The Laboratory of Cellular and Molecular Biology (LCMB) has a long and distinguished history in the study of signal transduction mechanisms that control normal cell growth and, when altered, lead to malignant transformation. Through the 1980s and 1990s many critical signaling molecules including growth factors, growth factor receptors and intracellular transduction molecules were first identified and characterized in the LCMB. The mission of LCMB remains focused on performing cutting-edge, world-class research in this field of biology, and important discoveries continue.  LCMB Investigators focus on defining signaling components and pathways and understanding their regulation. The relationship of signaling to cellular growth and death, transcriptional regulation, mitosis, cellular differentiation and organogenesis, cell adhesion, motility and chemotaxis are more complex topics under investigation. Alterations in signaling leading to oncogenesis, unregulated growth and metastasis are also studied. In all cases the goal LCMB hopes to achieve is outstanding, innovative and high-impact science.

The seven groups in LCMB study a broad area of signaling questions and systems. In brief these include T cell antigen receptor activation; the TGF-beta receptor, Smads and Smurfs; signaling by Wnts and R-spondins; chemotaxis; focal adhesions, nuclear transport and mRNA localization. The investigators have broad expertise in various subjects, extensive technical skills and varied background. This breadth and depth, and the fact that all are interested in the wide area of signal transduction allows for great synergy and interaction. All the groups take a multi-dimensional approach to their work. In vitro and in vivo results are compared. Biochemical, biophysical, cell biologic and genetic techniques are used as needed.  For over two decades there has been a major push in LCMB to acquire and develop state-of-the art microscopic resources. Co-localization of different fluorescent proteins in live cells, photobleaching studies to determine molecular dynamics, fluorescent resonance energy transfer (FRET) and high-resolution microscopy are examples of the imaging techniques used by members of LCMB.