Department of Cell Biology

While students focus on the academic discipline of cell biology, the department of cell biology has developed great strengths and a strong national reputation in a number of research areas, including cell adhesion, cell migration, intracellular transport and trafficking, and reproductive cell biology. Cell biology research extends to both the great diversity of single-celled organisms like bacteria and the many specialized cells in multicellular organisms like humans. Knowing the composition of cells and how cells work is fundamental to all of the biological sciences. Appreciating the similarities and differences between cell types is particularly important to the fields of cell and molecular biology. These fundamental similarities and differences provide a unifying theme, allowing the principles learned from studying one cell type to be extrapolated and generalized to other cell types. Research in cell biology is closely related to genetics, biochemistry, molecular biology and developmental biology.

Contact:
PO Box 800732
Charlottesville, VA 22908-0732
Phone: 434-924-2835
Fax: 434-982-3912
Website: http://www.virginia.edu/cellbiology

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Projects By Department of Cell Biology:

A Simple Model System for Studying LDL Receptor-Ligand Interactions: Implications for Familial Hypercholesterolemia
Delos, Sue E. Sponsor: American Heart Association

Activating Integrin Signaling Pathways Using Gene Therapy to Improve CNS Axonal Regeneration
Li, Jinzhong. Sponsor: Department Of Rehabilitation Services

Adam Function in Neural Crest Cells
Desimone, Douglas W. Sponsor: U.S. Nih Dental And Craniofacial Research

ADAM Function in Neural Crest Cells
Desimone, Douglas W. Sponsor: U.S. Nih Dental And Craniofacial Research
The cranial neural crest (CNC) is a population of cells formed at the border between the anterior neural and non-neural ectoderm in vertebrate embryos. These cells undergo a regulated epithelial-mesenchymal ...

Adams in Craniofacial Development
White, Judith M. Sponsor: March Of Dimes

ADAMS: Adhesion, Fusion & Signaling Activities
White, Judith M. Sponsor: U.S. National Institute Of General Medical Science
The Adams comprise a new family of proteins that contain a disintegrin and a metalloprotease domain. Given that they are expressed at cell surfaces and that, as a group, they possess four potential functions- ...

Analysis of Trophoblast Cell Motility
Sutherland, Ann E. Sponsor: U.S. Nih Of Child Health & Human Development
Implantation of the embryo into the uterus and subsequent formation of the placenta are unique and critical features of mammalian development. They are mediated by the trophoblast cells, which arise from ...

Antimicrobial Proteins Secreted by the Epididymis
Herr, John C. Sponsor: U.S. Nih Of Child Health & Human Development
This proposal focuses on the development, regulation and discovery of naturally occurring antimicrobial proteins in the epididymis, highlighting the defensins and cathelicidins. Natural antimicrobial ...

Biochemistry & Regulation of Cadherin Activity
Gumbiner, Barry M. Sponsor: U.S. National Institute Of General Medical Science

Biochemistry and Regulation of Cadherin Activity
Gumbiner, Barry M. Sponsor: U.S. National Institute Of General Medical Science

C-Ros Pathways as Targets for Contraceptive Development
Hinton, Barry T. Sponsor: U.S. Nih Of Child Health & Human Development
The epididymis plays a crucial role in the maturation of spermatozoa and is, therefore, considered to be a prime target for the development of a male contraceptive. Our strategy is to target receptors, ...

Calcium Regulation of Whole Cell Locomotion in Chlamydomonas
Bloodgood, Robert A. Sponsor: The Eppley Foundation for Research

Carbohydrate Immunocontraceptive Epitopes
Herr, John C. Sponsor: Mellon Foundation

Catenin & Cadherin Signaling in Development & Cancer
Gumbiner, Barry M. Sponsor: U.S. National Institute Of General Medical Science

Cell Matrix Biotechnology Research Center
Laurie, Gordon W. Sponsor: Center For Innovative Technology-Other

Cell Matrix Interactions in Amphibian Development
Desimone, Douglas W. Sponsor: U.S. Nih Of Child Health & Human Development
This proposal is from an established investigator who has published excellent work in this field. He seeks to continue to characterize the interactions between the mesoderm and the extracellular matrix ...

