The field of Biochemistry, Molecular and Cell Biology (BMCB) functions as an umbrella graduate program together with the field of Genetics, Genomics and Development (GGD). Collectively, their faculty span six broad research areas:
Biochemistry & Structural Biology
Faculty investigate how biological molecules are built, interact, and function. Research spans protein structure and dynamics, enzymology, membrane proteins, receptors and ion channels, lipid signaling, RNA biology, transcription, protein trafficking, proteostasis, and genome maintenance. Approaches include structural and chemical biology, biochemistry, single-molecule methods, mass spectrometry, microscopy, genetics, and protein engineering.
Molecular & Cell Biology
Faculty study the fundamental mechanisms that organize and regulate cells. Research includes cell signaling, membrane and protein trafficking, autophagy, organelle quality control, cytoskeletal and nuclear organization, chromosome maintenance, DNA repair, gene regulation, and protein homeostasis. Approaches combine genetics, biochemistry, cell biology, imaging, genomics, and model organisms.
Developmental, Stem Cell & Regenerative Biology
Faculty investigate how cells acquire specialized identities, build and maintain tissues, and regenerate after injury. Research spans embryonic development, tissue stem cells, regeneration, aging, reproductive biology, nervous-system and immune development, organogenesis, and plant morphogenesis. Approaches include genetic models, lineage tracing, imaging, genomics, epigenomics, bioengineering, and cell-based systems.
Genetics & Molecular Evolution
Faculty examine how genomes function, change, and generate biological diversity. Research includes population genetics, speciation, adaptation, genome evolution, transposable elements, chromosome segregation, meiosis, reproductive evolution, host–pathogen interactions, gene regulation, and evolution of developmental traits. Approaches integrate genetics, genomics, evolutionary theory, molecular biology, computation, and diverse model organisms.
Computational Genomics
Faculty develop and apply quantitative approaches to large-scale genomic and molecular data. Research includes gene regulation, functional genomics, population and evolutionary genomics, statistical genetics, complex traits, single-cell biology, conservation genomics, protein networks, structural proteomics, and artificial intelligence. Computational methods are integrated with experimental data to study genomic variation, regulatory programs, cellular heterogeneity, evolution, and disease.
Translational Sciences
Faculty investigate the molecular and cellular basis of human and animal disease and translate discoveries toward diagnosis, prevention, and therapy. Research strengths include cancer, metabolism and aging, infectious disease and immunity, neurodegeneration and psychiatric disease, reproductive and cardiovascular disorders, genome instability, and precision medicine. Approaches include genetics, genomics, animal and patient-derived models, bioengineering, advanced imaging, metabolomics, and therapeutic screening.
Faculty from both fields are listed below alphabetically, along with their field affiliation, broad research area(s), and department.
Adler, Carolyn BMCB and GGD
Associate Professor, Biomedical and Translational Sciences
Primary area of interest: Developmental, Stem Cell & Regenerative Biology
Secondary area of interest: Molecular and Cell Biology
We investigate how pluripotent stem cells enable whole-body regeneration in planarians. Using RNA interference, cell biology, and transcriptomics, we uncover mechanisms of organ regeneration, stem cell activation, and DNA damage responses.
Alani, Eric BMCB and GGD
Professor, Molecular Biology & Genetics
Primary area of interest: Molecular and Cell Biology
Roles for DNA mismatch repair (MMR) proteins in maintaining genome stability. We use genetic and biochemical assays to study how MMR proteins act on critical intermediates that form during DNA repair and meiotic recombination.
Aravin, Alexei BMCB and GGD
Professor, Molecular Biology & Genetics
Primary area of interest: Genetics & Molecular Evolution
Non-coding RNA, piRNA (piwi interacting RNA), RNA interference, genome defense, selfish genes, transposable elements, epigenetic regulation, chromatin (especially heterochromatin) structure and function, regulation of gene expression
Baird, Barbara BMCB
Horace White Professor Emeritus, Chemistry & Chemical Biology
Primary area of interest: Cell and Membrane Biochemistry and Biophysics
Secondary area of interest: Cellular Immune Responses
Structures and molecular mechanisms of cell surface receptors operative in immune responses
Barbash, Daniel BMCB and GGD
Professor, Molecular Biology & Genetics
Primary area of interest: Genetics & Molecular Evolution
Secondary area of interest: Molecular and Cell Biology
Genetic, molecular evolutionary, and genomic studies of speciation, transposable element regulation, genome stability, and meiotic segregation. Using Drosophila genetics, genomic, molecular, developmental and computational approaches.
Barrow, Joeva BMCB and GGD
Assistant Professor, Human Ecology: Nutritional Sciences
Primary area of interest: Translational Sciences (Aging, Cancer, Reproduction, Metabolism, Pathogens etc.)
