With the advent of DNA sequencing it is now possible to pinpoint disease-causing mutations in the genome. UW Pharmacology scientists are exploiting this information to design the next generation of drugs.
Since the discovery of the double helix, understanding gene architecture is a central tenet of biomedical research. Our faculty use cutting-edge “-omic” techniques to chart the intricate organization and action of genes.
Cells respond to their environment through the relay of chemical and electrical signals. Members of our department use molecular, genetic, and pharmacological tools to dissect these intracellular and organellar communication networks.
Defective genes and their products underlie many pathological conditions.
Designing strategies to treat these processes is a research focus for several groups
within the department.
Drug addiction, neurological, and degenerative diseases are reaching epidemic proportions in our society. An interdisciplinary group of faculty are tackling these problems at the molecular, cellular, and systems level.
Understanding Pharmacology at the molecular level lies at the core of drug discovery. Members of our department use state-of-the-art structural and imaging techniques to develop novel therapeutics.
The Wang lab studies how mutations in the transcription factor IID complex contributes to cognitive impairment, neurodegeneration, and cancer development.
The Cirulli lab identifies signaling pathways that are activated by cell and matrix interactions in the developing pancreas to target for regeneration.