Chair's Message

From Dr. Muthu Periasamy:

The decoding of the human genome provides a new era for biomedical research and treatment of human disease. It also provides new challenges in linking the genes to function and its relevance to pathology. For decades researchers had been trying to track the genes involved in major killers including heart disease and cancer. These complex diseases are not caused by defect in single genes; rather they arise from the interaction of multiple genes and environmental factors. We know also that disease progression often involves complex interactions between multiple organ systems and cell types. Therefore, it is not sufficient to focus solely on the molecular aspects of the disease, rather an examination of the cellular, organ, and organ system interactions are also necessary for a more complete understanding of the pathophysiological consequences of disease. Successful therapeutic intervention in many of these complex diseases will also depend upon such integrative approaches. Therefore, faculty in the department pursue biomedical research, not only at the molecular and cellular level, but also study how genes relate to function/physiology using an integrated cell, organ and organ systems approach.

Research in the Department of Physiology and Cell Biology is geared towards understanding the cellular and molecular mechanisms that contribute to cancer, cardiovascular, gastrointestinal and neurological disease. Taking a systematic approach, researchers develop animal models to investigate human diseases, study disease progression at the molecular level and its effect on physiology. The ultimate goal is to understand disease and identify molecular targets, so that effective treatment could be developed. The department also has active collaboration with the Davis Heart and Lung Research Institute, the Comprehensive Cancer Center, and the Neurological Disease Center.