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 collabortations. 

 

Biochemistry, Biophysics and Structural Biology

Cell Biology, Development and Physiology

Genetics, Genomics, Evolution and Development

Immunology and Molecular Medicine

Neurobiology

Search Faculty Research Descriptions

 

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.

Neurobiology

Faculty in the Division of Neurobiology (NEU) engage in advanced research in neuroscience from the molecular to the integrative and computational levels. Specific topics under investigation include: molecular and biophysical analysis of ion channels; receptors and signal transduction mechanisms; formation and plasticity of synapses; control of neural cell fate and pattern formation; neuronal growth-cone guidance, target recognition and regeneration; mechanisms of sensory processing in the visual, auditory, olfactory and gustatory systems; and development and function of neural networks. Photo: Fluorescence image of retinal neurons virally transfected with red fluorescence protein at an early stage of development and free fluorescent protein at a later stage of development | Flannery lab.

 

Return to IAP Homepage

 

Questions? Contact us...

Program Director | Tanya Sullivan | mcbiap@berkeley.edu | 415-515-6438

MCB Department Chairs | Rebecca Heald & Matthew Welch | mcbchair@berkeley.edu