Welcome to the Department of Molecular Genetics at The University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center. The department is one of the basic science departments at the Cancer Center and focuses on advancing knowledge of the molecular genetic mechanisms that regulate normal and abnormal cellular processes, notably cancer. We are strong advocates for basic research at the Cancer Center but also encourage and facilitate strong interactions with laboratories in the clinical departments.

The research activities of the department primarily utilize genetic approaches that focus on cell and tissue differentiation, organogenesis, embryonic development and cancer formation. Our research includes studies of signal transduction pathways and the regulation of gene expression at the transcriptional, posttranscriptional and translational levels. In addition, many laboratories focus on the mechanisms that regulate cell growth, proliferation and death and also cell fate and tissue differentiation.

Our laboratories also pursue research in genome integrity, DNA repair and the regulation of chromosome segregation. The department utilizes a variety of experimental approaches and model systems to address fundamental biological questions. The model systems used by department laboratories include C. elegans, Drosophila, and the mouse. We believe that strong basic research that defines fundamental mechanisms of normal cellular processes is essential for an understanding of cancer and other diseases.

Our laboratories are located on the 11th through 15th floors in the George and Cynthia Mitchell Basic Science Research Building. The department has extensive resources to pursue biochemical, molecular, cell and developmental biological experiments including state-of-the-art microscopy and digital imaging capabilities. The department faculty members are well funded for their research through both extramural and intramural grants.

Our department has a strong commitment to training graduate students and postdoctoral fellows. Our NIH training grant for the Molecular Genetics of Cancer supports five pre- and four postdoctoral trainees. Our faculty are primarily associated with two of the Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences graduate training programs, Genes & Development and Human and Molecular Genetics. Our trainees are offered a variety of courses in biochemistry, molecular biology, molecular genetics, developmental biology and cancer genetics. Students participate in numerous departmental and graduate program events such as journal clubs, research seminars, an annual Genes & Development Graduate Program Retreat and an annual Human and Molecular Genetics Symposium.

Two important and exciting developments:  The section of Cancer Genetics of the Department of Molecular Genetics has become a new department; Dr. Gigi Lozano, previously the head of the Cancer Genetics Section, has become the Chair of the Department of Cancer Genetics.  We offer her our congratulations and our most enthusiastic support.

After almost twenty years at the helm of Molecular Genetics I am stepping down from the chairmanship but will remain as a faculty member.  A very active national and international search is ongoing to find the new leader of this department.

Benoit de Crombrugghe, M.D.
Professor
Hubert L. and Olive Stringer Distinguished Chair in Basic Science

Department of Molecular Genetics
The University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center
1515 Holcombe Blvd., Unit 1006
Houston, TX 77030

Phone: (713) 834-6376
Fax:     (713) 834-6396