Cell Biology
Welcome
The Department of Cell Biology pursues the dual mission of advancing biomedical research and education. Our small yet highly interactive group of investigators is committed to training research scientists in cutting-edge biomedical approaches, as well as supporting the education of medical students in the basic science courses that form the foundation for their future learning and clinical studies.
Research
Our faculty have diverse research interests including topics such as: the molecular biology of gene regulation and expression, cell cycle, aging and studies of neurodegenerative disease, cardiovascular disease and cancer. Research in the Department has been supported by the National Institutes of Health, the National Science Foundation, the American Heart Association, the Canavan Disease Foundation, the Department of Defense and other public and private organizations. Over the past few years our faculty have published articles in some of the most prestigious journals in our fields, including: Science, Nature, Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, Cell, and Shock.
Resources
The Department has over 17,000 square feet of research space in the Science Center. Of this, 12,000 square feet is devoted to individual investigator laboratories and offices and 5,000 square feet is devoted to common and shared facilities, classrooms, and conference rooms. Our core facilities include a number of specialized instruments such as laser capture microdissection and confocal microscopes, a Bruker MALDI-TOF mass spec for protein analysis, a KinTek stopped-flow apparatus for kinetic analyses, and molecular modeling graphic stations. For a more complete list of our resources, please see "Cell Biology Equipment List".
Translational Research
Our Faculty have developed technologies of potential commercial application, and have numerous patent applications or disclosures in such areas as molecular diagnostics, gene therapy, nanotechnology, and anti-inflammatory therapy. Located within the Department are the Gene Therapy Center and the Molecular Marker/Proteomic Facility. In recent years over 70% of patent activities from the SOM Campus have involved members of our faculty.
Education
Our growing Department offers a high faculty-to-student ratio and welcomes new students to join us in an exciting atmosphere. Our mission includes a commitment to teaching medical school courses, a highly active doctoral program (including a Ph.D./DO track), and a number of Masters programs. We also invest in the future by hosting a Summer Undergraduate Research Experience (SURE) program for undergraduate students considering graduate education in the biomedical sciences.
William T. McAllister, PhD, Professor and Chairman
Publication Highlights
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Acharya NK, Levin EC, Clifford PM, Han M, Tourtellotte R, Chamberlain D, Pollaro M, Coretti NJ, Kosciuk MC, Nagele EP, Demarshall C, Freeman T, Shi Y, Guan C, Macphee CH, Wilensky RL, Nagele RG. Diabetes and Hypercholesterolemia Increase Blood-Brain Barrier Permeability and Brain Amyloid Deposition: Beneficial Effects of the LpPLA2 Inhibitor Darapladib. J Alzheimers Dis, 35(1): 179-98, January 2013.
- Lu B, Lee J, Nie X, Li M, Morozov Y, Venkatesh S, Bogenhagen DF, Temiakov D, Suzuki C. Phosphorylation of Human TFAM in mitochondria impairs DNA binding and promotes degradation by the AAA+ Lon Protease. Mol Cell, 49: 1-2, Jan 2013.
- Leone PA, Shera D, McPhee SWJ, Francis JS, Kolodny EH, Bilaniuk LT, Wang DJ, Assadi M, Goldfard O, Goldman HW, Freese A, Young D, During MJ, Samulski RJ, Janson CG. Long-term follow-up after gene therapy for Canavan Disease. Sci Transl Med, 14(165), Dec 2012.
- Rodriguez AR, Spur BW. Total synthesis of Resolvin D1, a potent anti-inflammatory lipid mediator. Tetrahedron Letters, 53(51), 6990-6994, Dec 2012.
Faculty in the News
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Science Daily - Dr. Leone
First Use of a Gene Therapy Shows Promise Against Fatal Childhood DiseaseBloomberg News
Gene Therapy Extends Lives of Children with Brain DiseasesHealth Day
Gene Therapy Shows Promise for Rare Children’s Brain Disorder
Additional News Article Links -
News-Medical.net - Dr. Temiakov
UMDNJ biochemist to research into mechanisms that control gene expression in mitochondria - Science Daily - Dr. Nagele
Drug Shows Potential to Delay Onset or Progression of Alzheimer’s Disease
- South Jersey Times - Drs. Venkataraman & Yin









