The Department of Genetics, Cell Biology and Development comprises faculty from both the Medical School and the College of Biological Sciences. Faculty members are engaged in research in three key disciplines of the department—genetics, cell biology, and developmental biology. Research topics in these key disciplines are listed below.

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microscope

Genetics

Fundamental genetic mechanisms such as DNA and chromosome replication, DNA repair, recombination, and transposition; Gene expression and the many factors and circumstances that regulate it; Genomics--the analysis of whole genomes from both structural and functional viewpoints; Human genetics and genetic counseling.

biology

Cell Biology

Interactions between cells, properties of cell membranes, molecular transport into and within cells, cell signaling processes; Control of the cell cycle, regulation of cell division; Cell structure and function, organelles, components of the cytoskeleton, cell motility.

biology research

Developmental Biology

Developmental mechanisms, specification of cell fates; Cellular differentiation, formation of tissues and organs.

Close up of C elegans

Six Nobel Laureates and colleagues make the case that funding for shared research resources sustains discovery.

Kate Adamala

A collaboration supported by the Department of Defense is advancing the safe development of emerging cell-free technologies.

Portraits of Hiroshi Nakato, Lihsia Chen, and James Dutton

The Minnesota Functional Omics Resource accelerates the pathway from genetic discovery to clinical treatment.

Adam Engelhart

Aaron Engelhart receives a National Science Foundation CAREER Award in support of his work on nucleic acids.

Ellen Demerath and Kelsey Johnson

New research shines light on genetic basis of human milk composition and how that influences infants.

BTL 10 year's of teaching celebratory graphic

Teaching Assistant Professor Emily Flynn shares the benefits of a joint-department teaching position.