Research: Dept. of Molecular Pathobiology

Cell Signaling | Inflammation | Pain | Cancer

Cell signaling is a fundamentally important process whereby cells sense and respond to cues or stimuli from the external environment.

Research in the Department of Molecular Pathobiology investigates many aspects of cell signaling. Groups are investigating the structure, function and regulation of G protein-coupled receptors and receptor tyrosine kinases and are analyzing intracellular signaling pathways in subcellular compartments. We use a wide range of approaches and cutting-edge methodologies to elucidate how these signaling events regulate physiological and pathophysiological processes. Our research provides a fundamental understanding of health and disease processes and may translate into new and improved treatments for several diseases.

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Infection & Immunity

Bacteria, viruses, fungi and parasites can all cause infectious diseases. Although these organisms live in or on our bodies and are often harmless or even beneficial, under certain conditions they cause disease.

Research in the Department of Molecular Pathobiology seeks to understand how bacteria and viruses can cause disease, and to develop new approaches for detection of infection.

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Saxena Lab | Levy Lab | Malamud Lab

Skeletal & Craniofacial Biology

Our understanding of bone and oral biology has advanced significantly in the past two decades. Basic research of skeletal biology has been driven largely by increased awareness of the prevalence of osteoporosis and its social and economic impact on society.

Research in the Department of Molecular Pathobiology focuses on the fundamental regulatory mechanisms of skeletal and craniofacial growth, metabolism, and aging and is aimed at developing treatments for skeletal and craniofacial diseases. We use state-of-the-art imaging technologies, along with novel animal models and various molecular tools to study the fundamental pathways related to clinical skeletal and craniofacial abnormalities.

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Developmental Biology

How does an organism composed of trillions of cells develop from a single fertilized egg cell? How do cells that contain the same genetic material differentiate from one another during development and form specialized tissues and complex organs?

Research in the Department of Molecular Pathobiology seeks to address these fundamental questions by studying the molecular mechanisms underlying development of the head and spine.

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Jeong Lab | Di Gregorio Lab | Saint-Jeannet Lab

Biological Anthropology

Biological anthropology is a research focus of several faculty in the Department of Molecular Pathobiology. This ranges from the study of the behavior and ecology of extant primates to the exploration of hominin and non-human primate evolution. This research has implications for the understanding of human cognition, as well as processes of human skeletal and dental growth and pathology.