The Developmental Biology Center (DBC) is a group of some 50 faculty who share an interest in the processes that create the form and function of the biological world around us. At the heart of developmental biology lies a search for the mechanisms that specify cell fates, control patterning in complex tissues, and organize collections of diverse cells into organs. Deciphering these mechanisms requires many approaches, including cell biology, genetics, molecular biology, biochemistry, and neurobiology. These areas are reflected in the interests and research efforts of our faculty.

We employ a wide range of organisms and systems, and are fortunate to occupy new facilities on both the Minneapolis and St. Paul campuses. Developmental biology examines the function and interplay of genes in the context of an intact organism, and for this reason developmental biology continues to provide key insights into the functions of genes that have a huge impact on human disease. The DBC therefore provides a forum for interaction between basic research and clinical faculty, and a place for faculty from many departments to mix and exchange ideas. There are several scientific venues organized by the DBC, including weekly research talks where members share their latest results and our annual Developmental Biology Symposium. The Symposium invites top researchers from around the world to present their work in selected areas of developmental biology research and to interact extensively with our faculty, postdocs, and students.

We invite you to peruse our website, see the breadth and depth of our research, and participate in our activities. It is a wonderful time to be a developmental biologist and at the University of Minnesota we are working hard to realize the promise that our new understanding of development can offer society.