Research

3D model of a molecule

Cancer Biology and Therapeutics

Cancer research in the Department of Pharmacology focuses on the underlying mechanisms for disease progression and the development of novel therapeutic strategies. There is a strong connection with the Case Comprehensive Cancer Center that fosters translational research projects.

Faculty involved in this research include Chris Dealwis, Ruth Keri, Jason Mears, Monica Montano, Derek Taylor, and Youwei Zhang.

Metabolic Regulation and Signal Transduction

Several laboratories have a broad interest in molecular pharmacology and signaling. The thematic focus is on molecular mechanisms and therapeutic actions of drugs and on the identification of cellular regulatory processes that may serve as rational targets for drug development in many disease contexts.

Faculty involved in this research include Marcin Golczak, Beata Jastrzebska, Ruth Keri, Marvin Nieman, and Johannes von Lintig.

Structural Biology

A key to understanding the molecular mechanism of therapeutic compounds is how they physically interact with their cellular targets. The department has research programs using state-of-the-art technology to solve complex biological structures including cryoelectron microscopy, structural mass spectrometry, and X-ray crystallography. Many of these activities are located in the Cleveland Center for Membrane and Structural Biology, which houses world-class instrumentation designed to probe protein for complex structure and function.

Faculty involved in this research include Chris Dealwis, Jason Mears, Masaru Miyagi, Phoebe Stewart, Derek Taylor, and Edward Yu.

Visual Sciences

Vision research has research programs dedicated to the chemistry and cell biology of the eye. A key aspect of these fundamental studies is linking them to human disease through animal models and translational studies within the department and in collaboration with the Department of Ophthalmology.

Faculty involved in this research include Marcin GolczakBeata Jastrzebska and Johannes von Lintig.