Cell Migration Consortium
Horwitz, Alan F (Rick). Sponsor: U.S. National Institute Of General Medical Science
The Study of Cell Migration has important implications for cancer, congenital brain defects, arthritis, osteoporosis and other chronic inflammatory diseases. It also impacts emerging areas of biotechnology ...

Cell Migration Consortium
Horwitz, Alan F (Rick). Sponsor: U.S. National Institute Of General Medical Science

Cell-Matrix Interactions in Amphibian Development
Desimone, Douglas W. Sponsor: U.S. Nih Of Child Health & Human Development

Center for Recombinant Gamete Contraceptive Vaccinogens
Herr, John C. Sponsor: U.S. Nih Of Child Health & Human Development
The mission of this Center is to develop and test a safe, effective, reversible contraceptive vaccine. Emphasis will be placed upon a vaccine for females, consisting of one or more recombinant gamete ...

Characterization of Epididymal Carnitine Transporter
Hinton, Barry T. Sponsor: Rockefeller Foundation

Characterization of Protein Tyrosine Plosphorylation During Human Sperm Capacitation
Herr, John C. Sponsor: Mellon Foundation

Contraceptive Vaccines for Dogs & Cats Based on Egg Mem
Herr, John C. Sponsor: Genetics Savings & Clone, Inc.

Contraceptive Vaccines for Dogs and Cats Based on Egg Membrane Antigens
Herr, John C. Sponsor: The Kenneth A. Scott Charitable Trust

Detection of Autoantibodies to the ePAD Protein in Premature Ovarian Failure Patients
Herr, John C. Sponsor: Repromedix Corporation

Determinants of Myogenic and Neuronal Membrane Phenomena
Horwitz, Alan F (Rick). Sponsor: U.S. National Institute Of General Medical Science

Determinates of Myogenic Membrane Phenomena
Horwitz, Alan F (Rick). Sponsor: U.S. National Institute Of General Medical Science

Dissecting Wnt/PCP Signaling in Developing Cochlear Sensory Epithelium
Lu, Xiaowei. Sponsor: U.S. Nih Deafness & Other Communication Disorders

Endosomal Sorting of P-Selectin: A Model for Receptor Downregulation
Green, Samuel A. Sponsor: U.S. Nsf - Directorate For Biological Sciences
One important way in which cells communicate in order to influence each other's behavior, metabolism or gene expression, is via receptor-mediated signaling. This kind of communication is critical for ...

Engineering Integrin Mediated Cell Migration
Horwitz, Alan F (Rick). Sponsor: Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Epididymal Specific Transcription Factors & Secreted Proteins
Hinton, Barry T. Sponsor: Rockefeller Foundation

Epithelial Cell Responses to Salmonella Infection
Casanova, James E. Sponsor: Crohns & Colitis Fdtn. Of America

Exocytosis & Coupled Endocytosis in Neuroendocrine Cells
Castle, John D. Sponsor: U.S. Nih Diabetes & Digestive & Kidney Diseases

Fellowship on Behalf of C. Grimsley-Myers
Lu, Xiaowei. Sponsor: The Hartwell Foundation

Fellowship on behalf of Gregory F Weber; Mechanosensitive Signaling and Cell Adhesion During Migration
Desimone, Douglas W. Sponsor: U.S. National Institute Of General Medical Science

Flagellar Glycoprotein Dynamics & Whole Cell Locomotion
Bloodgood, Robert A. Sponsor: U.S. Nsf - Directorate For Biological Sciences
The unicellular alga, Chlamydomonas reinhardtii, exhibits two different kinds of locomotion. The best known of these is swimming, in which the wave-like beating of the two flagella at one end of the cell ...

Functional Analysis & Regulation of Epididymal OCTN2
Hinton, Barry T. Sponsor: U.S. Nih Of Child Health & Human Development
Protection of cells from osmotic stress is critical for their survival as cells will undergo apoptosis if not protected. Epididymal luminal fluid is hypertonic and therefore epididymal cells need to adapt ...

