The research activities of the Department of Biological Chemistry span several topics in the life sciences with overlapping interests. The common thread connecting these activities is the study of proteins in key biological processes ranging from transport across membranes and signal transduction, to gene expression and DNA repair. The department has more than 30 research groups whose activities are centered around the following five foci of interest:
- Protein science, including protein-protein interactions, protein-ligand interactions, and evolution of enzymes.
- Proteins involved in controlling DNA stability, repair and expression of genetic information.
- Structure and function of ion channels, pumps and other proteins that transport solutes across the cell membrane.
- Mechanisms by which proteins and lipids are transported from their point of synthesis, sorted, and inserted into various organelles.
- Signal transduction processes in bacteria, vertebrate, and invertebrate organisms, as well as molecular pathogenesis.
A variety of methodologies are being utilized, with an emphasis on biochemistry, biophysics, and molecular genetics. Additional information can be obtained in the department's Home Page.
Current research department:
Department of Biomolecular Sciences
History research department:
Biological Chemistry
Effective Start Date:
January, 2002
Effective End Date:
December, 2002