Molecular and Cellular Physiology
Understanding Cell Signaling and Behavior
The Department of Molecular and Cellular Physiology explores how cells communicate, interact and enable complex physiological function. Our labs take an interdisciplinary approach, with an emphasis on quantitative and structural approaches drawn from multiple scientific disciplines, including structural biology, biophysics, cell biology, immunology and neuroscience. By uncovering molecular and cellular processes, MCP scientists have established new paradigms in the biology of signaling and communication, such as the relationship between the structure and function of GPCRs, and the presynaptic molecular mechanisms underlying neuronal communication. We have more than 100 graduate students and postdoctoral fellows working in our 13 faculty labs.
Research News & Notable Events
– Stanford NewsUndergrad in MCP lab wins Kennedy Prize for best natural sciences thesis
Thirty-eight Stanford graduating seniors were recently recognized for their honors theses. Each was awarded a bronze medal, citation and a monetary award.
– Stanford MedicineInside a lab using worms to explore the sense of touch
The study of a tiny worm is giving researchers in the neuroscience lab of Miriam Goodman, PhD, clues into all the aspects of our sense of touch.
– ScopeStanford team cracks key immune protein's crystal structure, separating its yin from its yang
Cracking the crystal structure of a protein complex centered around a major immune signaling protein, interferon-gamma, may speed its medical use.
– ScopeWomen scientists inhibited by funding methods that favor men, researchers say
Women in science could be losing ground because of research funding review methods that favor men, two Stanford researchers say.
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New members of National Academy of Sciences
Karla Kirkegaard, Mark Krasnow and William Weis are now part of an organization created in 1863 to advise the nation on issues related to science and technology.
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Using worms to investigate drugs
Humans have relied on plants for millennia to treat a variety of neurological ailments. Now, researchers are using microscopic worms to better understand how plant molecules shape behavior — and perhaps develop better new drugs.
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Eight researchers awarded NIH grants
The Stanford scientists will receive $32 million over five years to fund explorations of cancer, the brain, the aging process, chromosomes and the development of cells.
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‘Discovery Curriculum’ launched
A redesigned curriculum for Stanford medical students is now being fully implemented. It provides new courses, more flexibility and financial incentives for pursuing long-term research.
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Neurons quickly generated from blood
Fresh or frozen human blood samples can be directly transformed into patient-specific neurons to study disorders such as schizophrenia and autism, Stanford researchers find.
MCP Faculty