Functional Significance of Hox Genes in the Epididymis
Bomgardner, Daniela. Sponsor: U.S. Nih Of Child Health & Human Development
The long-term objective of this proposal is to discover the mechanism underlying the development and maintenance of segmental function in the epididymis. Sperm maturation in the epididymis requires epithelial ...

Fusion Mechanism of the Ebola Virus Glycoprotein
White, Judith M. Sponsor: U.S. Nih Allergy & Infectious Diseases
Ebola is an NIAID category A priority pathogen that causes massive hemorrhage in its victims. Because of its high mortality rate (up to 90%), Ebola is a serious threat to global health. There are no anti-viral ...

Gene Regulation of Epididymal GSH Metabolizing Enzymes
Hinton, Barry T. Sponsor: U.S. Nih Of Child Health & Human Development
As spermatozoa progress along the epididymal duct, they are bathed in a specialized luminal fluid microenvironment which is crucial for their maturation and survival. These processes are dependent upon ...

Generation of a Contraceptive Vaccine Targeted Towards a Unique Carbohydrate Antigen on Human Spermatozoa
Herr, John C. Sponsor: The Lalor Foundation

Human Testicular Soluble Adenylyl Cyclase as a Target for Contraception
Herr, John C. Sponsor: Conrad-Contraceptive Res & Dev Prog

Immunologic Mechanisms in Human Female Infertility
Herr, John C. Sponsor: U.S. Nih Of Child Health & Human Development
Titers of anti-sperm antibodies in patient sera, follicular fluid, and/or cervical mucus have been shown to correlate with reduced fertility rats. This research project will develop a primate model for ...

Interdisciplinary Research Training in Reproduction for Indian Fellows
Herr, John C. Sponsor: U.S. John E. Fogarty International Center

Isolation & Characterization of Genes Encoding Sperm
Herr, John C. Sponsor: Conrad-Contraceptive Res & Dev Prog

Lumicrine Regulation of Epididymal Function
Hinton, Barry T. Sponsor: U.S. Nih Of Child Health & Human Development

Lymphocyte Culture Center
Sutherland, William M. Sponsor: U.S. Dod - Army - Medical Command

MD-CELL The Role of Cytoplasmic Dynein in Axonal Transport
Pfister, Kenneth K. Sponsor: U.S. National Institute Of General Medical Science

Mechanism of Adenovirus Transport along Microtubules
Pfister, Kenneth K. Sponsor: Jeffress Memorial Trust

Mechanisms of Salmonella Invasion & Transmigration
Casanova, James E. Sponsor: U.S. Nih Diabetes & Digestive & Kidney Diseases
Salmonella pathogenesis is characterized by the invasion and penetration of the intestinal epithelial barrier. Entry into host host cells requires dramatic reorganization of the actin cytoskeleton, which ...

Mechanisms of Salmonella Invasion and Transmigration
Casanova, James E. Sponsor: U.S. Nih Diabetes & Digestive & Kidney Diseases
Salmonella pathogenesis is characterized by the invasion and penetration of the intestinal epithelial barrier. Entry into host host cells requires dramatic reorganization of the actin cytoskeleton, which ...

Membrane Function in Parotid Secretory Mechanisms
Castle, John D. Sponsor: U.S. Nih Dental And Craniofacial Research
The long term goal of the proposed research is to understand the mechanisms mediating exocytosis in salivary acinar cells. Exocytosis controls the export of macromolecules to the oral cavity and thus ...

Membrane Potential & Camp Crosstalk in Sperm Capacitation
Visconti, Pablo E. Sponsor: U.S. Nih Of Child Health & Human Development
Mammalian sperm are not able to fertilize eggs immediately after ejaculation. They acquire fertilization capacity after residing in the female tract for a finite period of time. The physiological changes ...

Modeling Novel Treatments for Dry Eye
Laurie, Gordon W. Sponsor: U.S. National Eye Institute

Molecular Mechanisms of Thalamocortical Development
Dwyer, Noelle D. Sponsor: U.S. National Institute Of Mental Health

Molecular Mechanisms of Viral Membrane Fusion Proteins
White, Judith M. Sponsor: U.S. Nih Allergy & Infectious Diseases

Molecular Mechanisms of Viral Membrane Fusion Proteins
White, Judith M. Sponsor: U.S. Nih Allergy & Infectious Diseases
The long term objectives of this research are to elucidate the mechanisms of viral membrane fusion proteins and to use this information in the rational design of novel anti-viral agents. There are two ...

