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There is strong expertise in yeast genetics and molecular biology with emphasis on the mechanisms involved in homologous recombination and post-transcriptional processing of pre-messenger RNAs. Several investigators in this Division study gene structure and function in higher eukaryotes including avian, murine and human systems. The Division also has expertise in modeling of antibodies and has  played an important role in the development of radio-labelled antibodies currently in clinical use.
There is a strong emphasis within the Division on the interface of chemistry and biology. Historically, members of this Division have made major contributions in the chemistry and applications of synthetic DNA in biology and medicine. Today this interface includes the use of site-specifically modified oligonucleotides to investigate mechanisms of nucleic acid-protein or nucleic acid- nucleic acid interactions. Other areas of research interest include investigations into the biochemistry of oxidative damage of DNA and RNA, and the development of catalytic RNAs, including ribozymes and siRNAs for therapeutic applications. Investigators within the Division share strong collaborations with investigators in the medical center, and traditionally have made important contributions to clinical investigations at the City of Hope.
The Division of Molecular Biology is comprised of  eight independent laboratories as well as the DNA-peptide and electron microscopy core facilities. Investigators in the Division have a broad range of interests that center around understanding mechanisms that control expression of genetic information at the transcriptional and post-transcriptional levels.
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