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 14 faculty labs.
Research News & Notable Events
-
Big advance in 3-D tissue imaging
Stanford scientists have found a relatively simple, low-cost fix that substantially improves images obtained via a widely used optical scanning technique, opening the door to "virtual biopsies."…
-
Drug discovery conference set for April 24
The daylong conference at Stanford will create a platform for discussion of policy, research and venture topics with a variety of speakers.
-
15 faculty named CZ Biohub investigators
The researchers will be given funding by the Chan Zuckerberg Biohub to develop tools and technologies that support the organization’s goal of curing, preventing or managing every disease.
-
Seizure ‘choke point’ in brain
Stanford researchers used a rodent model to discover that shifting the firing pattern of a particular set of brain cells is all it takes to initiate, or to terminate, an absence seizure.
-
What microballoons could reveal about gut
A microballoon that fits inside a fruit fly intestine could help scientists understand the forces or nutrients responsible for signaling the intestine to grow or shrink in response to food.
MCP Faculty
