Biochemistry | School of Molecular & Cellular Biology

Biochemists investigate the processes in living systems from a molecular perspective. We lead innovative research programs in chemical biology, nucleic acids biochemistry, molecular virology, membrane biochemistry, genomics, microbial physiology, signal transduction & more. We provide tools to develop the next generation of medicine.

Graduates of our undergraduate and PhD programs have become leaders in medicine, pharmacology, agriculture, nutrition, microbiology, cell biology, food technology, pollution control, and biotechnology.

Biochemistry News

Winners announced for "Life Inspiring:" A gallery of images from the School of MCB

The School of Molecular & Cellular Biology is pleased to announce winners of its “Life Inspiring” art competition. Earlier this year, undergraduate and graduate students were invited to submit original art that captured the joys of their scientific endeavors, whether through graphic design,...

Meet new biochemistry professor Chu-Young Kim

The School of Molecular & Cellular Biology and Department of Biochemistry are pleased to welcome Chu-Young Kim as a professor of biochemistry. We recently spoke with him about his research and teaching...

Collage of images of scientists in tech centers from National Science Foundation

Bringing cells to life … and to Minecraft: $30 million NSF grant supports whole-cell modeling research

A new research center at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign will create whole-cell models that promise to transform our understanding of how cells function. With cutting-edge imaging and simulation tools, the center will advance the study of healthy and diseased cells; accelerate research...

Meet MCB: Jhewelle Fitz-Henley, PhD

Dr. Jhewelle Fitz-Henley joined the School of MCB in August 2023 as Assistant Director of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Outreach. She recently met with MCB PhD student Quang Nguyen to talk about her journey in science and...

Researchers from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign who worked on a CAR-T immune therapy gather in a lab for a photo. Pictured, from front left: postdoctoral researcher Diana Rose Ranoa, graduate student Claire Schane, professor emeritus of biochemistry David Kranz (front center), researcher Amber Lewis and professor emeritus of pathology Edward Roy.

CAR-T immune therapy attacks ovarian cancer in mice with a single dose

CAR-T immune therapies could be effective against solid tumors if the right targets are identified, a new study led by University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign researchers suggests. The researchers successfully deployed CAR-T in a mouse model of ovarian cancer, a type of aggressive, solid-tumor...

A team of research scientists gather in their laboratory.

Team identifies key driver of cancer cell death pathway that activates immune cells

A team of scientists, including several from the School of Molecular & Cellular Biology, have identified a protein that plays a pivotal role in the action of several emerging cancer therapies. The researchers say the discovery will likely aid efforts to fine-tune the use of immunotherapies...