CELL BIOLOGY PROGRAM

Program Director: Dr. Victor Fried

Training in the broad areas of Cell Biology and Neuroscience leading to the M.S. and Ph.D. degrees is available to prepare students for research and teaching careers in universities, medical schools and private industry.

Ongoing projects include studies of oncogene expression and cytokines, apoptosis in glaucoma, the role of astrocytes in cerebral ischemia, modulation of neuronal and astrocytic signaling, growth control in skeletal muscle, signal transduction in a variety of tissues including platelets, retina, muscle cells, and the leech nervous system, intracellular protein degradation, cytoskeletal and receptor function, the development and regeneration of the visual system, extracellular matrices and limb development, spinal cord injury, and molecular mechanisms of Alzheimer’s disease. The department has state-of-the-art facilities for the techniques used in these studies, which include tissue culture, subcellular fractionation, protein sequencing, mass spectroscopy protein chemistry, recombinant DNA, fluorescent digital image analysis, electron microscopy, electrophysiological recording, and confocal and 2-photon microscopy.

Master of Science Program

Specific Program Requirements (Hegis Code 0412)

A minimum of 30 credits is required including certain specific core courses. A 3.00 GPA (B average) must be maintained in the required core curriculum. Electives may be chosen from didactic courses in cell biology and other basic sciences (biochemistry, physiology, etc.), in consultation with the graduate program director.

Doctor of Philosophy

Specific Program Requirements (Hegis Code 0412)

An average grade of “B” (GPA = 3.00 or better) must be maintained in the required core curriculum. Elective courses are selected, based upon the student’s interests, in consultation with the graduate program director and research sponsor. For example, Neural Science (BMS 1410) is usually taken by students interested in pursuing research in this field. To gain teaching experience, students must assist in teaching for one semester in a departmental course.

To become familiar with on-going research projects, students attend “Work in Progress” seminars given by faculty, postdoctoral fellows and graduate students. Participation in weekly Journal Club (CELL 8010) and Research Seminar (CELL 8020) sessions is also required in all years of residence, but only 2 credits for each course may be counted toward the degree requirements. During their first year, students undertake at least two research rotations in different laboratories to gain an appreciation of different areas and strategies of investigation and to determine a suitable dissertation advisor. Research activity is an important component of the program throughout the student’s tenure.

M.D./Ph.D. Candidates

Students in the M.D./Ph.D. program seeking their Ph.D. in Cell Biology are required to pass, as core courses, both Cell Biology (CELL 1360) and Biochemistry of Gene Expression (BIOC 1250). Journal Club (CELL 8010) and Research Seminar (CELL 8020) are required during each year of enrollment in the Ph.D. program. Students may elect to take additional courses offered in the department or other departments. A “B” average (GPA = 3.00 or better) must be maintained for the specified core courses as well as for all graduate courses. M.D./Ph.D. candidates must also pass the Ph.D. Qualifying Examination.

Qualifying Examination

Following completion of the required core courses, laboratory rotations and the teaching requirement, students take the Qualifying Examination. Usually, these requirements are completed by the end of the second year of the program, by which time the student has chosen a sponsor.

The Qualifying Examination consists of two parts. Part I (Preliminary Exam) consists of essay questions on topics related to the student's projected research interests. In Part II, which usually occurs 6-8 weeks following the successful completion of Part I, the student prepares a research proposal in grant application format on a topic different from the projected thesis research and presents the topic in a seminar to members of the examining committee and the department. The examining committee is made up of three to four members of the Cell Biology and Anatomy faculty and one faculty member from another program.

Candidacy

The student is eligible to enter doctoral candidacy after successful completion of both parts of the Qualifying Exam, the accumulation of at least 30 didactic credits including all the core and other required courses, and the recommendation of the program faculty. M.D./Ph.D. students are eligible for candidacy under the same conditions except that the credit requirement consists only of the required core graduate courses.

Dissertation Committee

The dissertation committee consists of at least five individuals including the student’s sponsor, at least three members of the Cell Biology and Anatomy faculty, a faculty member from another program, and a member from another academic institution. The Committee is chaired by a member other than the student’s sponsor

