Cellular Processes

The Cellular Systems Cluster, one of three thematic areas within the Division of Molecular and Cellular Biosciences, supports research, across all taxa, into the structure and organization of cells and the dynamics of cellular processes.  Cell Biology is at a juncture where powerful new techniques in microscopy and biophysics (including live cell imaging, and the ability to study molecular function and behavior in the cell at high resolution, down to the single molecule level) are advancing rapidly.  At the same time, modeling and computational approaches have developed to the point where they can, in concert with accurate and informative experimental datasets, generate predictive models that can be tested experimentally. The Cellular Systems cluster is interested not only in traditional areas of cell biology (such as the organization, function, and dynamics of membranes, organelles and other subcellular compartments, and intracellular and transmembrane signal transduction mechanisms and cell-cell signaling processes) but also in the development of quantitative, theory-driven approaches to cell biology that integrate experimental studies at the molecular genetic, biochemical, biophysical, transcriptomic and proteomic levels.  Network theory (e.g., as applied to signal transduction) and molecular dynamic modeling (e.g., as applied to the structure/function relationships of cellular structures) are also of particular interest. While proposals using approaches and model systems traditional in the field of cell biology are welcome, studies focused on novel, unique approaches and on non-traditional model organisms are encouraged.

Program Directors:

Richard Rodewald. Cellular organization, compartmentation, biogenesis of organelles and regulation.