Molecular Cell and Developmental Biology
The Division of Molecular, Cell and Developmental Biology (MCDB) consists of research groups with interests in molecular biology, cell biology, and developmental biology.
The central dogma of molecular biology relates to the flow of genetic information from DNA (the storage site) to RNA (the messenger), which in turn acts as a template for protein synthesis. These fundamental processes are regulated precisely in cells that form building blocks of tissues within our bodies. They underpin differences in cells of different tissue types and are altered in disease.
Research in the division therefore spans biology at different scales from molecules to cells and tissues and explores relevance across these levels to human diseases. Our activities include exploring the molecular basis of genetic programs (DNA replication, transcription, epigenetics, splicing and translation); understanding the mechanisms of sub-cellular organisation and dynamics (chromosome inheritance, cell polarity, membrane traffic) and revealing the principles of cellular differentiation and how tissues and organs are formed.
To facilitate our research, we have established shared resources for advanced technologies including Microscopy, Human Pluripotent Cell culture, Proteomics, and High Content screening. We find that collaboration is an effective and enjoyable way of working across scales and facilitating the translation of our discoveries.
Facilities
Facilities within the School of Life Sciences that are led by principal investigators within MCDB:
Human Pluripotent Stem Cell Facility
FingerPrints Proteomics and Mass Spectrometry Facility
Stories
![Ingo Hein, Jens Januschke and Stephen Land. Marios Stavridis and Susan Wyllie](http://cdn-acquia.dundee.ac.uk/sites/default/files/styles/card/public/2024-06/Professors-SLS-2024.jpg?itok=ZFr8uIKA&h=b342b868)
News
Ingo Hein, Jens Januschke, Stephen Land, Marios Stavridis and Susan Wyllie have been promoted to Personal Chair (Professor) as part of the 2023-24 Annual Review process for academic and research staff.
![Julian Blow](http://cdn-acquia.dundee.ac.uk/sites/default/files/styles/card/public/2023-03/Julian_blow.jpg?itok=hGPkMdyh&h=1c9c7ccc)
News
Professor Julian Blow, Dean of School is leaving the School of Life Sciences to join the University of East Anglia as Pro Vice Chancellor Research.
![Gabrielle Asamoah and Nneka Igwebuike](http://cdn-acquia.dundee.ac.uk/sites/default/files/styles/card/public/2024-04/Gabrielle%20Asamoah%20and%20Nneka%20Igwebuike.jpg?itok=CJi5crbf)
News
The School of Life Sciences (SLS) have recently welcomed the first two recipients of scholarships for Black British students on our Masters by Research (MbR) course.
News
Review of the Year 2023 took place this week with the Dean, Julian Blow sharing the highlights of activity within the School from 2023.
![Prof Christopher Barratt](http://cdn-acquia.dundee.ac.uk/sites/default/files/styles/card/public/2020-03/Chris%20Barratt.jpg?itok=pgC4lpbL)
Press release
Ground-breaking research into new forms of contraception have been boosted significantly with new support.