Course Descriptions

CELL 1320 Lectures in Histology	(3 credits)	Dr. Drakontides and Staff (Fall)
(Previously offered as 132A.3)
This course involves the study of individual cells and the organization in tissues and organ systems. Emphasis is on the correlation of structure and function at all levels of organization. Lectures: 3hrs/wk. Letter-graded. Students cannot apply credit for both CELL 1320 and CELL 1420 to their degree requirements.
CELL 1330 Laboratory in Histology	(2 credits)	Dr. Drakontides and Staff (Fall)
(Previously offered as 132B.2)
Laboratory sessions involving microscopic analysis of slides consisting of human and animal tissues and organs. Laboratory: 4 hrs/wk. Co-requisite: CELL 1330. Letter-graded. Enrollment is limited. Microscopes are required with a limited number available for rental.
CELL 1360 Cell Biology	(3 credits)	Dr. Lerea and Staff (Spring)
(Previously offered as 136.3)
This course is concerned primarily with eukaryotic cells. Lectures are devoted to structural details and the molecular functions of the different parts of the cell. Lectures will introduce topics such as endocytosis, intramembrane transport, protein targeting, organelle biosynthesis, protein sorting, exocytosis, cell shape, motility, and cell-to-cell interaction. Lectures also deal with signal transduction processes and cellular functions that are required for cell growth and programmed cell death. By its completion, students should have a comprehensive understanding of the architecture and function of living cells. In addition, emphasis is placed on experimental approaches taken to elucidate certain biology principles, including “paper review sessions” with active participation by students. Prerequisite: General Biochemistry I (BIOC 1010) or equivalent. Lectures: 3 hrs/wk. Letter-graded.
CELL 1410 Gross and Developmental Anatomy	(9 credits)	Dr. Pravetz and Staff (Fall)
(Previously offered as 141.9)
This course is designed to provide the student with a working knowledge of the gross anatomical structures of the human body, their functional relationships and their development. Emphasis is placed on the regional dissection of the entire cadaver. Laboratory sessions begin with a discussion of the structures to be dissected. Lectures introduce regions or systems, supplemented with TV tapes of prosections and demonstrations. Lectures by faculty from the Department of Surgery emphasize the relevance of anatomical principles to clinical application. Conferences conducted by members of the Radiology Department reinforce anatomical principles with radiographs, computerized tomography and magnetic resonance images. Small group sessions and a problem-solving approach to the material is favored throughout the course. Human development is presented by a combination of lectures and conferences outlining the embryogenesis of specific organ systems, small-group problem-solving sessions and lectures emphasizing the clinical application of embryology to neonatology and pediatrics. Open to Ph.D. students only. Laboratory 90 hrs. Lectures-Conferences: 75 hrs. Letter-graded.
CELL 1420 Histology Cell Biology	(6 credits)	Dr. Drakontides and Staff (Fall)
(Previously offered as 142.6)
This course presents the structural organization and correlated function of the microanatomy of the human body. Since the cell is the basic element of all tissues, particular attention is paid to aspects of molecular and cell biology. New methods for studying structure and function are discussed. Lectures incorporate aspects of gross anatomy, embryology, histophysiology and histopathology to establish a foundation of integrated knowledge. In the laboratory, students study structural aspects by viewing prepared microscope slides and related electron micrographs. Several lectures are devoted to the clinical aspects of special topics in Cell Biology and Histology. Open to Ph.D. students only. Lectures: 52 hrs, Laboratory-Conference: 70 hrs. Letter-graded. Students cannot apply credit for both CELL 1420 and CELL 1320, 1330 to their degree requirements.
CELL 2110 Developmental Neurobiology	(3 credits)	Dr. Sharma
(Previously offered as 175.3)
This course is intended to present up-to-date information on various aspects of the developing nervous system. Specific lectures will review the historical aspects followed by the recent status of each problem. The 3rd hour will be devoted to the discussion of one or two specific papers in the subject. Lectures: 3 hrs/wk. Letter-graded.
CELL 2120 Developmental Biology	(2 credits)	Dr. Newman and Staff
(Previously offered as 184.2)
Topics in molecular and cell biology of developing and regenerating systems. Subjects include fertilization, cell differentiation, chromatin structure and function, molecular control of gene expression, cellular pattern formation, neuronal specificity, the extracellular matrix, and the cellular basis of morphogenetic movements. Lectures: 2 hrs/wk. Letter-graded.
CELL 3110 Cytokines	(2 credits)	Dr. Sehgal (Spring in alternate years)
(Previously offered as 185.2)
This course covers the structure and function of cytokines such as the interleukins, interferons, and cellular growth factors. Emphasis will be on a consideration of cytokines involved in the host reaction to infection and injury, in B and T cell proliferation and in hematopoictic cell differentiation. Lectures: 2 hrs/wk. Letter-graded. Prerequisites: CELL 1360 and BIOC 1250.
