We are the Department of Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, and Biophysics (BMBB) at the University of Minnesota. Our community is composed of faculty, staff, postdoctoral fellows, graduate and undergraduate students, and visiting scientists. We are part of the College of Biological Sciences and the Medical School.
The mission of the BMBB department has three key components:
- Researching the molecular basis of life, discovering the causes of human disease, promoting the development of therapeutics, addressing environmental issues, and developing biomanufacturing and the bioeconomy.
- Educating and mentoring the next generation of citizens, scientists, and health care professionals. We teach undergraduates, graduate students, and medical students in the classroom and train them in rigorous conduct of research in the laboratory.
- Serving the public, university, and scientific community. Our faculty and staff serve in many ways to promote education and research, and mentor trainees and colleagues. We provide extensive service to scientific societies, journals, and public institutions through peer review, community outreach, and scientific advising.
Scientists in the BMBB department conduct a broad range of research focused on understanding biological processes at the molecular level. We employ a wide array of experimental approaches, technologies, and systems.
Key areas of research in BMBB include:
- Aging: Our scientists are discovering the molecular, cellular, and physiological basis of aging and contributions to aging-associated diseases, with the goal of extending healthy lifespan.
- Bioinformatics: We are integrating computational tools to model and simulate biological systems to enhance our understanding of biochemical and genetic processes and to design synthetic biological constructs.
- Biophysics: We are developing and applying innovative experimental techniques to probe the physical properties of biological macromolecules.
- Biotechnology: Applying synthetic biological principles to real-world problems is a significant focus. This includes the development of bioprocesses for the production of biofuels, pharmaceuticals, and bioplastics, as well as advancing methods for bioremediation to address environmental challenges.
- Cellular Signaling: Our researchers are studying the molecular mechanisms of cellular communication and the regulatory networks that control cellular responses.
- Genome Editing: Scientists in the department are developing and utilizing genome editing technologies to engineer genetic information in various organisms for research, therapeutic, and biotechnology purposes.
- Molecular Genetics: We are exploring gene expression and regulatory mechanisms, including analysis of the effects of genetic mutations and their implications for health and disease.
- Metabolism: Our scientists are researching metabolic pathways and their regulation, particularly how metabolites influence biological systems.
- Protein Engineering: Researchers are designing novel proteins with enhanced functionality for applications such as biosensors, therapeutics, and industrial enzymes.
- Protein Structure and Function: We are investigating how protein structures dictate their functions and roles in cellular processes, using techniques like X-ray crystallography, cryo-electron microscopy, and NMR spectroscopy.
- Synthetic Biology: Researchers in the department work on engineering biological systems by designing and constructing new biological parts and circuits. This includes the development of synthetic gene networks and metabolic pathways to create microorganisms and enzymes capable of producing valuable compounds.
- Translational Research: We seek to bridge basic research with clinical applications, aiming to move new discoveries into therapeutic strategies for treating diseases.
Visit our faculty websites to learn more about ongoing research in each lab.
Our faculty are affiliated with the Masonic Institute of the Biology of Aging and Metabolism and the Biotechnology Institute.