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Research Areas
Research in CMB affords students access to a rich diversity of research comprising major areas of modern biology. These broadly defined research areas are described below, and lists of the associated faculty highlight the various strengths and interconnections within and between these areas of research. In addition, more specific information is provided by links to the individual faculty web pages. An alphabetical list of all CMB faculty is also available.
Biophysical and Structural Biology
The primary research focus of this group is the elucidation of the three-dimensional
structures, functional properties, and assemblages of biological macromolecules
by means of biophysical techniques (e.g., X-ray crystallography, cryoelectron
microscopy, electron diffraction, computational modeling, EPR and NMR spectroscopy).
This research effort is part of the interdepartmental Structural Biology
Program, which is based in the Institute of Molecular Biophysics. Additional
research areas of faculty in this group include NMR imaging and cellular
diffusion measurements, membrane biophysics, and molecular/cell biology.
Students have access to a variety of superb research facilities housed in
the Institute of Molecular Biophysics, Department of Biological Science,
and nearby National High Magnetic Field Laboratory. The Department of Biological
Science faculty listed in this group may also be members of a separately
funded Molecular Biophysics Program, an interdepartmental graduate training
program.
- George W. Bates
Plant cell and molecular biology; cell fusion, transformation, recombinant DNA, and plant cell culture.
- P. Bryant Chase
Biomechanics of cardiac and skeletal muscle.
- W. Ross Ellington
Structure, function, and evolution of enzymes.
- Debra A. Fadool
Olfactory signal transduction; ion channel structure-function; neuromodulation.
- Peter Fajer
Muscle contraction; structure-function of proteins; cellular physiology.
- Betty Jean Gaffney
Magnetic resonance of proteins, lipid mediator mechanisms, metal ion regulation.
- Laura R. Keller
Molecular genetics; signal transduction and regulation of gene expression.
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Cell Structure, Function, and Motility
Research groups in this area focus their research efforts on understanding
the molecular morphology and dynamics of nuclei, flagella, muscle, and nonmuscle
cell-motility systems. These groups use a variety of experimental approaches
(e.g., sophisticated light and electron microscopy, molecular biology, genetics,
protein biochemistry, NMR) to gain greater understanding of the structural
components, molecular organization, assembly, and movement of dynamic systems
in vertebrate and invertebrate animal cells, plant cells, and unicellular
algae. Graduate students in this area benefit from use, for their
research projects, of state-of-the-art equipment in the departmental Biological
Science Imaging Resource (BSIR), Molecular Cloning Facility, and Hybridoma
Facility and at the National High Magnetic Field Laboratory.
- Hank W. Bass
Meiosis in higher plants; telomere dynamics; molecular cytology; maize genomics.
- P. Bryant Chase
Biomechanics of cardiac and skeletal muscle.
- Wu-Min Deng
Cell-cell communication, cell-extracellular martix interaction, Cell Polarity, Drosophila genetics and development, Drosophila model for muscular dystrophy.
- W. Ross Ellington
Biochemical adaptation; enzyme structure, function, and evolution.
- Peter Fajer
Muscle contraction; structure-function of proteins; cellular physiology.
- David Gilbert
Eukaryotic Chromosome Replication and Genome Plasticity.
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- Laura R. Keller
Molecular genetics; signal transduction and regulation of gene expression.
- Thomas C.S. Keller
Cell and molecular biology of the cytoskeleton; cytoskeleton regulation and energetics.
- Thomas M. Roberts
Cell motility and the cytoskeleton.
- Kenneth A. Taylor
Macromolecular structure determination by 3-D electron microscopy; structure of muscle and muscle proteins.
- Dr. Hong-Guo Yu
Chromosome structural formation, meiotic recombination and genomic integrity.
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Cellular and Organismal Physiology
Cellular and organismal physiology focuses on the normal vital processes
of organisms. Research is directed at identifying biochemical, biophysical,
molecular, genetic, and behavioral correlates of normal functioning at the
subcellular, cellular, or whole-organism level. Examples of research
by this group include the study of muscle and nonmuscle motility systems
(e.g., muscle energetics, structure/function of cytoskeletal proteins), cellular
enzymatic processes (e.g., cellular energy metabolism, selective enzymatic
oxidation of fatty acids), membrane protein trafficking, and stomatal-aperture
regulation. Clarification of such processes provides insight into both normal
physiology and host mechanisms that protect against pathological states. Other
research is directed at clarifying means by which cells communicate by means
of ion channels, signal transduction, synaptic transmission, and the regulation
of hormone secretion. In addition, some laboratories investigate aspects
of sensory systems, including neural encoding and integration of chemoreception,
synaptic transmission in the olfactory bulb, and molecular, genetic, and
behavioral correlates of taste aversion.