Mitochondrial biology and metabolism & disease; unbiased CRISPR and small molecule screening for novel therapy targets
Baskin, Jeremy BMCB
Professor and Nancy and Meinig Family Investigator in the Life Sciences, Chemistry & Chemical Biology
Primary area of interest: Biochemistry & Structural Biology
Secondary area of interest: Molecular and Cell Biology
Chemical biology and cell biology of lipids and membranes. Using bioorthogonal chemistry, chemoproteomics, protein engineering, and optogenetics, we investigate mechanisms governing membrane organization, lipid metabolism and homeostasis, inter-organelle communication, and lipid-mediated signaling in physiology and disease.
Berry, Daniel BMCB and GGD
Associate Professor, Division of Nutritional Sciences
Primary area of interest: Developmental, Stem Cell & Regenerative Biology
Our laboratory studies how adipose tissue adapts to physiological and environmental demands and why this adaptive capacity fails during aging and metabolic disease. We investigate how progenitor, stromal, immune, vascular, and neural cells coordinate tissue remodeling and metabolic function.
Boyko, Adam BMCB and GGD
Associate Professor, Biomedical and Translational Sciences
Primary area of interest: Translational Sciences (Aging, Cancer, Reproduction, Metabolism, etc.)
Canine genomics; evolutionary and population genetics; adaptation; computational biology; genetic architecture of complex traits and diseases; artificial selection; village dogs
Bravo Núñez, María BMCB and GGD
Assistant Professor, Molecular Biology & Genetics
Primary area of interest: Genetics & Molecular Evolution
Secondary area of interest: Molecular and Cell Biology
Molecular mechanisms and evolution of chromosome segregation in fungal pathogens and model yeasts
Brito, Ilana BMCB and GGD
Associate Professor, Biomedical Engineering
Primary area of interest: Translational Sciences (host-pathogen interactions; lupus; inflammatory bowel disease)
Secondary area of interest: Computational Genomics
Human microbiome; bacterial extracellular vesicles; host-microbe protein-protein interactions; protien mimics; horizontal gene transfer; antibiotic resistance; microbial transmission
Buchon, Nicolas GGD
Associate Professor, Department of Entomology
Primary area of interest: Developmental, Stem Cell & Regenerative Biology
Intestinal physiology; stem cells; host microbe relationships
Joseph Newton Pew Jr. Professor in Engineering
Primary area of interest: Developmental, Stem Cell & Regenerative Biology
Secondary area of interest: Translational Sciences (Aging, Cancer, Reproduction, Metabolism, Pathogens, etc.)
Cardiovascular developmental mechanobiology and biomechanics; mechanisms of cardiac morphogenesis and malformation; heart valve homeostasis and disease; Heart valve tissue engineering
Caddy, Sarah BMCB
Assistant Professor, Microbiology & Immunology
Primary area of interest: Translational Sciences (Aging, Cancer, Reproduction, Metabolism, Pathogens, etc.)
Virus-antibody interactions; maternal and neonatal immunity, comparative virology and immunology
Cerione, Richard BMCB and GGD
Goldwin Smith Professor, Chemistry & Chemical Biology, Biomedical and Translational Sciences
Primary area of interest: Translational Sciences (Aging, Cancer, Reproduction, Metabolism, etc.)
Signal transduction; growth factor receptors
Chang, Pamela BMCB
Associate Professor, Microbiology & Immunology
Primary area of interest: Biochemistry & Structural Biology
Secondary area of interest: Translational Sciences (Aging, Cancer, Reproduction, Metabolism, Pathogens, etc.)
Chemical biology, host-microbe interactions, gut microbiome, microbiology, and immunology
Clark, Andrew BMCB and GGD
Jacob Gould Schurman Professor, Molecular Biology & Genetics; Chair of Computational Biology
Primary area of interest: Genetics & Molecular Evolution
Secondary area of interest: Computational genomics
We study how genome variation shapes phenotypes, and how that variation is in turn shaped by evolutionary forces. Using genomics and computational approaches in Drosophila and humans, we dissect the molecular basis of evolutionary change through fitness-related traits, such as sperm competition, transposon regulation, and heterochromatin structure.
Cohen, Paula BMCB and GGD
Professor, Biomedical and Translational Sciences
Primary area of interest: Translational Sciences (Aging, Cancer, Reproduction, Metabolism, Pathogens, etc.)
Molecular regulation of gametogenesis, meiosis, and meiotic recombination in the mouse; development of novel non-hormonal contraceptives for men and women
Collins, Ruth BMCB
Associate Professor, Biomedical and Translational Sciences
Primary area of interest: Biochemistry & Structural Biology
Mechanism of action of Rab GTPases
Cosgrove, Benjamin BMCB and GGD
Associate Professor, Biomedical Engineering
Primary area of interest: Developmental, Stem Cell & Regenerative Biology
Secondary area of interest: Computational Genomics
We investigate tissue development, homeostasis and regeneration to better understand how stem cell states are changing in in skeletal muscle and female reproductive tissue aging and disease using novel spatial transcriptomic and computational approaches.
Crane, Brian BMCB
George W. and Grace L. Todd Professor; Chemistry & Chemical Biology
Primary area of interest: Biochemistry & Structural Biology
Secondary area of interest: Molecular and Cell Biology
The Crane group studies mechanisms of redox and photochemistry in biology, particularly in a signal transduction context. Areas of interest include entrainment of circadian clocks by light, redox sensing in bacterial taxis responses, nitric oxide production and response and fundamental properties of charge separation reactions important for energy transduction and magnetic field sensing.
