproduction. His research spans from human genetic studies of DSD patients to detailed molecular and cellular analyses in murine models, with a consistent theme of identifying key genetic regulators and signaling pathways. A significant portion of his work investigates the insulin/IGF signaling system's crucial role in gonad development and function.
- Delegate to the Dean's Office - Faculty Research Platforms & Premises, University of Geneva (2023–Present)
- Full Professor, University of Geneva (2019–Present)
- Director, Department of Genetic Medicine and Development, University of Geneva
Prof. Nef has supervised numerous doctoral students, including Rita Rahban, Chloé Maeyere, and Lydia Wehrli, whose theses are listed in his publication record. His research is supported by grants from institutions such as the Swiss Center for Applied Toxicology. He leads a dynamic research group that combines human genetics with functional studies in animal models to bridge the gap between genetic discovery and biological mechanism.
His laboratory, the Molecular and Genetic Mechanisms of Sexual Development group, focuses on three main research axes: identifying novel genes for DSD, characterizing IGF functions in testicular cell types, and developing in vitro models to study the toxicity of environmental compounds on human sperm.
