Cell and Developmental Biology
In the department
The Department of Cell and Developmental Biology deals with research on the structure and function of cells and tissues, from the isolated cell to the global development of living organisms. The development of a mature multi-cell organism from a single cell (fertilized egg) holds some of biology's greatest secrets, and is at the forefront of biological and molecular research in the world and in the department. Understanding these processes and using the most up-to-date scientific research techniques will enable us to understand and find treatment for many illnesses for which there is currently no known cure, and chiefly cancer.
The Department of Cell and Development Biology is involved in extensive teaching and research work:
- Department members are active in the various teaching programs of the School of Medicine – cell and developmental biology, histology (study of tissue structure) and embryology (study of the fetus).
- The department has nine research groups. The research is mostly aimed at understanding the normal processes which are damaged in such disease as cancer, AIDS, and allergies, and abnormal fetal development.
- The research groups use innovative and complex techniques such as molecular genetics, biotechnology, genomics (gene research), and protein research.
- Faculty members' research could result in treatment for:
- Hematology – besides boosting the immune system and treatment for anemia – the research deals with the hormone erythropoietin which is responsible for producing red blood cells.
- Cancer – members of the department investigate the molecular mechanisms responsible for resistance of cancer cells to treatment, in order to develop ways of weakening the cells' defenses and boosting their response to treatment.
- HIV virus – The involvement of viral enzymes and proteins in the infection process is studied, in order to suppress their activity.
- Asthma and allergies – Intracellular processes in stems cells responsible for allergies are targeted by the researchers.
