Cellular and Molecular Biosciences

The Department of Molecular & Cellular Biosciences focuses on the molecular and cellular mechanisms that underpin life, driven by the aspiration to leverage this knowledge for enhancing human health and fostering sustainability. Our department promotes a unique environment of fundamental and translational laboratories dedicated to unraveling fundamental biological processes and developing new therapies.

Our research encompasses the structures and interactions that govern the assembly of macromolecular complexes and cellular machinery, facilitating crucial molecular recognition events. Utilizing advanced structural, computational, and chemical biology approaches, we investigate macromolecular complexes involved in DNA replication, transposition, genome integrity, cell signaling, adhesion, cytoskeleton dynamics, antibiotic resistance, immune evasion and the complement system.
These processes are vital for organizing and maintaining the integrity of complex cellular and extracellular structures and processes. Accordingly, our department studies gene expression and gene transfer, epigenetics, chromosome structure and dynamics, intracellular trafficking, energy metabolism, cell division, infection and immunity.

In addition, our department aims to understand, target and reprogram essential processes in human diseases and microbial systems through drug discovery and biological systems chemistry, vaccine and antibody development, advanced cellular therapies, exploring the cell-biomaterial interface and synthetic biology.
Our commitment to academic excellence extends beyond research. We offer advanced training in state-of-the-art scientific areas aligned with our research goals, equipping students with the knowledge and skills necessary to make significant contributions to the life sciences.

The Department of Molecular & Cellular Biosciences is a dynamic and collaborative environment where researchers work together to push the boundaries of our understanding of life mechanisms at the molecular and cellular levels. Our ultimate goal is to translate this knowledge into tangible resources that can improve human health and promote sustainability for generations to come. In this line, our department has a growing portfolio of innovative vaccines, biomaterials and therapies.

HEAD OF DEPARTMENT: Cristina Vega