CELL 8010 Journal Club	(1 credit)	Dr. Drakontides
(Previously offered as 191.1)
Students present and critically discuss current papers in a selected area. Seminar: 1hr/wk. Pass/Fail. May be taken multiple times.
CELL 8020 Research Seminar	(1 credit)	Dr. Drakontides
(Previously offered as 190.1)
The student presents a seminar in his/her own field of interest and attends the weekly seminars presented by invited guests, faculty members and students. Seminar: 1 hr/wk. Pass/Fail. May be taken multiple times.
CELL 8100 Current Topics in Cell Biology and Neuroscience	(2 credits)
Dr. Etlinger and Staff (Fall and Spring)
(Previously offered as 194.2)
Areas at the "cutting edge" of modern biology are studied at an advanced level through lectures, students’ presentations and critical discussions. Two to four topics are covered each semester. Topics include but are not limited to the following: Receptor mediated endocytosis, growth factors and ocogenes, ubiquitin and cellular function, interaction of extracellular matrix with normal and transformed cells, regeneration of muscle and nerve, neuronal plasticity in visual systems, neurobiology of learning, molecular basis of cell cycle, molecular basis of signal transduction, programmed cell death. Seminar: 2hrs/wk. Letter-graded.
Teaching Assistance in Departmental Courses CELL 8310 Gross Anatomy CELL 8320 Histology-Cell Biology CELL 8330 Neural Science	(2 credits)	Dr. Pravetz Dr. Drakontides Dr. Sharma
(Previously offered as 196A Gross Anatomy, 196B Histology-Cell Biology, 196C Neural Science.)
Students assist the faculty in teaching departmental courses to medical students. Hours to be arranged. Pass/Fail. Open to Ph.D. students only.
CELL 9110 Introduction to Research in Cell Biology and Neuroscience	(2 credits)	Dr. Etlinger and Staff
(Previously offered as 193.2)
Training in experimental design and interpretation of data as well as hands-on experience with various state-of-the-art techniques used in modern research. Individualized interaction is provided in a faculty laboratory for approximately one semester. Within the context of an experimental question, students have the opportunity to learn diverse techniques including tissue culture, electrophysiology, confocal microscopy, recombinant DNA, digital imaging, protein chemistry and FPLC, immunohistochemistry, etc. Students present a “work in progress” seminar at the conclusion of each rotation. Research: Hours to be arranged. Pass/Fail. Open to Ph.D. students only, who must take this course twice.
CELL 9750 Master’s Literature Review	(1 credit)	Dr. Drakontides and Staff
(Previously offered as 197.1)
Candidates for the Master of Science degree in Cell Biology and Anatomy may elect a Library project to satisfy, in part, the degree requirement. A research review topic is chosen after consultation between the student and faculty advisor and this serves the basis of a literature review with submission of a satisfactory final written report. Required for the Master’s degree, Plan A. Independent study. Pass/Fail. Open to Master’s students only.
CELL 9800 Master's Thesis Research	(1 - 5 credits)	Dr. Drakontides and Staff
(Previously offered as 198.1-5)
Candidates for the Master of Science degree in Cell Biology and Anatomy may elect to conduct a research project under the supervision of a faculty member. Submission of an acceptable final report summarizing results is required (CELL 9850). Thesis Research. Pass/Fail. May be taken multiple times, for one to five credits per term, but only five credits can be applied towards program requirements. Open to Master’s students only.
CELL 9850 Master’s Thesis	(1 credit)	Dr. Drakontides and Staff
(Previously offered as 195.1)
The candidate writes a scholarly thesis describing his/her original research in cell biology or anatomy (CELL 9800). The thesis must be approved by a graduate faculty committee. Open to Master’s students only. Required for the Master’s Degree, Plan B. Independent study. Pass /Fail.
CELL 9900 Doctoral Dissertation Research		Dr. Drakontides and Staff
(Previously offered as 199.1-15)
Candidates for the doctoral degree elect this course while performing research under the guidance of a faculty member. Thesis Research. Pass/Fail. May be taken multiple times for an overall total of 15 credits. Open to Ph.D. students only.
BMS 1410 Neural Science	(8 credits)	Dr. Sharma and Staff (Spring)
(Previously offered as 922.8)
Fine structure and gross anatomy of the nervous system, including pathways, are emphasized together with the fundamentals of membrane physiology, neuropharmacology and experimental evidence elucidating conduction of nervous impulses. Reflex activity and integration of function by the central nervous system are dealt with on a theoretical basis and from a clinical point of view. Lectures and conferences: 100 hrs., laboratory demonstrations and clinical sessions: 100 hrs. Letter-graded. Open to Ph.D. students only.
BIOC 2630 Cell Signaling	(2 credits)	Drs. Olson and Lerea
(Previously offered as 263.2)
An advanced topic course that covers major signaling components such as phospholipases, GTP binding proteins, protein kinases, and protein phosphatases. Format includes lectures by the instructors and presentations of original literature by the students. Prerequisite: BIOC-1010 or CELL-1360. Lectures: 2 hrs/wk. Letter-graded. Enrollment is limited.

