Dr. Cyril Zipfel

Biography

Cyril Zipfel is a researcher in Molecular Cellular Plant Physiology at the University of Zurich. His research interests focus on how plants perceive their environment and respond appropriately to coordinate growth and development in the face of external challenges. He particularly studies cell surface-localised immune receptors, known as pattern recognition receptors, which perceive microbe-derived endogenous patterns and activate innate immune responses. These receptor kinases are part of receptor kinase complexes, providing excellent model systems to explore the molecular basis of plant immunity, studying the molecular mechanisms behind their functions as well as the signaling pathways involved in growth and responses to environmental stresses. Cyril is also interested in the evolution, identification, and engineering of immune receptors to enhance disease resistance in crops, utilizing a combination of molecular genetics, synthetic biology, biochemistry, proteomics, bioimaging, and physiological approaches.

Research Interests

Experience