Cell Biology Research

Researchers who study basic intracellular processes focus on topics including cell death and senescence; cellular metabolism; chromatin biology and gene regulation; DNA replication and repair; glycobiology and glycomics; membrane trafficking; mitochondria biology; RNA processing, splicing, and modification; and signal transduction. Cell biology investigators explore these questions using a broad range of experimental systems and research tools. Specialized assays are often first conducted in cell culture- or organoid-based in vitro systems, followed by functional studies in mouse models or, in some cases, clinical investigations.

Researchers who study physiological and disease processes focus on aging; cancer dormancy and metastasis; cancer genetics; cancer microenvironment; development; erythropoiesis; hematopoiesis; immunology; stem cells; and virology. Except for virology, which examines key steps in the viral life cycle, most of these topics deepen our understanding of specialized cells and their surrounding tissue microenvironment. Our studies aim to understand how the crosstalk between different types of cells influence cell persistence, differentiation, function, and dynamic turnover.

Progress in biomedical research is heavily driven by technological innovation. While all research labs employ diverse techniques and multidisciplinary strategies, some programs in our department’s research portfolio are distinguished by intensive use of advanced technologies or translational applications. Such technology-focused and applied approaches include cell-based and gene therapy; drug development and experimental therapeutics; imaging; induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSC); proteomics and protein biochemistry; and single cell analysis.