Crickard, Brooks BMCB and GGD
Assistant Professor
Primary area of interest: Biochemistry & Structural Biology
Secondary area of interest: Genetics and Molecular Evolution
In the Crickard lab we use single molecule imaging in combination with Biochemical and genetic approaches to dissect molecular mechanisms of chromosome maintenance and genomic stability. Our fundamental question is how DNA strands are exchanged.
Danko, Charles BMCB and GGD
Assistant Professor, Biomedical and Translational Sciences, Baker Institute for Animal Health
Primary area of interest: Computational Genomics
We study how gene expression patterns are encoded in DNA sequence, and how these patterns contribute to evolution, development, and disease.
Das, Arunika BMCB and GGD
Assistant Professor, Biomedical Sciences
Primary area of interest: Developmental, Stem Cell & Regenerative Biology
Secondary area of interest: Computational Genomics
We study how specialised histones are inherited and reprogrammed in early development, how rapidly evolving repetitive satellite DNA control this reprogramming, and what contributes to histone longevity through development and aging. We use mouse, horse, and fly model systems and cell biology, quantitative imaging, structural biology, and evolutionary genomics as tools.
De Vlaminck, Iwijn BMCB and GGD
Professor, Biomedical Engineering
Primary area of interest: Translational Sciences (Aging, Cancer, Reproduction, Metabolism, Pathogens, etc.)
Development of precision medicine technologies for microbiology and immunology
DeLisa, Matthew BMCB and GGD
William L. Lewis Professor of Engineering, Chemical & Biomolecular Engineering
Primary area of interest: Molecular and Cell Biology
applied immunology; glycobiology and glycoengineering; protein biogenesis; protein engineering; synthetic biology
Dongre, Anushka BMCB and GGD
Assistant Professor, Biomedical and Translational Sciences
Primary area of interest: Translational Sciences (Aging, Cancer, Reproduction, Metabolism, Pathogens, etc.)
We work at the interface of cancer biology and immunology with a focus on understanding how cancer cell-intrinsic and extrinsic factors regulate anti-tumor immunity and resistance to immune checkpoint blockade therapies in the context of breast cancers.
Emr, Scott BMCB and GGD
Nancy and Samuel Fleming Professor Emeritus, Molecular Biology & Genetics
Primary area of interest: Molecular and Cell Biology
Our research focuses on the regulation of membrane vesicle trafficking pathways. We study the ESCRT (endosomal sorting complexes required for transport) complexes. ESCRTs are required for the degradation of membrane proteins at the lysosome. They also are required for a late step in cytokinesis, the budding and release of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), repair of damage to the PM, as well as several other key cellular processes.
Enbody, Erik GGD
Assistant Professor, Computational Biology
Primary area of interest: Computational Genomics
Secondary area of interest: Genetics & Molecular Evolution
My research spans evolutionary biology and conservation genomics. We study Galápagos finches using large-scale genomics to map adaptive traits. In conservation, we partner with practitioners to assess genomic health and gene flow in threatened populations.
Evans, Jacquelyn BMCB and GGD
Assistant Professor, Baker Institute for Animal Health, Biomedical and Translational Sciences
Primary area of interest: Translational Sciences (Aging, Cancer, Reproduction, Metabolism, Pathogens, etc.)
Secondary area of interest: Computational Genomics
Canine and feline disease genetics and genomics. We generate and analyze genome-wide association, whole-genome sequencing, and single-cell and spatial transcriptomic data to uncover genetic risk factors and dysregulated pathways underlying cancer, immune-mediated, and other naturally occurring diseases in companion animals, yielding genetic tests, therapeutic targets, and insights for human medicine.
Fejes Tóth, Katalin (Kata) BMCB and GGD
Associate Professor, Molecular Biology & Genetics
Primary area of interest: Genetics & Molecular Evolution
Secondary area of interest: Developmental, Stem Cell & Regenerative Biology
Transcriptional and post-transcriptional regulation of transposons (TEs); piRNA functions in host gene regulation and genome defense; co-evolution of TEs and piRNAs and their adaptations for developmental gene control; chromatin biology and gene regulation
Feschotte, Cedric BMCB and GGD
Professor, Molecular Biology & Genetics
Primary area of interest: Genetics & Molecular Evolution
Secondary area of interest: Computational Genomics
Transposable elements in genome biology and evolution. We seek to understand how transposable elements and endogenous viruses diversify, propagate, and impact the evolution, development and physiology of species, including humans. Current projects combine computational and functional genomics with genetic manipulations in mammalian cell culture, zebrafish, flies and mice.
Field, Martha BMCB
Associate Professor, Human Ecology: Nutritional Sciences
Primary area of interest: Molecular and Cell Biology
One-carbon metabolism for maintenance of mitochondrial DNA integrity and mitochondrial function. We use mouse and cell culture models to study how gene-nutrient interactions affect mitochondrial DNA integrity and mitochondrial energy production, especially as related to maintaining cellular function in aging and disease.