- P. Bryant Chase
Biomechanics of cardiac and skeletal muscle.
- Wu-Min Deng
Cell-cell communication, cell-extracellular martix interaction, Cell Polarity, Drosophila genetics and development, Drosophila model for muscular dystrophy.
- W. Ross Ellington
Cellular energy metabolism.
- Debra Fadool
Olfactory signal transduction; ion channel structure-function; neuromodulation.
- Peter Fajer
Muscle contraction; structure-function of proteins; cellular physiology.
- Marc E. Freeman
Reproductive neuroendocrinology; hypothalmic control of pituitary function.
- Betty Jean Gaffney
Magnetic resonance of proteins, lipid mediator mechanisms, metal ion regulation.
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Developmental Biology and Gene Expression
This group's research focuses on the molecular bases of gene function and
processes that control development. Its faculty use classical, modern,
and unique model systems to analyze the mechanistic bases of gene expression
and regulation, to establish relationships between the structure and function
of gene products, and to investigate how organisms integrate multiple signals
during development. Well-staffed core facilities in the Department
of Biological Science, close work with associated departments/programs (e.g.,
the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, the Institute of Molecular
Biophysics, the National High Magnetic Field Laboratory), and new initiatives
in computational biology and medical sciences afford access to state-of-the-art
research technologies. In addition to emphasizing day-to-day interactions
between students and faculty advisors, joint lab meetings and topical seminar
series allow faculty and students to present and critique the latest research.
The group's laboratories provide excellent breadth and balance in graduate
and postgraduate training.
- Hank W. Bass
Meiosis in higher plants; telomere dynamics; molecular cytology; maize genomics.
- George W. Bates
Plant cell and molecular biology; cell fusion, transformation, recombinant DNA, and plant cell culture.
- Wu-Min Deng
Cell-cell communication, cell-extracellular martix interaction, Cell Polarity, Drosophila genetics and development, Drosophila model for muscular dystrophy.
- Lloyd M. Epstein
Eukaryotic molecular genetics; autocatalytic processing of RNA; genome organization and evolution.
- James M. Fadool
Developmental biology; cellular and genetic analysis of visual system development.
- David Gilbert
Eukaryotic Chromosome Replication and Genome Plasticity.
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- Kathryn M. Jones
- Laura R. Keller
Molecular genetics; signal transduction and regulation of gene expression.
- Thomas C.S. Keller
Cell and molecular biology of the cytoskeleton; cytoskeleton regulation and energetics.
- William H. Outlaw
Plant physiology.
- Hengli Tang
Virus-host cell interactions; Cell biology of HCV replication; Cellular co-factors for HIV and HCV infection.
- Dr.
Hong-Guo Yu
Chromosome structural formation, meiotic recombination and genomic integrity.
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Microbiology, Virology, and Immunology
The Microbiology and Immunology group has widely ranging research interests.
The study of yeast genetics includes the construction of yeast-human hybrid
genes (e.g., human cystic fibrosis gene) whose gene products can be assayed
in yeast cells. Research related to bacteria includes the isolation, characterization,
and/or analysis of bacteria from diverse environments, including extreme
(e.g. dry desserts of Sahara, Antarctic), subsurface, and marine environments.
Analysis of bacteria from subsurface environments often reveals unusual growth
properties, and several isolates are candidates for bioremediation. In addition,
the study of marine pathogenic bacteria, primarily from the Vibrionaciae,
has facilitated the development of rapid noncultural assays using DNA probes.
Some research focuses on ribosomal and transfer RNA genes in bacteria, including
their organization and expression. Immunology research is similarly diverse,
including structural studies of antibodies and HIV-1 envelope proteins, functional
studies of unusual antibody forms, and the characterization of food allergens.
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- Hengli Tang
Virus-host cell interactions; Cell biology of HCV replication; Cellular co-factors for HIV and HCV infection.
- Kenneth
A. Taylor
Macromolecular structure determination by 3-D electron microscopy; structure
of muscle and muscle proteins.
- Fanxiu Zhu
Kaposi's sarcoma-associated herpesvirus (KSHV); cell and molecular biology of human DNA tumor virus; viral strategies of immune evasion.
