Molecular and Cellular Physiology

MCP Research

We view cell physiology broadly, drawing on cell biology, biophysics, bioengineering, genetics, neuroscience, physiology or other disciplines. Four research focus areas stand out among our faculty research labs in the department.  These areas not only contribute to fundamental biological knowledge but can have significant translational potential for developing new therapies and improving human health.

 

Cell Signaling & Receptors

Understanding how cells use receptors (like G-protein-coupled receptors and ion channels) to sense signals and trigger responses. Researchers explore the structure and function of these proteins to reveal how signals convert into cellular actions.

Featured Labs:

Brian K. Kobilka
Ruth Huttenhain
Richard S. Lewis
K. Christopher Garcia
Merritt Maduke
Tino Pleiner

'R. Lewis, Calcium Store Depletion'

 

Neuroscience & Synaptic Physiology

Unraveling the molecular basis of brain function - how neurons communicate at synapses, how sensory inputs are converted to electrical signals, and how processes like brain development, learning, and memory arise from synaptic plasticity.  

Featured Labs:

Thomas C. Sudhof
Axel T. Brunger
Daniel V. Madison
Miriam B. Goodman

' A. Brunger, Calcium Triggering'

 

Structural & Biophysical Biology

Using structural biology and biophysics to see life’s machinery in atomic detail. By determining the 3D structures of key biomolecules and measuring their dynamics, MCP scientists establish new paradigms of how molecular structure enables function.

Featured Labs:

Axel T. Brunger
Brian K. Kobilka
K. Christopher Garcia
Liang Feng
Merritt Maduke
Steven Chu

'K. C. Garcia, Cell surface receptor- ligand recognition and activation'

 

Cellular Dynamics & Networks

Investigating how cells organize internally and interact in tissues. Topics include how vesicles traffic signals inside cells, how cell polarity and adhesion are regulated, and how cells coordinate within organs.

Featured Labs: 

Lucy O'Brien
Tino Pleiner
Miriam B. Goodman
Richard S. Lewis
Merritt Maduke 

'L. O'Brien, Fly Gut'

 

Research Specifics

Cutting-edge Techniques and ApproachesDiseases of Interest
  • Electrophysiology
  • Electron and advanced light microscopy
  • NMR, EPR and DEER spectroscopy
  • Computational research and machine learning approaches
  • X-ray crystallography
  • CryoEM/ET - protein and cells
  • Mass spectroscopy
  • Calcium functional imaging
  • Proteomics
  • Fluorescence Microscopy
  • Genetic Manipulation
  • Alzheimer's
  • Autism
  • Cancer
  • Depression
  • Diabetes
  • Heart disease
  • Obesity
  • Parkinson's
  • Renal failure
  • Sensory Neuropathy