Fischbach-Teschl, Claudia BMCB
Stanley Bryer 1946 Professor & James M. & Martha McCormick Director of Biomedical Engineering
Primary area of interest: Translational Sciences (Aging, Cancer, Reproduction, Metabolism, Pathogens, etc.)
Physical properties of the microenvironment regulate tumor growth and metastasis. We use tissue-engineered and microfabricated model systems, biomaterials, and advanced imaging approaches to elucidate obesity-related breast cancer and bone metastasis.
Fischer, Tara BMCB and GGD
Assistant Professor, Molecular Biology and Genetics
Primary area of interest: Molecular and Cell Biology
Organelle and membrane biology. We combine advanced microscopy, biochemistry, and genetics to dissect fundamental mechanisms of organelle quality control, and how they are related to cellular immunity and neurodegeneration.
Flyak, Andrew BMCB
Assistant Professor; Microbiology & Immunology
Primary area of interest: Biochemistry & Structural Biology
Vaccine immunology and structural virology. Using antigen engineering, nanoparticle platforms, and experimental models, we investigate immune mechanisms that limit vaccine efficacy and develop approaches to induce broad, durable protection against genetically diverse viruses.
Fromme, Chris BMCB and GGD
Professor; Molecular Biology & Genetics
Primary area of interest: Biochemistry & Structural Biology
Secondary area of interest: Molecular and Cell Biology
Organelle and membrane biology. Using biochemical, structural, and cell biological approaches to understand how cells regulate membrane compartmentalization and trafficking.
Graef, Martin BMCB and GGD
Associate Professor, Molecular Biology & Genetics
Primary area of interest: Molecular and Cell Biology
We investigate the molecular mechanisms and physiological functions of autophagy. We are using multidisciplinary approaches including advanced imaging, biochemistry, cell biology and genetics in budding yeast and mammalian cell culture.
Grimson, Andrew BMCB and GGD
Charles A. Alexander Professor, Molecular Biology & Genetics
Primary area of interest: Computational Genomics
Secondary area of interest: Molecular & Cell Biology
Broad interests in gene regulation, including in the context of the developing immune system, human immune disorders and reproductive system. Mechanisms of post-transcriptional gene regulation.
Gunn, Laura BMCB
Assistant Professor; Integrative Plant Sciences
Primary area of interest: Biochemistry & Structural Biology
Rubisco function, regulation, and evolution in plants and algae. Using biochemistry, structural biology, synthetic biology, protein engineering, and comparative approaches, we investigate how sequence variation, subunit composition, and cellular organization shape the assembly and catalytic properties of nature’s carbon-fixing enzyme.
Han, Chun BMCB and GGD
Professor, Molecular Biology & Genetics
Primary area of interest: Developmental, Stem Cell & Regenerative Biology
Secondary area of interest: Molecular & Cell Biology
Dendrite morphogenesis and neurodegeneration: By developing and applying novel genetic and cell biological technologies in Drosophila, we study spatiotemporal regulation of branching morphogensis of neuronal dendrite and mechanisms of phagocytosis in neurodegenertion.
Hanson, Maureen BMCB and GGD
Liberty Hyde Bailey Professor, Molecular Biology & Genetics
Primary area of interest: Translational Sciences (Aging, Cancer, Reproduction, Metabolism, Pathogens, etc.)
Secondary area of interest: Molecular and Cell BIology
Molecular analyses of the causes of Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome; gene expression, immune cell function, proteomics, metabolomics, and statistical and computational tools.
Helmann, John BMCB and GGD
Professor, Microbiology
Primary area of interest: Biochemistry & Structural Biology
Molecular mechanisms of stress adaptation. Using molecular genetic and biochemical approaches we explore how Bacillus subtilis adapts to host relevant stresses, including changing metal ion availability and cell wall active antibiotics.
Hollopeter, Gunther BMCB and GGD
Associate Professor, Biomedical and Translational Sciences
Primary area of interest: Molecular and Cell Biology
Secondary area of interest: Biochemistry & Structural Biology
Molecular mechanisms of membrane-associated machinery. Using C. elegans as a primary model, we integrate genetic screens, genome engineering, quantitative biochemistry, and in vivo and single-molecule imaging to investigate protein complexes spanning atomic to organismal scales.
Hu, Fenghua BMCB and GGD
Professor, Molecular Biology & Genetics
Primary area of interest: Translational Sciences (Aging, Cancer, Reproduction, Metabolism, Pathogens, etc.)
Secondary area of interest: Molecular & Cell Biology
Molecular and Cellular mechanism of neurodegeneration; Protein homeostasis; Lysosome biology; Inflammation; Cell signaling
Huberman, Lori BMCB and GGD
Assistant Professor, School of Integrative Plant Science: Plant Pathology & Plant Microbe Biology
Primary area of interest: Genetics & Molecular Evolution
Secondary area of interest: Molecular & Cell Biology
Nutrient sensing and signaling in fungi. We use and develop genetic and genomic tools, including high-throughput screens, 'omics tools, microscopy, and molecular biology to identify and characterize the genetic pathways regulating how fungi make genetic and physiological "decisions" to respond to environmental stimuli.