Ocular Tear Secretion by the Lacrimal Gland
Laurie, Gordon W. Sponsor: U.S. National Eye Institute

Oolemmal Proteomics
Coonrod, Scott A. Sponsor: U.S. Nih Of Child Health & Human Development
The objectives of this grant proposal are to identify novel oocyte plasma membrane (oolemma) proteins, investigate their role in sperm-egg interaction, and test their immunocontraceptive potential. Our ...

Organelle Movement in Fast Axonal Transport
Pfister, Kenneth K. Sponsor: U.S. Nih Of Neurological Disorders & Stroke

Pathways & Regulation of Salivary Secretion
Castle, John D. Sponsor: U.S. Nih Dental And Craniofacial Research
Parotid acinar cells secrete proteins via two pathways that are distinct from salivary gland exocytosis: a constitutive-like pathway, insensitive to secretory stimulation and operating continuously, and ...

Postdoctoral Fellowship on Behalf of L.C. Bridges
White, Judith M. Sponsor: U.S. National Institute Of General Medical Science

Precision & Clinical Testing of SpermCheck Immunochromatographic Devices
Herr, John C. Sponsor: ContraVac Inc.

Program of Research & Development for a Sperm Antigen
Herr, John C. Sponsor: Berlex Labs

Protein Ectodomain Shedding by ADAM13 in Early Vertebrate Development
Desimone, Douglas W. Sponsor: American Heart Association

Recombinant Antibodies as Intra-Vaginal Spermicides
Herr, John C. Sponsor: ContraVac Inc.

Regulation of Exocytosis in Mast Cells
Castle, John D. Sponsor: U.S. Nih Allergy & Infectious Diseases
Mast cells are specialized for responding to immunoglobulin E and associated allergens and play a key role in initiating allergic inflammation. They respond to stimulation by secreting a variety of inflammatory ...

Regulation Of Fibronectin Matrix Assembly
Desimone, Douglas W. Sponsor: American Cancer Society

Regulation of Inner Ear Morphogenesis by Wnt/PCP Signaling
Lu, Xiaowei. Sponsor: March Of Dimes

Role of the GTPase ARF6 in Epithelial Cell Migration
Casanova, James E. Sponsor: U.S. National Institute Of General Medical Science
Migration of epithelial cells occurs during tissue morphogenesis, wound healing and metastasis of epithelial tumors. The onset of migration requires integration of a complex set of signals derived from ...

Sperm Cell Selection System for Forensic DNA Analysis
Herr, John C. Sponsor: U.S. Department Of Justice

Sperm Proteins Expressed in Prostate Cancer
Coppola, Michael A. Sponsor: Cancer Research Institute

Spermatid-Specific Transcription Factors as Targets for
Herr, John C. Sponsor: Mellon Foundation

Stimulation of Tear Secretion by a Novel Glycoprotein
Laurie, Gordon W. Sponsor: EyeRx Research, Inc.

Structure & Function of Ocular Lacritin
Laurie, Gordon W. Sponsor: U.S. National Eye Institute

Structure and Function of Ocular Lacritin
Laurie, Gordon W. Sponsor: U.S. National Eye Institute

Testicular Luminal & Epididymal Mesenchyme Factors as Regulators of Initial Segment Function
Hinton, Barry T. Sponsor: The Ernst Schering Research Foundation

The Interaction of Cytoplasmic Dynein & the Spindle Checkpoint Protein Bub3
Pfister, Kenneth K. Sponsor: Jeffress Memorial Trust

The Role of Arf GTPases in Endocytosis and Postendocytic Transport
Casanova, James E. Sponsor: U.S. National Institute Of General Medical Science

Third International Conference on the Epididymis
Hinton, Barry T. Sponsor: U.S. Nih Of Child Health & Human Development

Training and Research Infrastructure in Contraceptive Development
Herr, John C. Sponsor: Mellon Foundation

Transcriptional Regulation During Spermiogenisis
Reddi, Prabhakara P. Sponsor: U.S. Nih Of Child Health & Human Development
During spermiogenesis, spermatids acquire the acrosome and flagellum, condense their chromatin and become spermatozoa. Precise expression of spermatid differentiation markers is critical for proper formation ...

