Biological Chemistry Research

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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

scientists in a lab

Biochemical Signaling

Probe how cells respond to changes in their environment.

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scientist by computer screen displaying a protein structure

Macromolecular Structure & Mechanism

Focus in on how biological macromolecules function at the molecular and atomic level.

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scientist injecting sample into HPLC

Protein Processing & Folding

Understanding the folding, translocation, and processing of proteins is integral to modern molecular and cell biology.

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Regulation of Gene Expression

Use and develop groundbreaking research techniques to uncover the mechanisms that govern gene expression.

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Biological Chemistry News & Stories

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Cutaway view of the cryo-EM map of a loaded bacterial encapsulin
Department News

The Giessen lab publishes a research article in Nature Communications

The Giessen lab from U-M Biological Chemistry publishes a research article in Nature Communications.
headshot of Jay Schneekloth in a chemical laboratory
Department News

Welcome to new Biological Chemistry faculty member John Schneekloth, PhD

Dr. John (Jay) Schneekloth joined U-M at the beginning of September as Professor of Biological Chemistry, Research Professor in the Life Sciences Institute, and Co-Director of the Program in Chemical Biology.
student holding framed award certificate and flanked by three other people
Department News

Katherine McCombs receives Master's Program Award

Katherine McCombs has received a U-M Biological Chemistry Master's Program Award.
Hello and welcome message
Department News

Biological Chemistry welcomes new MS and PhD students

New graduate students join the Department of Biological Chemistry at U-M Medical School.
Headshot of Brandon Lu
Department News

MD/PhD student Brandon Lu receives a predoctoral fellowship from the National Institutes of Health

U-M Biological Chemistry MD/PhD student Brandon Lu of the Fung and Huang labs received a predoctoral fellowship from the NIH.
headshot of Jo Ostlund
Department News

Johnette Ostlund chosen for a position in the Chemistry Biology Interface Training Program

U-M Biological Chemistry PhD student Jo Ostlund has been awarded a position in the Chemistry Biology Interface Training Program.