Ichikawa, Saki BMCB
Assistant Professor; Biomedical and Translational Sciences
Primary area of interest: Biochemistry & Structural Biology
Secondary area of interest: Molecular & Cell Biology
We study chemical biology of post-translational modifications in human biology and disease. By integrating chemical biology, organic chemistry, and proteomics, we aim to elucidate mechanisms of protein damage and repair, define how they drive loss or aberrant gain of function and shape protein quality control, and develop therapeutic strategies to target these processes.
Jiang, Shaoyi BMCB and GGD
Robert Langer ’70 Family and Friends Professor; Biomedical Engineering
Primary area of interest: Genetics & Molecular Evolution
We study how stem cells (e.g., HSPCs and iPSCs) respond to chemical, biological and mechanical cues under controlled environments; (b)mRNAs/DNAs: We work on mRNA delivery where mRNA stability, immunogenicity and signal amplification are all critical.
Kawate, Toshi BMCB and GGD
Associate Professor; Biomedical and Translational Sciences
Primary area of interest: Biochemistry & Structural Biology
Molecular mechanisms of understudied membrane proteins; membrane receptors; ion channels; X-ray crystallography; cryo-EM; electrophysiology; biochemistry; C.elegans
Kim, Jaehee GGD
Assistant Professor, Computational Biology
Primary area of interest: Computational Genomics
Computational problems relevant to evolutionary processes and population dynamics; development and application of statistical methods for inference from genetic data.
Kim, Jongmin BMCB and GGD
Assistant Professor, Biomedical and Translational Sciences
Primary area of interest: Developmental, Stem Cell & Regenerative Biology
Secondary area of interest: Genetics & Molecular Evolution
Chromatin and gene regulation in the germline. Using mouse and Drosophila genetics, genome-wide chromatin profiling, and microscopy-based phenotypic analyses, we investigate how chromatin-modifying proteins, including Polycomb and ZFP/CHD4 complexes, prevent inappropriate somatic gene expression and cryptic transcription during spermatogenesis.
Kimura, Satoshi BMCB and GGD
Assistant Professor, Microbiology & Immunology
Primary area of interest: Biochemistry & Structural Biology
Secondary area of interest: Molecular & Cell Biology
RNA modification and translation mechanisms underpinning bacterial pathogenesis and commensalism. Using next-generation sequencing, RNA mass spectrometry, bacterial genetics, and animal infection models, we aim to elucidate the physiological roles of RNA modification and translation control mechanisms in pathogenic and commensal bacteria.
Kurpios, Natasza BMCB and GGD
Professor, Biomedical and Translational Sciences
Primary area of interest: Developmental, Stem Cell & Regenerative Biology
Organ development, cell shape & architecture, angiogenesis, lymphatics, developmental genomics, chromatin looping, long-noncoding RNA, cancer
Kwan, Alex BMCB and GGD
Professor, Biomedical Engineering
Primary area of interest: Translational Sciences (Aging, Cancer, Reproduction, Metabolism, Pathogens, etc.)
Secondary area of interest: Molecular & Cell Biology
Research in the Kwan lab focuses on the neurobiology of depression and psychiatric drug action. We study the molecular, cellular, and circuit mechanisms in the brain using optical imaging, electrophysiological, and genetic methods in mice.
Lammerding, Jan BMCB and GGD
Professor, Biomedical Engineering
Primary area of interest: Molecular & Cell Biology;
Secondary area of interest: Translational Sciences (Aging, Cancer, Reproduction, Metabolism, Pathogens, etc.)
Cellular biomechanics; mechanotransduction; mechanically induced gene expression; nuclear envelope proteins; cell migration and cancer metastasis; muscular dystrophy; heart disease; iPSC-work, tissue engineering, in vivo work
Lau, Colleen BMCB and GGD
Assistant Professor, Department of Microbiology&Immunology
Primary area of interest: Developmental, Stem Cell & Regenerative Biology
Secondary area of interest: Translational Sciences (Aging, Cancer, Reproduction, Metabolism, Pathogens, etc.)
Epigenetic mechanisms that dictate immune memory responses. We combine multi-omic approaches with genetic mouse model systems to interrogate in vivo, in vitro, and in silico how different signals integrate to generate an immune memory program.
Lazzaro, Brian BMCB and GGD
Professor, Entomology
Primary area of interest: Genetics & Molecular Evolution
Secondary area of interest: Molecular & Cell Biology
Functional and evolutionary genetics of insect-pathogen interactions; We use genetic and approaches to determine how insect immune systems operate and evolve, why individuals differ in defense against infection, and how pathogens overcome host immunity.
Lee, Sylvia BMCB and GGD
Professor, Molecular Biology & Genetics
Primary area of interest: Translational Sciences (Aging, Cancer, Reproduction, Metabolism, Pathogens, etc.)
