Prof. Dr. Wolfgang Wurst

At the beginning of his career Wolfgang Wurst had the vision to provide gene mutations for each mouse gene to enhance gene function annotation, thus generating an “encyclopedia of gene function”. The tools (mutated ES-cells and/or mice) are freely available for the scientific community to progress life science. He implemented the German Gene Trap Consortium (GGTC, founder, coordinator) in 1996, the European Conditional Mouse Mutagenesis Consortium (EUCOMM, founder, coordinator) in 2006, the International Knockout Mouse Consortium (IKMC, founder, president) in 2007 and is still member of the International Mouse Phenotyping consortium (IMPC, since 2009) to execute this vision. Together, these consortia have generated about 19,000 mostly conditional gene mutations in embryonic stem cells and about 8,000 mutant mice, which are distributed worldwide. These resources formed the basis for more than 3,500 publications acknowledging the use of these resources.

In parallel, he developed novel genetic tools to enhance somatic gene repair via the CRISPR/Cas-systems. He now applies these technologies in translational projects including gene therapy approaches and in vivo reprogramming of somatic cells in preclinical models, for e.g. Parkinson’s Disease.  Concerning his research in this area he was also amongst the pioneers deciphering the molecular code necessary for the development of dopaminergic neurons in the ventral midbrain. He is now concentrated on deciphering molecular networks impaired in early stages of the disease using mouse and human cellular model systems.

Mouse GeneticsGene TherapyGene EditingCRISPR/CasNeurodegenerationNeurodevelopment