In the Department of Cell & Developmental Biology

We study how cells grow and divide, assemble, and function to form multicellular organisms. Using multidisciplinary approaches, we investigate fundamental biological questions and are dedicated to training and educating students in modern molecular and cellular biology, cancer biology, developmental biology, and neuro-cognitive sciences.

Cell & Developmental Biology News

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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...
Jhewelle Fitz-Henley stands outside Burrill Hall for headshot
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...
Brian Freeman poses for headshot, smiling, outside.
Researchers identify new patterns of cell interactions with molecular chaperone
Through a new approach of cross-linking cell proteins directly to a protein of interest, researchers at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign’s School of Molecular & Cellular Biology have distinguished new patterns of cell interactions with a molecular chaperone.   Molecular chaperones...
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MCB faculty awarded named scholar appointments
The College of LAS has awarded more than 25 professors, including three from the School of Molecular & Cellular Biology, with named scholar positions for their contributions to education and research at the University of Illinois.  The awardees from MCB are as follows: LAS...
MOV10 via Alphafold2
Researchers uncover a regulatory site in RNA helicase MOV10 and its effect on mRNAs targeted for AGO2 silencing
University of Illinois scientists have identified the phosphorylation site and its consequence on the function of MOV10, an RNA helicase expressed in early brain development and required for embryo viability, illuminating this RNA binding proteins’ relation to microRNA pathways and its effect on...
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Illinois to co-lead new CZ Biohub in Chicago
The University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign has been chosen to lead the Chan Zuckerberg Biohub Chicago – a new biomedical hub – along with the University of Chicago and Northwestern University. The three-university team was selected to lead the new biomedical...

Department head Supriya Prasanth

Welcome from the department head

A message from Supriya Prasanth, professor and head of the Department of Cell & Developmental Biology.
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Research publications from CDB faculty

View the most recent journal articles from department faculty via PubMed.
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PhD in Cell & Developmental Biology

Our program is designed to set the foundation for a future scholar or industry leader to uncover new knowledge in the field, critically analyze scientific data in molecular life sciences, communicate the significance of biological phenomena, and lead research and development efforts to enhance human health.

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Meet MCB's Cell & Developmental Biology Community

Brian Freeman poses for headshot, smiling, outside.
Meet MCB: Professor Brian Freeman brings molecular chaperone expertise to Illinois
Urbana, Ill. – Cancer Center at Illinois scientist and professor of cell and developmental biology, Brian Freeman, has focused his research on the study of molecular chaperones (MCs) since the beginning of his career as a graduate student when chaperones were thought to have no medicinal purpose....
PhD student Temirlan Shilikbay, wearing a U of I mask, holds up a slide and observes it.
Meet MCB: Temirlan Shilikbay, cell & developmental biology PhD student
The School of MCB is proud to highlight our graduate students, including Temirlan Shilikbay, now in his third year at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. He is a PhD candidate in professor Stephanie Ceman's...
Yejing Ge
Meet MCB: Yejing Ge, PhD, CDB, '12, professor at MD Anderson Cancer Center
Meet Yejing Ge, PhD ’12, now a professor at MD Anderson Cancer Center in Texas Tell us about your current position and what research questions are you and your students...

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