Transepithelial Transport of Immunoglobulins
Casanova, James E. Sponsor: U.S. Nih Allergy & Infectious Diseases

Translational Contraceptive Res. For Indian Postdocs
Herr, John C. Sponsor: U.S. John E. Fogarty International Center

Zebrafish Models for Human Development & Disease
Thisse, Christine I. Sponsor: European Commission

Faculty:
Abdel-Fattah, Rana – Research Scientist
Adler, Paul N – Professor
Andreeva, Anna – Research Associate of Cell Biology
Bachir, Alexia – Research Associate of Cell Biology
Bloodgood, Robert A – Professor
Bloom, George S – Professor
Casanova, James E – Professor
Castle, John D – Professor
Chai, Chun-Li – Research Associate of Cell Biology
Chen, Lingfeng – Research Associate of Cell Biology
Delos, Sue E – Associate Professor
Desimone, Douglas W – Professor
Dwyer, Noelle D – Assistant Professor
Dzamba, Bette J – Senior Scientist
Favero, Carlita – Research Associate of Cell Biology
Ferri Lagneau, Karine F – Post Doctoral Fellow
Flickinger, Charles J – Professor Emeritus
Green, Samuel A – Associate Professor
Gumbiner, Barry M – Professor
Herr, John C – Professor
Hinton, Barry T – Professor
Horwitz, Alan F – Professor
Iwanik, Michael – Associate Professor
Karnati, Raja Ram Mohan Roy – Research Associate of Cell Biology
Keller, Raymond E – Professor
Keller, Susanna R – Assistant Professor
Kim, Nam Gyun – Research Associate of Cell Biology
Koh, Eunjin – Research Associate of Cell Biology
Kozminski, Keith G – Assistant Professor
Kubow, Kristopher E – Post Doctoral Fellow
Kusma Harinathan, Vidya Nagalakshmi – Research Associate of Cell Biology
Lannigan, Deborah A – Associate Professor
Laurie, Gordon W – Associate Professor
Litwa, Karen A – Research Associate of Cell Biology
Liu, Lixia – Research Scientist
Lu, Xiaowei – Assistant Professor
Ma, Hui – Research Associate of Cell Biology
Macara, Ian G – Professor
Mandal, Arabinda – Instructor of Research
McCollum, Melanie A – Associate Professor
Moenter, Suzanne M – Professor
Moyer, David G – Instructor
Myers, Cynthia Mary Grimsley – Research Associate of Cell Biology
Owen, Katherine A – Post Doctoral Fellow
Park, Ki-Sook – Research Associate of Cell Biology
Petrova, Yuliya I – Research Associate of Cell Biology
Pfister, Kenneth K – Associate Professor
Pires, Eusebio – Post Doctoral Fellow
Ren, Qun – Research Associate of Cell Biology
Schafer, Dorothy – Assistant Professor
Schornberg, Kathryn L – Post Doctoral Fellow
Schwartz, Martin A – Professor
Shetty, Jagathpala – Research Scientist
Stukenberg, Peter Todd – Professor
Subbarayalu, Panneerdoss – Post Doctoral Fellow
Sutherland, Ann E – Associate Professor
Sutherland, William M – Professor
Talla, Venu – Research Associate of Cell Biology
Thisse, Bernard V – Professor
Thisse, Christine I – Professor
Vicente Manzanares, Miguel – Research Scientist
Viswanadhapalli, Suryavathi – Post Doctoral Fellow
Vock, Vita M – Research Associate of Cell Biology
Watson, Nicola J – Instructor
Weber, Gregory F – Post Doctoral Fellow
Wei, Shuo – Research Associate of Cell Biology
White, Judith M – Professor
Worden, Mary K – Associate Professor
Xu, Bingfang – Research Scientist
Yoder, Michael D – Post Doctoral Fellow
Yu, Jing – Assistant Professor
Zhang, Yinghui – Research Associate of Cell Biology

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