The mission for Penn Vet’s division of Cell and Molecular Biology (CMB) is to resolve the basic molecular mechanisms that ensure proper cell, tissue and organ development and function.
Particular focus is given to resolving critical cellular mechanisms that, when defective, cause animal and human diseases, such as cancer, cardiovascular disease and immunological and metabolic disorders.
The School’s CMB laboratories study a diverse range of topics using a variety of model organisms, including yeast, flies, frogs, tissue culture cells, mice, rats and dogs. Current research topics include signal transduction, cell cycle regulation, oncogenesis, chromatin remodeling, regulation of gene expression, mitochondrial function, cytoskeletal regulation, cellular morphogenesis, immunology, germ cell development, stem cell maintenance and embryonic development.
Many CMB principle investigators are also members of Penn Vet’s various research centers, including:
In addition, each CMB investigator plays an integral role in veterinary and post-graduate education. CMB investigators are particularly active in teaching the basic principles of Veterinary Anatomy, Biochemistry, Developmental Biology, Histology, Pharmacology and Physiology to veterinary students.