Biological Chemistry Research
Asking and Answering Fundamental Questions
We explore biological phenomena at the molecular and mechanistic levels to make discoveries about life and health.
Understanding the Foundations of Life
Scientists in the Department of Biological Chemistry integrate many technologies and approaches to study the molecular processes that are the foundation for life and health. Research projects can be grouped into the four broad areas of Biochemical Signaling, Macromolecular Structure & Mechanism, Protein Processing & Folding and Regulation of Gene Expression.
Close ties and cross-appointments with the Life Sciences Institute, the Center for RNA Biomedicine, the Michigan Neuroscience Institute, the Chemical Biology Program, and the LSA departments of Biology, Biophysics, and Chemistry place Biological Chemistry at the center of the University of Michigan's strong biochemical community.
Our interdisciplinary research into the molecular mechanisms of life offers a wide variety of investigative opportunities to students, fellows, and scientific collaborators.
Research Areas
Biochemical Signaling
Probe how cells respond to changes in their environment.
Macromolecular Structure & Mechanism
Focus in on how biological macromolecules function at the molecular and atomic level.
Protein Processing & Folding
Understanding the folding, translocation, and processing of proteins is integral to modern molecular and cell biology.
Regulation of Gene Expression
Use and develop groundbreaking research techniques to uncover the mechanisms that govern gene expression.
Biological Chemistry News & Stories
PhD student Dina Tekle publishes a research article in PNAS
Celebrating outstanding teaching and research at the 2026 Endowment for Basic Sciences Awards
Heather Giebink and Michael Rankin receive Endowment for Basic Sciences Awards
Two Biological Chemistry faculty members receive promotions in 2026
Congratulations to David Beier, PhD
