The faculty in Cell, Developmental and Integrative Biology have developed research programs within, sometimes across, seven broad areas of excellence that include:
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Bioengineering and Regenerative Medicine
Combining the principles, practices, and technologies of biomaterials engineering with medical/biological/ and clinical problem solving, CDIB Bioengineering and Regenerative Medicine seeks to find therapeutic options for tissue diseases and injuries. Ranging from tissue engineering and regeneration, bone scaffolding, and dental implant research–to evaluation of bone grafting procedures, CDIB faculty capitalize on interdisciplinary excellence to develop solutions. The UAB CDIB Program in Bioengineering and Regenerative Medicine is distinct in its close relationship to the Department of Engineering and the School of Medicine–providing researchers and scholars exemplary resources and collaborative opportunities.
CDIB Faculty:
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Cancer Biology
At UAB CDIB, Cancer Biology investigates a broad understanding of the molecular, genetic, cell biological, and pathobiological aspects of cancer. In conjunction with basic and clinical sciences, we combine exploration of the essential tenets of cancer ranging from tumor initiation to metastasis with the pursuit of therapeutic drug discovery. Our goal is to provide graduate students with the tools to contribute to cancer research.
CDIB Faculty:
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Developmental Biology
Developmental biology investigates the ontological processes that begin with egg fertilization culminating in the formation of a well-structured, functional, multicellular organism. At CDIB, developmental biology encompasses the examination of events that lead to structural and/or functional errors known as birth defects or disease. Building on the foundations of classical developmental studies, advances in molecular genetics, molecular biology, immunology, and biochemistry, our faculty are leading the charge to illuminate the molecular mechanisms underlying developmental decisions and resulting influences on structure/function.
CDIB Faculty:
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Fundamental Cell Biology, and Physiology & Biophysics
Rooted in Fundamental Cell Biology, an exceptional combination of faculty at CDIB explore translational problems in Physiology and Biophysics across a wide spectrum. Our faculty integrate the most basic level of physiological exploration, characterizing the behavior of individual ionic species, through ion channels, individual living cells, tissues, organs, culminating with whole organisms. Our research foci include investigating the cellular and molecular physiology inherent in polycystic kidney disease, elucidating causal relationships between inflammation and tissue remodeling in airway cells, exploring effects of inflammatory mediator on CFTR ion channel function, and probing mechanisms that modulate synaptic function and plasticity in the hippocampus and visual cortex.
CDIB Faculty:
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Immunology and Inflammation
UAB CDIB’s faculty incorporate molecular genetics, structural biology, systems biology, and microscopy as tools in their approach to extrapolating the relationships between immunology and inflammation. Their interests range from fundamental mechanisms of neuro-immunology, pathogenic and protective immunity to diseases in which immunity and inflammation play important roles, including kidney injury and repair, autoimmune disease, atherosclerosis, cancer, inflammatory bowel disease, multiple sclerosis, and neurodegenerative diseases.
CDIB Faculty:
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Informatics
CDIB faculty employ advanced informatics tools to enhance the integration of cell biology with computational techniques, addressing complex biological questions and health challenges. Their expertise spans from molecular and cellular mechanisms in disease pathogenesis to the identification of therapeutic targets and biomarkers. This interdisciplinary approach facilitates a deep understanding of disease processes at the genetic, molecular, and cellular levels, contributing to innovative solutions in biotechnology and precision medicine. Our faculty are at the forefront of developing and applying bioinformatics strategies to elucidate the interactions between various cellular systems and their roles in health and disease, including studies on neurodegenerative disorders, cancer biology, and genomic medicine.
CDIB Faculty:
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Neurobiology and Neurological Disease
Neurobiology and Neuroscience research at UAB CDIB explores the combined basics of neurobiology, physiology, and degeneration. Synaptic density and transmission, satiation responses, cognition and aging, and demylination, are just a few examples of research areas within our Neurobiology/Neurological Disease Program. Our diverse faculty focus on diseases such as dementia, Alzheimer’s disease, learning and memory, and multiple other neurological-based diseases.
CDIB Faculty: