Departments BASIC SCIENCE Biochemistry and Molecular Biology CHAIR: Patricia Kane, PhD Postdoctoral Fellow, Institute of Molecular Biology, University of Oregon PhD: Cornell University, 1987
The Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Department’s faculty research covers a wide range of topics including structural biology, bioenergetics, biophysics, cell signaling and cell biology. We have a particular interest in membrane proteins and transport, nucleic acid binding proteins, and oxidative stress, often using model systems in investigations. These studies impact a number of human diseases, ranging from cancer to neurodegenerative disorders. The department continues to have a strong record of extramural research funding, primarily from NIH. The department is home to core facilities including the cryo-electron microscopy and mass spectrometry cores.
This year, Dr. Alaji Bah was selected as SUNY Upstate’s first Pew Scholar; his research on “intrinsically disordered proteins” has important implications for cancer and neurodegenerative diseases. Dr. Xin Jie Chen received the SUNY Chancellor’s Award for Excellence in Scholarship and Creative Activities for his research on how problems importing proteins into mitochondria, the “powerhouses” of the cell, can lead to aging and neurodegeneration. Dr. Bruce Knutson was selected for the President’s Award for Excellence in Basic Research by a Young Investigator for his work on the enzyme RNA polymerase III which could help explain why certain mutations in this enzyme cause developmental defects. The Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Department hosts a vibrant graduate program. The program currently has 41 graduate students who are working toward their Ph.D. degrees in labs from multiple departments, including Urology, Medicine, Ophthalmology and Visual Science, and Biochemistry.
Cell and Developmental Biology INTERIM CHAIR: Margaret Maimone PhD PhD: Washington University, 1990
Our department has two core missions: research and education. Our research advances the understanding of fundamental molecular and biochemical mechanisms of cellular function and development, while our teaching is focused on the anatomical sciences as well as cell and developmental biology. The aim of our training and educational programs is to apply biological knowledge to critical medical problems and empower the next generation of scientists, clinicians, and educators. Research in the Department of Cell and Developmental Biology explores the molecular and biochemical mechanisms of cellular function and development in several exciting areas including cancer biology, cardiovascular development and disease, skeletal muscle development, kidney disease, immune response, and leukocyte 40 SUNY UPSTATE MEDICAL UNIVERSITY
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inflammatory phenotype. Other areas include understanding the mechanisms regulating actin cytoskeletal dynamics during endocytosis and cell migration, studying cell adhesion regulation, and analyzing the biology of oligodendroglia and myelin formation during development, remyelination and repair in spinal cord injury and multiple sclerosis. One of the core areas of our education mission is to provide cadaver-based gross anatomy education to medical students (years 1, 3 and 4), residents and fellows in the College of Medicine, as well as to students in the colleges of Health Professions and Graduate Studies. Gross Anatomy is taught in small groups allowing for active learning strategies and more personalized education. During the pandemic, laboratory-based gross anatomy was taught safely by reducing the number of students in the lab and delivering instruction multiple times, ensuring that our learners received a high-quality anatomy education.
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