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Molecular and Cellular Biosciences

The Molecular and Cellular Biosciences (MCBS) cluster provides educational and research opportunities related to biochemistry and molecular biology within the Biomedical Sciences Graduate Program at Lewis Katz School of Medicine at Temple University (LKSOM). The Molecular and Cellular Biosciences (MCBS) cluster offers opportunities for PhD, MD/PhD and MS students to become skilled and creative research scientists, providing them with the tools to develop into independent researchers. Graduate training within the MCBS cluster is focused on understanding the structure, function, and regulation of the essential molecules within cells, including proteins, nucleic acids, lipids, and carbohydrates, and to determine their role in the assembly and operation of major cellular entities including protein and enzyme complexes, cellular membranes, chromosomes, organelles, and operational targets for drugs and bioactive agents. The training emphasizes the integration of understanding of molecular structure and function of these at different levels of biological organization including molecules, cells and tissues. The focus of training is to combine basic molecular and cellular studies within a strong translational research emphasis.

In addition to the core curriculum, students are able to take several cluster-based elective courses including Enzymes and Proteins, RNA and Gene Expression, Molecular Physiology of Ion Signaling, and Biophysical Approaches to Research. Students are also expected to participate in the activities of MCBS student seminar and journal clubs which currently include such topics as calcium signaling, caveolae, and musculoskeleton.

Students can select thesis advisors from more than 20 research laboratories. The research areas of the MCBS faculty include cell signaling, growth and differentiation, cellular and molecular pharmacology, stem cells and regeneration, developmental biology, structural biology, membrane biophysics, metabolism, regulation of gene expression, and protein structure and function.

Such training will allow students to gain specialized knowledge and develop skills in cutting-edge molecular, cellular, biochemical, and biophysical technologies that will provide a crucial foundation for undertaking fundamental and translational investigation within the entire spectrum of biomedical research.

Faculty

*Indicates Fox Chase Cancer Center faculty