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

Genome map of yerba mate reveals insights into caffeine biosynthesis, paves way for new varieties

A recent biochemistry PhD graduate was part of the team of researchers to generate the first genome assembly of Yerba mate, a plant species and herbal tea native to South America. The resulting structural data, published in eLife, provides...

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Fellowship recipient Dr. Haneui Bae explores liver dysfunctions in Myotonic Dystrophy

Shaped by a lifelong curiosity about the brain and a drive to make a tangible impact in medicine, Dr. Haneui Bae investigates the mechanisms and implications of liver dysfunctions in myotonic dystrophy. Recently, she received a two-year fellowship from the Myotonic Dystrophy Foundation to support...

College of LAS recognizes two outstanding Biochemistry alumni

Seven alumni of the University of Illinois College of Liberal Arts & Sciences, including two from the Department of Biochemistry, will be celebrated in April at the college’s 2025 alumni...

American Heart Association awards ‘Fola Adesanya a predoctoral fellowship

Biochemistry PhD candidate ‘Fola Adesanya has been awarded a 2025 predoctoral fellowship from the American Heart Association to support his research into the role of mitochondrial dysfunction in the pathogenesis of heart defects seen...

MCB scientists launch new RNA club at University of Illinois

A new club at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign aims to bring together RNA researchers from across campus to share ideas, expertise, and cultivate collaborations. The RNA club is open to all, including faculty, research scientists,...

New study sheds light on liver maturation, specialization

Researchers from the University of Illinois have identified a key process coordinating liver maturation and polyploidization, a state in which cells carry more than two sets of chromosomes. Their findings, published in Genes and Development,...