Cell and Developmental Biology

Cell and Developmental Biology

A cell.

The Cell and Developmental Biology specialization is an integral part of the graduate program in Cell Biology and Molecular Genetics (CBMG). Thus, all prospective students interested in Cell and Developmental Biology should fill out the application form by entering CBMG as the graduate program and Cell and Developmental Biology as the specialization.

A blind cavefish.

Research labs in this specialization study cell and developmental processes using single- and multi-celled model organisms including bacteria, cultured cells, fruit flies, plants, and fish. Plant and animal development, plant cell biology and physiology, signal transduction, and cellular immunology are particular strengths of the faculty within this specialization. Experimental approaches include light and electron microscopy, molecular biology, genetics, and biochemistry. Resources available for cell biological study within CBMG include a state-of-the-art light microscope facility for fluorescence, confocal and deconvolution microscopy.

Confocal microscope.

Faculty in this specialization:

Ibrahim Z. Ades, Professor and Chair of CBMG
Ph.D. University of California, Los Angeles, 1976. Cancer biology and angiogenesis.
Eric Baehrecke, Adjunct Assistant ProfessorPh.D. University of Wisconsin, Madison, 1992. Steroid regulation of gene expression, differentiation, and programmed cell death during insect development.
Caren Chang, Assistant Professor
Ph.D. California Institute of Technology, 1988. Signal transduction and hormonal signaling in Arabidopsis.
Marco Colombini, Affiliate Professor
Ph.D., McGill University, 1974. Structure and mode of action of membrane transport systems; molecular basis for voltage control of channel-forming proteins.
Todd Cooke, Professor
Ph.D. Cornell University, 1979. Plant morphogenesis; development processes in lower vascular plants; origins of biological form.
Margaret de Cuevas, Assistant Professor
Ph.D. Harvard University, 1994. Cell division and differentiation during oogenesis in Drosophila.
Elisabeth Gantt, Professor
Ph.D. Northwestern University, 1958. Cell biology of the photosynthetic apparatus and accessory pigments; physiology of algae.
William Jeffery, Affiliate Professor and Chair of Biology
Ph.D. University of Iowa, 1971. Molecular and cellular mechanisms of sensory organ development; evolution of development.
Zhongchi Liu, Assistant Professor
Ph.D. Harvard University, 1990. Flower development in Arabidopsis.
Ian Mather, Affiliate Professor
Ph.D. University College of North Wales, 1971. Expression and function of mammary glycoproteins.
David Mosser, Professor
Ph.D. North Carolina State University, 1983. Cell and molecular biology of macrophages and dendritic cells; regulation of cytokine gene expression; host defense response to intracellular pathogens.
Stephen Mount, Associate Professor
Ph.D. Yale University, 1983. Pre-mRNA splicing in Drosophila development.
Carol Pontzer, Assistant Professor
Ph.D. Marquette University, 1985. Interferon receptor interactions and gene induction; superantigen structure and function.
Wenxia Song, Assistant Professor
Ph.D. Kansas State University, 1991. Antigen transport and signal transduction functions of the B cell antigen receptor.
Richard Stewart, Assistant Professor
Ph.D. University of Michigan, 1984. Molecular biology of sensory systems and motility in bacteria.
Heven Sze, Professor
Ph.D. Purdue University, 1975. Membrane structure, function, and biogenesis; regulation of solute transport; bioenergetics; proton-and calcium-pumping ATPases in plants.
Stephen Wolniak, Professor
Ph.D. University of California, Berkeley, 1979. Cell division and differentiation during spermiogenesis in Marsilea.

The graduate program in the Cell and Developmental Biology specialization is designed to teach students to think critically, communicate effectively, and develop the research skills required for a successful career as an independent scientist. Both M.S. and Ph.D. students in this specialization follow the first-year program for all entering CBMG graduate students, including core courses, lab rotations, and seminars. After the first year, an advisory committee helps each student to choose the advanced courses that are appropriate for the student's research plans and career objectives. The Admission to Candidacy Exam, in the third year, gives students the opportunity to defend the objectives and intellectual foundations of their dissertation research and to demonstrate an understanding of contemporary cell and developmental biology. Subsequent to this exam, students focus almost entirely on their research.

Advanced courses taught by faculty in the Cell and Developmental Biology specialization include:
CBMG 610 Bioethics (Gantt)
CBMG 615 Membrane Biology (Sze)
CBMG 625 Genetic Approaches to Cell and Developmental Biology (Liu)
CBMG 627 Techniques in Microscopy (Wolniak)
CBMG 630 Advanced Cell Biology Laboratory (Gantt)
CBMG 640 Molecular Genetics of Plants (Chang)
CBMG 645 Advanced Microbial Genetics (Stewart)
CBMG 650 Genomics (Mount)
CBMG 660 Signal Transduction (Stewart)
CBMG 700 Advanced Immunology (Song)
CBMG 705 Advanced Microbial Physiology (Stewart)
CBMG 745 Developmental Mechanisms in Plant Evolution (Cooke)

A fusome.

Several other departments on the campus offer advanced courses that may be relevant to the research interests of students in this specialization.

In addition, graduate students have a good opportunity to improve their communication and interaction skills by serving as teaching assistants for two semesters, as well as by presenting journal papers and their research in formal and informal settings throughout their graduate training. The vast majority of our graduates move on to successful careers in universities, research institutions, or biotechnology companies.

Ceremide.