Programmatic Overview
Doctoral students in Medical Sciences can receive instruction and research training in six potential emphasis areas. Please select any of the following areas of interest:
Biochemistry and Structural Biology
Much of the research in this emphasis group focuses on understanding how proteins are synthesized and assembled into functional macromolecules. State of the art biophysical technologies are exploited to define mechanisms for protein folding, and protein trafficking in the endoplasmic reticulum and nucleus. Reverse genetic approaches are used to elucidate the roles of newly discovered proteins and define functional protein domains. Most researchers have strong collaborative ties with Texas A&M University groups in the Chemistry and Biochemistry/Biophysics Departments.
Cell and Molecular Biology
Research in this area spans a wide range of biological processes, from events that occur within the nucleus to those in the extracellular matrix. Individual research programs focus on understanding basic cellular mechanisms (i.e. DNA replication, transcription and protein sorting), molecules that control complex regulatory pathways (signal transduction, gene regulation, epigenetics, development and differentiation), and the molecular basis for cancer. Most faculty members belong to multi-disciplinary research groups affiliated with Texas A&M University, including TAMU interdisciplinary programs in Genetics, Neurosciences and Virology.
Clinical and Translational Science
The overall educational goal of this track is to prepare future biomedical researchers who can interact effectively with the spectrum of clinical providers and community members, and function efficiently within large research teams, either as members or as team leaders. The curriculum in this track is designed to provide a strong foundation in biological science along with activities that will encourage team-oriented projects, enhance communication between team members from different disciplinary backgrounds, develop leadership skills, and provide the foundation for broad understanding of pertinent scientific, medical, and regulatory issues.
Microbial and Molecular Pathogens
Much of the research in this group focuses on the interplay between pathogens and hosts. Considerable emphasis is placed on the infectious agents themselves (viruses, bacteria and parasites), including host recognition and invasion. The mechanism of action of toxins and pore-inducing proteins are highlighted. Research on host resistance/response pathways includes studies on cellular and humoral immunity. Cutting edge investigations in vaccine development and delivery provide strong clinical applications to this diverse pathogen research program. Other focal areas include molecular pathogenesis in cancer, including oncogene expression and angiogenesis.
Neurosciences
This group embraces a number of diverse interests in the central and peripheral nervous systems, including gene expression, neurophysiology, neuropharamacology, neuroendocrinology and signal transduction. Faculty members make strong contributions to research in alcohol and drug abuse, circadian rhythms, neural development, and neurodegeneration. They belong to several research-oriented interdepartmental faculties affiliated with Texas A&M University, such as the Neuroscience and Toxicology Programs.
Systems and Translational Biology
In the postgenomic age, two major trends have revolutionized medical research. First, systems biology has integrated traditional life science disciplines with quantitative sciences of mathematics, engineering and computer science to address complex problems in human biology and medicine. Second, the marked advances in cell and molecular biology have allowed scientists to move knowledge from "bench to bedside" in the new field of translational medicine. The Systems and Translational Biology track in the medical sciences program provides students with knowledge and tools to investigate human biology and medicine at the leading edge of medical research.