Secondary area of interest: Developmental, Stem Cell & Regenerative Biology
Conserved pathways that regulate aging and age-dependent pathologies; genetic, molecular, cell biological, and genomic approaches; C. elegans and mammalian cells
Li, Sijin BMCB
Assistant Professor, Chemical & Biomolecular Engineering
Primary area of interest: Biochemistry & Structural Biology
My research aims to expand the boundaries of synthetic biology beyond unicellular microbes to multicellular plants, thereby advancing our ability to understand and harness the complex plant specialized metabolism and to reprogram the whole plant.
Lin, David BMCB and GGD
Associate Professor, Biomedical and Translational Sciences
Primary area of interest: Developmental & Regenerative Biology
Development and regeneration of the peripheral nervous system
Linder, Maurine BMCB
Professor Emeritus, Biomedical and Translational Sciences
Primary area of interest: Biochemistry & Structural Biology
Regulation of signal transduction and protein trafficking by protein lipidation
Lis, John BMCB and GGD
Professor, Molecular Biology & Genetics
Primary area of interest: Molecular biology & Genomics
Molecular mechanisms by which promoters and enhancers regulate gene expression; state-of-the-art genome-wide assays and analyses; interplay of chromatin architecture and transcription regulation.
Liu, Jun Kelly BMCB and GGD
Robert J Appel Professor of Molecular and Cell Biology, Molecular Biology & Genetics
Primary area of interest: Molecular and Cell Biology
Secondary area of interest: Developmental, Stem Cell & Regenerative Biology
Mechanisms of signal transduction in C. elegans. Using a combination of mocular genetic, imaging, biochemical, AI-based protein structural modeling, and genome engineeing to identify and determine the mechansms of action of factors regulating and interpreting bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) signaling.
Mao, Yuxin BMCB and GGD
Professor; Molecular Biology & Genetics
Primary area of interest: Biochemistry & Structural Biology
Secondary area of interest: Molecular and Cell Biology
Molecular mechanisms of microbial-host interactions; intracellular pathogen Legionella pneumophila. Major approaches: Biochemitry, Cell bilogy, and Structural (X-ray and Cryo-EM) and Computational Biology.
Markenscoff-Papadimitriou, Eirene BMCB and GGD
Assistant Professor, Molecular Biology & Genetics
Primary area of interest: Translational Sciences (Aging, Cancer, Reproduction, Metabolism, Pathogens, etc.)
Secondary area of interest: Neuroscience
gene regulatory mechanisms controlling neuronal identity and function during brain development; evolution of neurodevelopmental gene regulation programs
Messer, Philipp GGD
Professor; Computational Biology
Primary area of interest: Genetics & Molecular Evolution
Secondary area of interest: Computational Genomics
The Messer lab studies the population genetics of rapid evolution using mathematical models, computer simulations, and genomic data from both natural and laboratory populations. Our overarching goal is to develop models that more accurately capture the dynamics of rapid evolutionary processes and allow us to better predict their outcomes.
Murphy, Patrick BMCB and GGD
Associate Professor, Molecular Biology & Genetics
Primary area of interest: Developmental, Stem Cell & Regenerative Biology
Secondary area of interest: Computational Genomics
The Murphy lab studies how chromatin and epigenetic mechanisms regulate gene expression during reproduction and differentiation, utilizing zebrafish and mouse models, along with genomic tools to understand inheritance and early embryonic development.
Nicholson, Linda BMCB
Professor; Molecular Biology & Genetics; Director of Undergraduate Biology
Primary area of interest: Biochemistry & Structural Biology
Biophysical studies of proteins involved in diesease. NMR and other biophysical methods are employed. Current work focuses on Alzheimer's disease.
Nwosu, Zeribe BMCB and GGD
Assistant Professor, Molecular Biology & Genetics
Primary area of interest: Translational Sciences (Aging, Cancer, Reproduction, Metabolism, Pathogens, etc.)
Metabolic alterations that drive cancer; tumor microenvironment cells in modulating metabolism; effectively targeting metabolism to improve cancer treatment
Pawlowski, Wojtek BMCB and GGD
Professor, School of Integrative Plant Science: Plant Biology, Plant Breeding & Genetics
Primary area of interest: Genetics & Molecular Evolution
Secondary area of interest: Computational Genomics
Mechanisms and evolution of meiosis and meiotic recombination. Using genetics, genomics, and computational biology to understand determinants of recombination landscape, study how recombination patterns evolve and how they drive genome evolution.
Peters, Joseph BMCB and GGD
Professor, Microbiology
Primary area of interest: Molecular and Cell Biology
Molecular mechanisms of genome stability and evolution; novel transposon targeting mechanisms recognizing DNA replication and RNA-based systems utilizing CRISPR-Cas
Pleiss, Jeffrey BMCB and GGD
Assistant Professor; Molecular Biology & Genetics
Primary area of interest: Biochemistry & Structural Biology
High-throughput genetic and genomics; pre-mRNA splicing regulation; impact of mis-regulation on human disease
Pugh, Frank BMCB and GGD
Professor, Molecular Biology & Genetics
Primary area of interest: Biochemistry & Structural Biology
Secondary area of interest: Computational Genomics
Genome-wide molecular mechanisms of gene regulation. We develop and use genome-wide in vivo and biochemical assays to understand how transcription factors interact with nucleosomes and how the transcription pre-initiation complex assembles. Using this we are diagnosing cancers that arise from gene mis-regualtion.
