Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine

A major goal of the Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine Program is to foster ability for independent thought. To this end, our faculty cultivates an open, collegial relationship with one another and with our students. Close collaboration between scientists, the sharing of ideas, and open inquiry are critical components of our training plan.

The hallmarks of graduate training in biochemistry and molecular medicine are the emphasis placed on the use of the scientific literature in advanced coursework and on protecting time for laboratory research. In addition, students will have time for professional development through seminar presentation, attendance at national meetings, teaching opportunities, and seminar programs both within the department and throughout the Health Sciences Center.

This doctoral program focuses on the understanding of biology by exploring function of the molecular components of cells. The student's ability for independent thought is critical in preparation for a career as an independent scientist. During the second year, specialized courses in biochemistry are offered as students continue their research projects. During subsequent years, students emphasize independent dissertation research, and a few formal courses may be taken. Completion of the Ph.D. degree is realized when the student successfully presents the research results to faculty of the graduate dissertation committee and program/department. Typically, four to five years are required to realize this goal. A fast-track option is available to West Virginia University undergraduate students who have excelled in undergraduate prerequisite courses relevant to biochemistry, and began their research in a Program member's laboratory during their junior year.

• Epigenetic regulation of chromatin structure and gene expression
• RNA processing
• Cell survival mechanisms
• Regulation of metabolism
• Proteosome function
• Cell proliferation and cell cycle regulation
• Cell adhesion
• Kinases and phosphatases in signal transduction and in cancer cell metabolism
• Oxidant-induced cellular stress
• Structural biology and structure/function relationships of macromolecules such as RNA and/or proteins
• Molecular genetics of visual and auditory development
• G protein-mediated signaling by retinal photoreceptors
• Molecular basis of age-related blindness
• Development and application of new magnetic resonance approaches to biomedicine

These research areas provide fundamental knowledge toward the normal health-state and aim toward the amelioration of important diseases: atherosclerosis, blindness, cancer, deafness, diabetes, and metabolic disorders.

Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine

Students will:

• Identify and summarize the basic concepts of biochemistry and molecular medicine including: molecular genetics, protein structure and function, metabolism, cell biology and biophysics.
• Discuss, interpret and critique the research literature in biochemistry and molecular medicine.
• Demonstrate deep insight when discussing research in their specific field of study.
• Integrate broad, fundamental knowledge in the basic concepts of biochemistry and molecular medicine with detailed knowledge of the student's specific field of study.
• Identify the major questions and gaps in their specific field of study. When challenged, be able to identify significant gaps in our collective knowledge of biochemistry and molecular medicine.
• Acquire, develop and use standard biochemical laboratory techniques as well as those necessary to successfully perform state of the art experiments in the student's area of research.
• Design experimental protocols and conduct self-directed research that is well-controlled, rigorous and produces results with unequivocal interpretation.
• Conduct research to produce novel results that are presented at scientific meetings and published in peer-reviewed journals.
• Demonstrate oral, written and visual communication skills that result in clear and organized dissemination of material at a level appropriate for the audience.