Genetics and Molecular Biology Branch

Investigators in the Genetics and Molecular Biology Branch (GMBB) use molecular genetics techniques to identify and characterize genes involved in the normal development and function of many tissues. They also seek to identify disease-associated gene alterations and to understand how these genetic defects contribute to a range of human diseases, including anemia, cancer, and immune disorders. To accomplish their goal, they study the genetics of blood cells, cells of the immune system, and epithelial cells. They are particularly interested in the study of stem cells, which have the dual capabilities of self-renewal and differentiation into multiple mature cell lineages. GMBB investigators also use yeast cells as a model system to study genome replication and factors that affect genome stability and aging.

By studying how genes normally act and what the consequences are when they are mutated, GMBB investigators are attempting to develop effective treatments for genetic diseases. One important research focus of the Branch is gene transfer therapy: the introduction of genes into cells to correct the effects of mutations in cellular DNA. Although developing effective gene replacement therapies for genetic mutations has been a long, difficult endeavor, GMBB investigators are using the data and tools gleaned from the Human Genome Project to develop more sophisticated ways of monitoring delivery methods for these corrective, lifesaving approaches. By testing new approaches and technologies in cell lines and animal models, they are making new discoveries not only about factors that will be critical to the success of human clinical trials involving therapeutic gene transfer but also about the function of genes in health and disease.

Senior Investigators

David M. Bodine, Ph.D.
Senior Investigator and Chief, Genetics and Molecular Biology Branch
Head, Hematopoiesis Section

Fabio Candotti, M.D.
Senior Investigator, Genetics and Molecular Biology Branch
Head, Disorders of Immunity Section

Pu Paul Liu, M.D., Ph.D.
Senior Investigator, Genetics and Molecular Biology Branch
Head, Oncogenesis and Development Section

Julie A. Segre, Ph.D.
Senior Investigator, Genetics and Molecular Biology Branch
Head, Epithelial Biology Section

Investigators

Kyungjae Myung, Ph.D.
Investigator, Genetics and Molecular Biology Branch
Head, Genome Instability Section

Charles P. Venditti, M.D., Ph.D.
Investigator, Genetics and Molecular Biology Branch
Head, Organic Acid Research Section

Associate Investigators

Raman B. Sood, Ph.D.
Associate Investigator, Genetics and Molecular Biology Branch

Adjunct Investigators

Edward Giniger, Ph.D.
Adjunct Investigator, Genetics and Molecular Biology Branch

Research Project Web Sites

Autoimmune Lymphoproliferative Syndrome Database (ALPSbase)

X-Linked SCID Mutation Database Database (IL2RGbase)

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Last Updated: December 30, 2008