Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics

Cancer diagnoses have often been seen as devastating for patients, taking a huge toll on the patient and their families. Recent advances in the diagnosis and treatment of cancer have substantially improved the survival and quality of life of patients diagnosed with cancer. Our goal is to help continue this trajectory of success. Many of our faculty study the molecular pathways which lead to tumor development, tumor growth and tumor metastasis. Some of the focus areas include cancer metabolism, tumor immunity, transcriptional and epigenetic regulation mechanisms as well as understanding how tumor and cancer treatments impact other organs and tissues in the body.

The growing prevalence of neurological diseases is becoming one of the greatest health challenges that humankind faces. We study the biochemical and molecular underpinnings of neurodevelopmental and neurodegenerative disorders such as Alzheimer’s disease using state-of-the-art models and research technologies.

The complexity of the genome is both fascinating and awe-inspiring. How do thousands of genes coordinate complex biological processes on a minute-to-minute basis so that cells, tissues and organs can function and adapt to the environment without causing chaos? Our faculty used advanced computational approaches to study the complexity of the genome and develop novel tools to specifically modulate gene programs using CRISPR/Cas9 systems to interrogate these complex systems during health and disease.

The COVID-19 pandemic has been an important reminder how important it is to better understand infections as well as immune system responses. Our faculty research programs include the development of early detection devices for current and emerging pathogens, development of therapies to prevent overactive immune responses or autoimmunity and the responses of various tissues and organs to bacterial and viral infections.

In order to properly function, cells must carefully regulate expressions of various genes and ensure stable maintenance of chromosomes. Our faculty research programs include the study of signaling mechanisms that regulate transcription and genome stability.

Insights gained from studies utilizing biochemical methods play important roles in development of new generation of drugs. Determination of 3D-structures of various molecular machineries allow faculty members to rationally design/improve drug molecules to target proteins of interests. Faculty members are also actively engaged in large scale drug screenings.

Our faculty members are interested in molecular details that govern various intercellular and intracellular signal transduction mechanisms that govern various cell functions such as cell cycle controls in response to various internal and external stimulations.

Our faculty members are interested in understanding molecular mechanisms that govern regulation of stem cell biology and developmental regulation. Many faculty members are increasingly focusing on studying these processes in emerging field of single cell transcriptomics and proteomics.