Each living cell senses and integrates external cues and makes corresponding responses. The cellular responses are mediated by a complex network of intertwined signalling pathways, molecular transport systems in the cell, and gene regulation. MCB labs conduct research in several related areas: Genes and genomes must be properly replicated and maintained, and cells have elaborate control mechanisms and DNA repair pathways to respond to damage or other stimuli. Genes must be properly expressed, ultimately generating the proteins and other molecules that "do the work" of the cell. And proteins must be maintained in an active state, and degraded when appropriate, as aberrant protein levels and/or function can be extremely detrimental to the cell. Despite decades of research in these areas, we have only begun to scratch the surface of the complex mechanisms and signaling that control our genes. Furthermore, although this is research into the fundamentals of biology, much of this work relates to human disease including, among others, cancer and neurodegenerative disease.
Faculty with primary research interest: Ross Buchan, Nancy Horton, Andrew Paek,
Faculty with secondary research interest: Andrew Capaldi, Pascale Charest, Ryan Gutenkunst, Keith Maggert, Lisa Nagy, Joyce Schroeder, Frans Tax, Guang Yao, Claire McWhite