Research focus: From the wing of the fruit fly to the blood vessel in the zebrafish
In his research, Markus Affolter addressed key questions of embryonic development, such as how complex organs arise from individual cells or how organ growth is regulated. He combined classical developmental biology with the latest biotechnological methods. His work focused on two model organisms: Drosophila melanogaster (fruit fly) and the zebrafish.
In Drosophila, he analyzed the role of morphogens such as Dpp (Decapentaplegic) and the regulator Pentagone in the formation of proportionally growing tissues. His work on wing disc development and tracheal morphogenesis provided fundamental insights into signal transduction and cell migration during organ formation.
Using zebrafish as an example, he later investigated the formation and architecture of blood vessels. His group described the so-called "zipper principle," according to which cells interact cooperatively during vessel fusion and establish mechanically stable connections – a discovery with high relevance for vascular and tumor research.
Methodological pioneering work: SEED/Harvest and nanobody tools
In addition to biological questions, the development of new methods has been a focus of Markus Affolter's research. His group recently developed the SEED/Harvest method, an innovative CRISPR/Cas9 technique for precisely labeling proteins.
His team had previously developed so-called nanobody tools that allow the targeted rearrangement or degradation of labeled proteins – a process that opens up new possibilities for functional studies in living cells.
Academic Career
Markus Affolter studied biology at ETH Zurich and received his doctorate from Université Laval in Quebec. After returning to Switzerland, he initially conducted research at the Biozentrum as a postdoc in Walter Gehring's laboratory and was appointed Full Professor of Developmental Biology in 2005. In addition to research and teaching, Affolter was active in many scientific committees, served on the Research Council of the Swiss National Science Foundation, and is also a member of EMBO and the Leopoldina.
Farewell with a lasting impact
Over the past decades, Markus Affolter has not only focused on his research but has also been deeply committed to the training and promotion of young researchers. His work has enriched the research landscape with diverse impulses; he has inspired numerous young researchers, and his teaching and research have shaped their lives.
Markus Affolter will give his farewell lecture on December 11th at 4:00 p.m. in the Maurice E. Müller Hall at the Biozentrum, University of Basel.