Graduate Faculty and Research Interests

Anna B. Drakontides, Ph.D.
Professor of Cell Biology and Anatomy

B.S. 1955, Hunter College; M.S. 1968, Ph.D. 1971, Cornell University Medical College

Research/Interests - Pathogenesis of early and late changes at neuromuscular junction and muscle induced by chemical irritants.

Joseph D. Etlinger, Ph.D.
Professor and Chairman of Cell Biology and Anatomy

B.S. 1968, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute; Ph.D. 1974, University of Chicago

Research/Interests - Skeletal muscle growth and atrophy, molecular mechanisms, and selectivity of intracellular proteolysis in erythroid and muscle cells; role of proteasomes and ubiquitin; spinal cord injury.

Victor A. Fried, Ph.D.
Professor of Cell Biology and Anatomy and Graduate Program Director

B.S. 1965, University of Chicago; Ph.D. 1970, University of Oregon

Research/Interests - Role of ubiquitin in cytoskeletal and cell-surface receptor function, posttranslational modifications, and protein sequencing.

Jian Kang, M.D., Ph.D.
Associate Professor of Cell Biology and Anatomy

M.D. 1982, China; Ph.D. 1993, University of Florida

Research/Interests - Interplay between excitatory and inhibitory synapses; mechanisms underlying Epilepsy; roles of astrocytes in synaptic plasticity; properties and functions. of K channel, Na channel, GABA_A channel and gap-junction hemichannel.

Anna L. Kleinhaus, Ph.D.
Professor of Cell Biology and Anatomy

Lic. Science 1961, University of Geneva, Switzerland; Ph.D. 1968, SUNY Downstate Medical Center

Research/Interests - Properties and modulation of ion channels involved in neuronal function and behavior; chemosensory mechanisms; cellular basis of behavior in simple systems.

Kenneth M. Lerea, Ph.D.
Associate Professor of Cell Biology and Anatomy

B.S. 1980, SUNY at Binghamton; M.S. 1982, Ph.D. 1984, University of Rochester

Research/Interests - Mechanism of signal transduction; role of protein seryl-threonyl and tyrosyl kinases and phosphatases in integrin functions and platelet activation.

Stuart A. Newman, Ph.D.
Professor of Cell Biology and Anatomy

A.B. 1965, Columbia University; Ph.D. 1970, University of Chicago

Research/Interests - Physical and molecular mechanisms of development and evolution; pattern formation in the vertebrate limb; collagen assembly.

Renato Rozental, MD, PhD
Associate Professor of Cell Biology and Anatomy; Associate Professor of Obstetrics & Gynecology; Associate Professor of Anesthesiology

M.D. 1982, M.Sc. 1985, Ph.D. 1990, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro

Research/Interests - Role of connexins in nervous system development and dysfunction in ischemia and perinatal seizures

Tamiko Sato, M.D.
Associate Professor of Cell Biology and Anatomy

M.B. 1950, Nagoya City Women's Medical College; M.D. 1959, Nagoya University, School of Medicine

Research/Interests - Regulation of intracellular calcium in muscular dystrophy; digital imaging of fluorescent ion probes.

Pravin B. Sehgal, M.D., Ph.D.
Professor of Cell Biology and Anatomy and Medicine

M.D. (MBBS) 1973, University of Bombay; Ph.D. 1977, Rockefeller University

Research/Interests - Interleukin-6; interferons; gene expression; signal transduction (STATs in membrane rafts)

Sansar C. Sharma, Ph.D.
Professor of Ophthalmology and Professor of Cell Biology and Anatomy

Ph.D. 1967, Edinburgh University Medical School, Scotland

Research/Interests - Development and regeneration in the visual system and spinal cord.

Alan D. Springer, Ph.D.
Professor of Cell Biology and Anatomy

B.S. 1969, Brooklyn College; Ph.D. 1973, City University of New York

Research/Interests - Virtual engineering simulations of the mechanisms underlying retinal and foveal development; causes of retinal detachments in premature infants; causes of strabismus.

Gerardo Suarez, M.D.
Research Associate Professor of Cell Biology and Anatomy

M.D., 1960, University of Chile

Research/Interests - Protein fructation and oxidative stress; crystallin and collagen self-assembly; molecular mechanisms of diabetic complications and generation of Alzheimer's β amyloid protein.

Richard J. Zeman, Ph.D.
Associate Professor of Cell Biology and Anatomy

B.S. 1969, Columbia University; M.S. 1977, Ph.D. 1979, New York University

Research/Interests - Role of B₂ adrenoceptors in musculoskeletal growth; mechanisms of spinal cord injury; regulation of intracellular calcium.