Prof. Markus Rüegg Research Group, University of Basel ^{Research Labs}

The Research Group lead by Professor Markus Rüegg studies synapse development and neuromuscular disorders. Their goal is to understand the signaling pathways that contribute to the formation of synapses and that allow to restore them upon pathological alterations. Group is particularly interested in the signals that trigger synaptic changes during learning processes, and in those important to maintain the neuromuscular synapses. In addition, it provides the basics for the better understanding of the loss of muscle mass and the associated impairment of mobility with age. Neuromuscular disorders are relatively rare genetic diseases that can result in muscle weakness, loss of mobility, and even death. Their work on animal models of such diseases and the information they gain about the signaling pathways form the basis for the development of treatments to combat these rare conditions.