Biochemical signaling events under genetic control contribute to healthy and aberrant processes in hematopoietic cells. While many of these processes underlie specific events observed in immunohematology, immunology, hemoglobinopathy, hematopoiesis, and coagulation, some relevant cellular events are not readily categorized in these subject areas. For this reason, this track is designed for study of basic cellular processes. Although no specific clinical experiences are advised for this track, trainees and preceptors are nevertheless encouraged to apply their techniques and interests to questions relevant to clinical problems, including investigation of the mechanisms underlying clinical syndromes (such as leukemia) and how to generate diagnostic and prognostic information. Many of our PhD trainees have pursued training in this track applying fundamental studies to hematologic problems.
Track IV: Molecular Biology, Signaling & Genetics
Preceptor Faculty
Ashley-Koch, Allison, PhD (genetic modifiers of sickle cell co-morbidities including priapism, nephropathy and alloimmunization)
Chi, Jen-Tsan, PhD (signaling and transcriptome analysis of erythrocytes in SCD and blood storage)
Gregory, Simon, PhD (immune-genetics and genomics)
Haynes, Barton, MD (molecular immunology and vaccine development)
Holley, Christopher, MD (the role of non-coding RNA (ncRNA) in cardiovascular health and disease, with a special emphasis on snoRNA (small nucleolar RNA))
Lefkowitz, Robert, MD (G protein-coupled receptors)
Voora, Deepak, MD (Molecular Biology)
Adjunct Faculty: James White, PhD (autophagy in aging); Jack Keene, PhD (ribonomics; RNA binding proteins)
Conferences and Seminars available to Track IV Trainees |
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| Conference | Conference Description | Attendees and Interactions |
| Distinguished Lecturer Series | Seminar series is held by the University Program in Genetics and Genomics (UPGG) and brings distinguished lecturers in this field. Held quarterly on Thursday afternoons. | University and Medical Center research faculty, undergraduate and graduate students, post-doc fellows |
| Tuesday Seminar Series | Seminar series hosted by the UPGG brings national and internationally renowned speakers on various themes in molecular biology. Held weekly, Tuesday noon. | Medical Center research faculty, undergraduate and graduate students, post-doctorate fellows |
| Thursday Series | Department of Molecular Genetics and Microbiology (MGM), and University Program in Cell and Molecular Biology, brings nationally renowned speakers in cellular biology, molecular mechanisms of virulence and host defense. Held weekly, Thursday noon. | Medical Center and University research faculty, undergraduate and graduate students, post-doctorate fellows in MGM |
| Molecular Genetics and Microbiology Monthly Research meetings | Monthly research meetings held by research faculty in the Molecular Genetics and Microbiology (MGM) group to present research in progress. | Research faculty, graduate students and post-doctorate fellows in MGM |
| Computational Biology Seminar Series | Duke Center for Genomic and Computational Biology (GCB) invites national speakers, Duke faculty and CBB doctoral and graduate students. Held weekly. | Research faculty, graduate students and post-doctorate fellows in GCB |
Graduate courses available to Track IV Trainees
The Department of Biochemistry offers several graduate level courses in cellular signaling, including GPCR Signaling and Disease (CELLBIO 761), Intracellular Signaling and Disease (CELLBIO762) and Growth Factor Pathway in Development & Disease (CELLBIO763). Introductory course in medical genetics (CRP243) is offered through the clinical research training program. Of the numerous graduate courses available through the UPGG (University Program in Genetics and Genomics), those most pertinent for our trainees include: UPGEN778, a flagship course for genetics and genomics graduate students in which they select from a menu of two week long modules in quantitative and molecular genomic topics; and UPGEN732, Human Genetics, a course that covers everything from population genetics to chromosomal disorders, epigenetics, and functional genomics.
