Cell & Molecular Biology

Departmental Focus

The Department of Cell and Molecular Biology at St. Jude was established in 2014 to enhance and expand the institution’s commitment to basic biologic discovery. Current areas of research include elucidating the molecular mechanisms that govern RNA granule dynamics and those that regulate autophagy and mRNA translation. We are also working to illuminate the Hedgehog-signaling pathway and identify those mechanisms that underlie mitochondrial dynamics. A broad array of experimental platforms and approaches, ranging from comprehensive genomics and proteomics, to advanced cellular and computational biology, and genetic model systems are used in support of these efforts.

The department, which is closely integrated with all other St. Jude departments conducting basic research, also facilitates the introduction of cutting-edge cell and molecular biological approaches and technologies to the St. Jude community. Thus, the Department of Cell and Molecular Biology is at the forefront of St. Jude’s efforts to elucidate normal cellular functions and determine how those functions are impaired in disease. We believe that this knowledge is essential to St. Jude’s mission of preventing, treating, and finding cures for catastrophic illnesses of children.