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Molecular Biology, Genetics, and Genomics
This group's research focuses on how genetic information is used and regulated
at the molecular, cellular, and in some cases, whole-animal level. Its faculty
use forward and reverse genetics to define gene function in organisms ranging
from microbes to mammals. Experimental approaches include classical
genetic screens, molecular analyses of gene structure and function, functional
genomics, and microscopy. Interlaboratory activities (e.g., joint lab
meetings, departmental seminars, topical seminar series) promote faculty
and student interactions while enhancing close working relations with associated
departments and programs (e.g., the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry,
Institute of Molecular Biophysics, Structural Biology Program, the National
High Magnetic Field Laboratory, and the Department of Biomedical Sciences). Students
gain direct access, for their research, to state-of-the-art technologies
provided by the Department of Biological Science core facilities. The
group also emphasizes high-quality, nationally competitive research and diversity
of laboratories and research styles while providing balance and breadth in
graduate and postdoctoral training.
- Hank W. Bass
Meiosis in higher plants; telomere dynamics; molecular cytology; maize genomics.
- George W. Bates
Plant cell and molecular biology; cell fusion, transformation, recombinant DNA, and plant cell culture.
- Wu-Min Deng
Cell-cell communication, cell-extracellular martix interaction, Cell Polarity, Drosophila genetics and development, Drosophila model for muscular dystrophy.
- Lloyd M. Epstein
Eukaryotic molecular genetics; autocatalytic processing of RNA; genome organization and evolution.
- Debra A. Fadool
Olfactory signal transduction; ion channel structure-function; neuromodulation.
- James M. Fadool
Developmental biology; cellular and genetic analysis of visual system development
- David Gilbert
Eukaryotic Chromosome Replication and Genome Plasticity.
- David Houle
Evolutionary and population genetics.
- Kathryn M. Jones
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- Laura R. Keller
Molecular genetics; signal transduction and regulation of gene expression.
- Thomas C.S. Keller
Cell and molecular biology of the cytoskeleton; cytoskeleton regulation and energetics.
- Lisa C. Lyons
Signaling and circadian modulation regulating associative memory
- William H. Outlaw
Plant physiology.
- Robert H. Reeves
Bacterial genetics and phylogeny; rRNA gene structure and function.
- Hengli Tang Virus-host cell interactions; Cell biology of HCV replication;
Cellular co-factors for HIV and HCV infection.
- Dr. Hong-Guo Yu
Chromosome structural formation, meiotic recombination and genomic integrity.
- Fanxiu Zhu
Kaposi's sarcoma-associated herpesvirus (KSHV); cell and molecular biology of human DNA tumor virus; viral strategies of immune evasion.
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Neuroscience
Neuroscience, the study of brain and nervous-system function, encompasses
many of the unanswered questions about the nature of humans and other species.
The FSU neuroscience group has traditional strengths in sensory processes. The
group is currently supplemented by research and instruction in the biophysics
and electrophysiology of excitable cells, neurotransmitter and neurohormone
action, neural development and plasticity, circadian rhythms, feeding and
regulatory processes, and the genetic and molecular bases of neurobiology
and behavior. The Department of Biological Science faculty listed in the
neuroscience group are also members of a separately funded interdepartmental
research and graduate training Program in Neuroscience.
- Debra A. Fadool
Olfactory signal transduction; ion channel structure-function; neuromodulation.
- James M. Fadool
Developmental biology; cellular and genetic analysis of visual system development.
- Marc E. Freeman
Reproductive neuroendocrinology; hypothalamic control of pituitary function.
- Thomas A. Houpt
Molecular neurobiology of learning and memory in food intake; conditioned taste aversion.
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- Lisa C. Lyons
Signaling and circadian modulation regulating associative memory
- Michael Meredith
Sensory physiology; chemical communication; computer modeling.
- Paul Q. Trombley
Olfaction; synaptic physiology and plasticity; ion channel modulation.
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Plant Biology
Research opportunities in plant biology are diverse but focus on basic plant
mechanisms. Research related to cell and molecular biology includes
the study of water oxidation, stomatal-aperture regulation, signal transduction
and gene expression, the molecular genetics of plant meiotic chromosomes,
and hormonal regulation of plant growth and development. Special facilities
(e.g., herbarium, greenhouse facilities, controlled-environment plant-growth
facility, irrigated field) supplement departmental research facilities by
enhancing research capabilities for plant biologists at FSU. Related
plant research in Ecology and Evolutionary Biology includes the study of
competition in plant population evolution, the genetics of environmental
adaptation, and taxonomy and systematics of north Florida's rare and endangered
plants.
- Hank W. Bass
Meiosis in higher plants; telomere dynamics; molecular cytology; maize genomics.
- George W. Bates
Plant cell and molecular biology; cell fusion, transformation, recombinant DNA, and plant cell culture.
- Kathryn M. Jones
- Laura R. Keller
Molecular genetics; signal transduction and regulation of gene expression.
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