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