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Division of Genetics & Developmental Biology

The Division of Genetics and Developmental Biology supports studies directed toward gaining a better understanding of the cellular mechanisms that underlie inheritance and development. The results of these studies form the foundation for advances in diagnosing, preventing, treating, and curing human genetic and developmental disorders. Most of the projects supported by the division make use of model organisms, which speed advances in understanding human biological processes.

The division consists of the Genetic Mechanisms Branch and the Developmental and Cellular Processes Branch. The two branches are closely linked and share substantial regions of overlap. Areas under active investigation are:

  • chromosome organization and mechanics
  • developmental biology and genetics
  • DNA replication, recombination, and repair
  • epigenetics
  • extrachromosomal inheritance
  • mechanisms of mutagenesis
  • neurogenetics and the genetics of behavior
  • population genetics, evolution, and the genetics of complex traits
  • protein synthesis
  • regulation of cell growth, cell division, cell death, and differentiation
  • RNA transcription and processing
  • stem cell biology

Along with its research and research training activities, the division supports the Human Genetic Cell Repository, which maintains and distributes cell lines and DNA samples from people with genetic disorders and normal individuals to research scientists.

Research areas NIGMS supports within this division and contact names are listed on the Contacts by Research Area page.


For more information about the NIGMS Division of Genetics and Developmental Biology, contact:

Dr. Judith Greenberg
Director, Division of Genetics and Developmental Biology
National Institute of General Medical Sciences
National Institutes of Health
45 Center Drive MSC 6200
Bethesda, MD 20892-6200
301-594-0943
This page last updated November 19, 2008