The Department of Physiology and Cell Biology seeks to understand the molecular and cellular mechanisms that regulate biological processes in living organisms. By studying these mechanisms, our researchers hope to gain valuable insights into disease progression and develop potential treatments to improve patient outcomes.
We seek to understand the biological mechanisms and structures that drive human life. Our work advances scientific knowledge and plays a key role in improving health care outcomes. The Department Physiology and Cell Biology is led by Dean Burkin, PhD (Interim Chair) and Violeta Mutafova-Yambolieva, MD, PhD (Vice Chair). A wide range of cutting-edge technologies are employed by our faculty including high-resolution cell and tissue imaging, Fluorescence Activated Flow Sorting, drug discovery, electrophysiology, single cell transcriptomics and Spatial-Omics available through core facilities at UNR Med.
Our faculty members are dedicated to teaching and mentoring students, offering guidance and support for those aspiring to advance in physiology and cell biology careers. The department fosters a collaborative and innovative research environment that encourages curiosity, cultivates critical thinking and promotes scientific excellence. We facilitate all programs in the state of the art Anatomy Laboratory, supporting the next generation of M.D.s and Physician Assistants. The Department of Physiology and Cell Biology internationally recognized scientists and physicians train undergraduate, graduate and medical students in physiology and cell biology. Our professors also teach clinical anatomy to medical and physician assistant students within UNR Med.
Eric Kim, M.D., associate professor of surgery, is developing innovative imaging studies to identify prostate cancer development and progression. Future clinical trials will be aimed at testing the efficacy of this new imaging technology for the diagnosis and monitoring of prostate cancer.
In the Department of Physiology and Cell Biology, our goal is to study the intricate processes that govern living organisms to gain insights into health, disease and life-saving treatments. Our internationally recognized research teams are led by the following faculty:
The Department of Physiology and Cell Biology consists of a passionate and diverse team of scientists and physicians who study physiological processes that contribute to human disease. Our research groups are focused on understanding cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying cardiovascular disease, gastrointestinal disorders, smooth muscle biology, urinary tract function and dysfunction, cancer biology, neuroscience and movement disorders.