• Researchers used a variety of techniques, including genome mining, to identify bacteria that produce defensive compounds in response to hormone exposure. Their approach will help in the discovery of new antibiotics and other medically useful molecules.
    New approach drives bacteria to produce potential antibiotic, antiparasitic compounds
    2020-06-25 - Researchers have developed a method to spur the production of new antibiotic or antiparasitic compounds hiding in the genomes of actinobacteria, which are the source of drugs such as actinomycin and streptomycin and are known to harbor other untapped chemical riches. The scientists report their findings in the journal eLife.
  • Benita Katzenellenbogen
    MIP Professor Benita Katzenellenbogen named Senior Advisor for the Cancer Center at Illinois
    2020-06-24 - Benita S. Katzenellenbogen, Professor of Molecular and Integrative Physiology at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, has been appointed Senior Advisor to the Director of the Cancer Center at Illinois (CCIL), Rohit Bhargava.
  • Photo of two rows of pink test tubes in an orange test tube holder.
    Finding a new link between cellular respiration and virulence in S. aureus
    2020-06-19 - Due in part to COVID-19, more and more people realize the importance of taking early steps to understand the virulence mechanisms of pathogens, especially in the face of their widespread resistance to drugs. Doing so gives researchers and clinicians a head start in preparing against future outbreaks, which means additional lives can be saved.
  • Liqian Ma
    Liqian Ma awarded Mead Graduate Fellowship
    2020-06-17 - The University of Illinois School of Molecular and Cellular Biology is pleased to announce the inaugural recipient of the Julie and David Mead Graduate Fellowship.
  • Cyberslug was modeled on Pleurobranchaea californica, a sea slug with a simple nervous system.
    Simulated sea slug gets addicted to drug
    2020-06-16 - Rhanor Gillette and his colleagues simulated a sea slug brain in a computer model, added a few extra circuits, and gave it access to food and an intoxicating drug. The work offers insight into the process of addiction and will be a useful tool for further studies, Gillette said.
  • Headshot of Auinash Kalsotra.
    Team deciphers how myotonic dystrophy generates lethal heart dysfunctions
    2020-06-08 - Roughly 80% of people with myotonic dystrophy – a common form of muscular dystrophy – experience dangerous heart ailments, and heart rhythm defects are the second-leading cause of death in those with the condition. In a new study, researchers traced the molecular events that lead to heart abnormalities in myotonic dystrophy and recreated the disease in a mouse model.
  • Thomas Kehl-Fie
    Bacteria show their metal: An evolutionary path to survival
    2020-06-04 - An investigation of two closely related proteins from a pathogenic bacterium has illustrated for the first time how evolution can shape the use of essential metals by enzymes.
  • Block I with text "MCB" below it
    MCB's Commitment to Diversity and Equity
    2020-06-03 - The School of Molecular and Cellular Biology would like to follow up on the statement sent out by the University of Illinois on Saturday. As noted by UI President Timothy Killeen, “The horrifying image of George Floyd dying as a police officer knelt on his neck is one that will be forever burned into our national consciousness.”
  • Illustration of the ultrastructural morphology exhibited by SARS-CoV-2 and the spike proteins that adorn the outer surface of the virus.
    MCB researchers aim to speed up drug discovery through RiPPs
    2020-05-22 - As the globe currently deals with the novel coronavirus pandemic, public interest in biological research has begun to grow. However, curative research takes time: drug discovery requires years of effort and financial resources to yield results. Even with focused endeavors, it would still take approximately two years for a CoV-2 vaccine to be available.
  • Chris Brooke, assistant professor of microbiology, recently spoke with The 21st public radio show about what scientists know about the virus that causes COVID-19, the emerging variants, and what they still have to learn.
    MCB faculty join Congressman for discussion about COVID-19 testing, vaccines, treatments
    2020-05-18 - Faculty in the School of Molecular and Cellular Biology shared the latest news and insights on COVID-19 testing, vaccines, and antibody research with U.S. Congressman Bill Foster this weekend as part of the representative’s Science Saturdays discussion on Facebook Live.
  • Blue and orange confetti flies in the air.
    Congratulations to the Class of 2020!
    2020-05-17 - On Saturday, May 16, 2020, the School of Molecular and Cellular Biology celebrated its outstanding graduates with a virtual convocation. The ceremony included a slide show about students and their future plans, shout-outs from MCB faculty, and remarks from MCB Director Milan Bagchi and Tina Knox, assistant director for advising and recruitment. The event concluded with a performance by the...
  • Beckman Institute tower framed by blooming trees.
    MCB undergraduates receive awards from the Beckman Institute
    2020-05-11 - Three undergraduate students in the School of Molecular and Cellular Biology were among the recipients of the 2020 Beckman Institute student awards and fellowships, which provide research experience. The Arnold and Mabel Beckman Foundation, as well as other scholarship and memorial funds provided by generous donors, support these programs.
  • Hee Jung Chung
    Researchers find mutation hotspots for severe form of genetic epilepsy that give insights into the underlying pathogenesis
    2020-05-06 - The lab of Hee Jung Chung, Associate Professor in the Department of Molecular and Integrative Physiology, recently released a paper in Scientific Reports titled “Identifying mutation hotspots reveals pathogenetic mechanisms of KCNQ2 epileptic encephalopathy” to help fill in the gaps in our knowledge on the pathogenic mechanism underlying epilepsy-causing mutations.
  • Carole Stivers
    A novel approach to a new career
    2020-05-05 - Alumna Carole Stivers worked as a biochemist in Silicon Valley—and then started anew as a science fiction writer.
  • Martha Gillette
    Spinal cord gives bio-bots walking rhythm
    2020-04-28 - Miniature biological robots are making greater strides than ever, thanks to the spinal cord directing their steps. University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign researchers developed the tiny walking “spinobots,” powered by rat muscle and spinal cord tissue on a soft, 3D-printed hydrogel skeleton. While previous generations of biological robots, or bio-bots, could move forward by simple muscle...