Qian, Shu-Bing BMCB and GGD
James Jamison Professor, Division of Nutritional Sciences
Primary area of interest: Molecular and Cell Biology
Translational control in gene expression. Using biochemical and ribosome profiling approaches, we investigate molecular mechanisms of alterantive mRNA translation and its implications in stress response
Reed, Robert GGD
Associate Professor, Ecology & Evolutionary Biology
Primary area of interest: Genetics & Molecular Evolution
Evolution of developmental mechanisms; cis-regulatory evolution; functional genomics; animal color patterns; phenotypic plasticity
Ren, Yi Athena GGD
Assistant Professor, Animal Science
Primary area of interest: Developmental, Stem Cell & Regenerative Biology;
Applying genomic and epigenomic approaches to understand (1) the spatiotemporal control of gene regulation in ovarian biology; and (2) mechanisms regulating ovarian development and developmental programming of ovarian health and diseases.
Richards, Eric GGD
Adjunct Professor
Primary area of interest: Genetics & Molecular Evolution
Epigenetics; DNA methylation; nuclear organization
Roeder, Adrienne BMCB and GGD
Professor, Weill Institute for Cell and Molecular Biology and School of Integrative Plant Science: Plant Biology
Primary area of interest: Developmental, Stem Cell & Regenerative Biology
Morphogenesis in Arabidopsis sepals and leaves. Using time-lapse imaging, image processing, computational modeling, and molecular genetics, we study how plant cell growth, division, identity specification, hormone signaling, polyploidy and patterning are regulated to develop robust organs or the correct size and shape.
Rudd, Brian GGD
Professor, Microbiology & Immunology
Primary area of interest: Developmental, Stem Cell & Regenerative Biology
Development and function of the immune system. We use mouse genetics, genomics, embryo dissections, organoids, multiphoton imaging, and high-dimensional flow cytometry to better understand how the functions of immune cells are linked to their derivation from distinct hematopoietic progenitors.
Sardana, Richa BMCB and GGD
Assistant Professor, Biomedical and Translational Sciences
Primary area of interest: Molecular and Cell Biology
Membrane protein localization and quality control mechanisms. We use genetics, proteomics, metabolomics, microscopy, biochemical, and cell biological approaches to study protein homeostasis mechanisms, and how their dysregulation results in disease.
Schimenti, John BMCB and GGD
Professor, Biomedical and Translational Sciences, Molecular Biology & Genetics
Primary area of interest: Developmental, Stem Cell & Regenerative Biology
Secondary area of interest: Translational Sciences
Genetics of fertility, development, and genome maintenance in mice and humans. Emphasis on germline development, meiosis and genetic quality control.
Schroeder, Frank BMCB and GGD
Professor, Boyce Thompson Institute
Primary area of interest: Biochemistry & Structural Biology
Small molecule signaling in C. elegans, mouse, and humans; host-microbe interactions; high-resolution mass spectrometry- and NMR-based metabolomics
Sethupathy, Praveen BMCB and GGD
Professor, Biomedical and Translational Sciences
Primary area of interest: Translational Sciences (Aging, Cancer, Reproduction, Metabolism, Pathogens, etc.)
Role of non-coding RNAs (in particular microRNAs) in genetic, microbial, dietary, and environmental control of health and disease, primarily in diabetes, dyslipidemia, gastrointestinal (GI) disorders including Crohn’s disease, and liver/GI cancers
Sevier, Carolyn BMCB and GGD
Associate Professor, Biomedical and Translational Sciences
Primary area of interest: Molecular and Cell Biology
Secondary area of interest: Biochemistry and Structural Biology
Research projects focus on how cells sense and respond to cellular stress, with a specific emphasis on how oxidative stress alters cellular protein homeostasis. We use a combination of biochemistry, genetics, and cell biology techniques to characterize post-translational redox-signaling events, including cysteine and methionine oxidation, that drive these changes.
Simmons, Glenn BMCB and GGD
Assistant Professor, Department of Biomedical and Translational Sciences
Primary area of interest: Translational Sciences (Aging, Cancer, Reproduction, Metabolism, Pathogens, etc.)
Role that lipids play in the regulation of inflammatory and other immunological processes in the tumor microenvironment; 3-Dimensional bioprinting technology, developing patient-derived in vitro tumor models for testing various therapeutic approaches in non-small cell lung carcinoma.
Smolka, Marcus BMCB and GGD
Professor; Molecular Biology & Genetics
Primary area of interest: Molecular and Cell Biology
Secondary area of interest: Translational Sciences (Aging, Cancer, Reproduction, Metabolism, Pathogens, etc.)
