UC Berkeley’s Department of Molecular & Cell Biology is renowned for its superb caliber of research. From pioneering immunotherapies to the editing of genomes, MCB is generating some of the world’s most innovative breakthroughs.
Interested in learning more about the department's latest scientific discoveries? As IAP members, you can attend a research retreat organized by one our five divisions and pursue potential research collaborations.
Biochemistry, Biophysics and Structural Biology
Faculty of the Division of Biochemistry, Biophysics and Structural Biology (BBS) are engaged in advanced study of the biological chemistry of cellular metabolites; enzymatic catalysis; the structure and function of biological macromolecules, especially nucleic acids and proteins; the supramolecular organization of complex cellular assemblies, including the transcription and DNA replication proteins, biological membranes; and, regulation of biological processes such as chromosomal folding, protein secretion and intracellular signaling. Photo: A single locus coeruleus neuron imaged post fertilization in live zebrafish | Tong Xiao (Chang lab) and Elizabeth Carroll (Isacoff lab).
Cell & Developmental Biology
Faculty of the Division of Cell & Developmental Biology (CDB) pursue research aimed at detailed understanding of: the structure and function of cellular components, such as membranes, organelles, chromosomes and the cytoskeleton; cellular processes, such as epithelial transport, cell motility, mitosis, protein targeting and secretion, stem cell plasticity, and eukaryotic cell cycle control; tumor biology; cellular physiology; the origin of cell polarity; and the molecular and cellular basis for axis formation, morphogenetic movements, fate determination, and gene regulation during embryogenesis and cellular differentiation. Photo: The TIE-DYE technique demonstrates how the same protein (Dpp) can promote growth (large patches) or inhibit growth (small patches) in different parts of the same tissue - the Drosophila wing disc | Hariharan lab.
Genetics, Genomics and Development
Faculty of the Division of Genetics, Genomics and Development (GGD) explore the fundamental mechanisms of genetics, evolution, and development using genetic, molecular, biochemical, computational, and genomic approaches. Interests include the basic mechanisms of transcription, RNA processing, and translation, and their control; structure, function, and evolution of gene regulatory networks; origin and evolution of animal signaling and patterning mechanisms in development; replication, structure, dynamics, and evolution of genomes; embryonic pattern formation and morphogenesis, including the control of cell fate; regulatory mechanisms at the genomic level, including sex determination and dosage compensation genetic and genomic diversity and variation within natural and artificial populations. Photo: Mouse embryo | Harland lab.
Immunology and Pathogenesis
Faculty of the Division of Immunology and Pathogenesis (I&P) conduct advanced research to understand the mouse and human immune system. Various division members are interested in the structure and function of cell surface receptors, the assembly of antigen receptor genes, and other aspects of immune recognition. In addition, we focus upon immune surveillance in cancer, apoptosis, tissue transplantation, autoimmunity and infectious disease. Photo: 12 micron section of the olfactory epithelium from a mouse that received fluorescent T cells (yellow) stained with DAPI (magenta) | Derek Bangs; Robey lab.
Molecular Therapeutics
Faculty in the Division of Molecular Therapeutics (MTx) pursue research to provide an understanding of biochemical and cellular mechanisms that are affected in disease and can be exploited for the development of new therapeutic modalities. This includes research into mechanisms of gene editing and genome engineering; neural development; gene expression; redox signaling; protein folding and degradation; cell growth and survival signaling; or host viral interactions. Faculty in MTx develop new diagnostic, delivery, and therapeutic approaches to detect and target a range of diseases, including sickle cell disease, retinal diseases, neural disease or cancer. These problems are being investigated using biochemical, structural, and cellular approaches, including stem cell and organoid models. The division holds a seminar series with speakers from academia and biotech as well as fireside chats to connect students, postdocs and faculty with the rich biotech environment of the Bay Area. Photo: Cas9 Illustration | Innovative Genomics Institute.
Questions? Contact us...
Program Director | Tanya Sullivan | mcbiap@berkeley.edu | 415-515-6438
MCB Department Chairs | Rebecca Heald & Matthew Welch | mcbchair@berkeley.edu