Cell Regulation Graduate Program

Overview

The Graduate Program in Cell Regulation offers a broad spectrum of training opportunities for the study of signal transduction mechanisms facilitating intracellular and intercellular communication.  Current research within the Cell Regulation Program focuses on the structures and functions of important molecules such as receptors, second messengers, adhesion proteins, and cytoskeletal elements; cellular organelles including the nucleus, endoplasmic reticulum, Golgi apparatus, peroxisome, lysosome, and plasma membrane; and sorting and processing of secretory and membrane-associated proteins. In this way, the regulatory mechanisms by which cells interpret and respond to signals generated by nutrients, hormones, neurotransmitters, physical stimuli, and specialized cell to cell contact systems are explored.  The program strives to offer the highest quality training for students who wish to pursue the Ph.D. degree and maintain active careers in research and teaching. In addition to course work, intensive training in the development of independent research projects is stressed.

All students who have performed satisfactorily in the First Year Curriculum are qualified to enter the Cell Regulation Program.  The program is broken into two Training Tracks, which have both common and unique requirements.  In addition, the program administers an area of emphasis in pharmacological sciences that is open to students from all of the basic science graduate programs.

      Cell Signaling Training Track
      Cell Biology Training Track
      Emphasis on Pharmacological Sciences

A common feature of the program that promotes additional contact with faculty in a broad range of related biological fields is the joint student journal clubs offered with the program in Biological Chemistry.  For more information on the Cell Regulation Graduate Program, including specific details on required coursework, journal clubs and works-in-progress, please visit the web sites for the Cell Signaling or Cell Biology training tracks, or contact Carla Childers, Program Administrator.