We study signaling mechanisms in genome maintenance and DNA replication using proteomic technologies, genetics and biochemical approaches in yeast and mammalian systems.
Song, Jeongmin BMCB
Associate Professor; Microbiology and Immunology
Primary area of interest: Molecular and Cell Biology
Secondary area of interest: Biochemistry and Structural Biology
Decoding the molecular logic of typhoid fever and its long-term health consequences. Using structural, glycobiological, genetic, and in vivo approaches, we ask how Salmonella Typhi (STy) finds its intestinal niche, evades immunity, disseminates, and persists in the hepatobiliary system, and whether these strategies generalize to other pathogens.
Subramanian, Ayshwarya BMCB and GGD
Assistant Professor, Molecular Biology & Genetics
Primary area of interest: Computational Genomics
Principles governing cellular heterogeneity, crosstalk, and evolution in human tissues and disease. We combine computational methods, single-cell and spatial omics, and experimental validation using macrophages as a model to study kidney disease, Alzheimer’s disease, aging, systems immunology, and genomic medicine.
Tumbar, Tudorita BMCB and GGD
Professor, Molecular Biology & Genetics
Primary area of interest: Developmental, Stem Cell & Regenerative Biology
Stem-cell regulation in mouse and human skin. Using mouse genetics, genomics, microscopy, cell sorting, and cell culture, we investigate transcription factors, RNA polymerase II dynamics, histone H3K9me3 epigenetics, neurovascular signaling, and transposons in tissue stem-cell function
van Wijk, Klaas BMCB and GGD
Professor, School of Integrative Plant Sciences. Director Graduate studies Field of Plant Biology
Primary area of interest: Biochemistry and Structural Biology
Organellar proteostasis in plants with emphasis on proteases and discovery of degrons in chloroplasts, using a combination of protein biochemistry, mass spectrometry, systems biology, molecular biology and structural biology
Wang, Meng BMCB and GGD
Assistant Professor, Division of Nutritional Sciences
Primary area of interest: Translational Sciences (Aging, Cancer, Reproduction, Metabolism, Pathogens, etc.)
We aim to dissect how metabolism can cause DNA damage that impacts cancer development and aging, and to design novel treatments that target DNA damage pathways. We use genetic and mass spectrometry approaches in cell lines and animal models.
Wang, Michelle BMCB
Professor of Physics, James Gilbert White Distinguished Professor of Physical Sciences, and Howard Hughes Medical Institute Investigator
Primary area of interest: Molecular and Cell Biology
Mechanisms of motor protein collision and navigation; chromatin dynamics and remodeling; torsional mechanics of replication and transcription; development of innovative single-molecule mechanical manipulation techniques
Assistant Professor, Computational Biology
Primary area of interest: Computational Genomics
Accurate inference for demographic histories and selection. Scalable methods and succinct data structure for biobank-scale statistical genetics. Methods and data structure for pangenome analyses.
Weiss, Robert BMCB and GGD
Professor, Biomedical and Translational Sciences, and Senior Associate Dean, Graduate School
Primary area of interest: Translational Sciences (Aging, Cancer, Reproduction, Metabolism, Pathogens, etc.)
Secondary area of interest: Molecular and Cell Biology
DNA damage response mechanisms in normal development and disease; cancer metabolism; mouse models of human cancer.
White, Andrew BMCB and GGD
Associate Professor, Biomedical and Translational Sciences
Primary area of interest: Translational Sciences (Aging, Cancer, Reproduction, Metabolism, Pathogens, etc.)
Melanoma, stem cells, and cancer resistance across species. Using mouse genetics, comparative animal models, single-cell genomics, imaging, and immune analysis, we study how melanoma resists therapy, how tumors initiate, and how regeneration can prevent cancer and restore lost pigment.
Whittaker, Gary BMCB
James Law Professor, Microbiology & Immunology and Public & Ecosystem Health
Primary area of interest: Translational Sciences (Aging, Cancer, Reproduction, Metabolism, Pathogens, etc.)
Viral Entry and Pathogenesis: influenza viruses, coronaviruses, morbilliviruses and caliciviruses in humans and animals
Wolfner, Mariana BMCB and GGD
Distinguished Professor and Stephen H. Weiss Presidential Fellow , Molecular Biology & Genetics
Primary area of interest: Developmental, Stem Cell & Regenerative Biology
Secondary area of interest: Genetics and Molecular Evolution
Functions and evolution of important reproductive molecules. Our genetic, molecular, 'omic, and imaging approaches elucidate (a) roles of seminal proteins in reproductive success and (b) molecular mechanisms that transition an egg to an embryo.
Yu, Haiyuan BMCB and GGD
Professor, Computational Biology
Primary area of interest: Computational Genomics
Secondary area of interest: Biochemistry and Structural Biology
Understanding how noncoding and coding genomic variation in disease and across populations affect gene expression, protein structure and function, and lead to complex traits. We use diverse multi-omics approaches with a network biology perspective, and implement both computational (deep learning and statistical modeling) and experimental (functional genomics and quantitative proteomics) methodologies.