Molecular
genetics is a relatively new discipline that has emerged
as a result of a of advances in the field of recombinant
DNA and genetic engineering during the past 25 years.
The ability to isolate, characterize and modify genes
and introduce them into
living organisms has revolutionized the entire field of
genetics and much of biology as well. As a result of these
breakthroughs, there has been a vast increase in our knowledge
of the structure and mechanisms of regulation of genes
from all organisms. Continual developments in technology
mean genetics and molecular biology will be an expanding
scientific specialty well into the next decade.
Molecular genetics is highly interdisciplinary. It
draws heavily upon recent advances in a wide variety
of fields including biochemistry, microbiology, developmental
biology, cell biology, medicine, and chemistry. Likewise,
the results of research in molecular genetics have led
to advances in many of these disciplines. For example,
the ability to construct, insert and express custom
designed genes in a variety of organisms is now beginning
having a major impact on agriculture.
Advances in our understanding of the genetic and molecular
basis of many human diseases (including cancer, AIDS,
metabolic diseases, obesity, heart disease, cystic fibrosis,
muscular dystrophy and Alzheimer's disease) are attributable
to molecular genetic approaches. Gene therapy
has the potential to cure many diseases that may be
difficult or impossible to treat using other approaches.
The development of the biotechnology industry is based,
to a large extent, on advances in the field of molecular
genetics.
Thus, even though the field of molecular genetics is
relatively new, it has already had a global impact and
will continue to be of central importance in the future
of biology.
The Department of Molecular Genetics at The Ohio State
University was formed relatively recently (1987).
During its brief existence, the department has developed
a strong reputation. Research in the Department of Molecular
Genetics is focused on important, fundamental problems
in genetics, cell biology and developmental biology
which are being studied in a variety of eukaryotic model
systems. These include plant and animal viruses, fungi,
plants, worms, insects, amphibia, mice and humans. In
spite of the diversity of model systems, all laboratories
use similar genetic and biochemical approaches in their
investigations, which has facilitated communication
and collaboration between laboratories regardless of
the organism being investigated.
The quality of the faculty in the Department of Molecular
Genetics is excellent. All of the faculty have active
research programs and participate in educating graduate
students in the classroom as well as in the research
laboratory. The faculty have a strong record of funding
from national agencies. The faculty publish papers in
the top journals in the field and are invited to present
their research at national and international meetings.
Several faculty members are recipients of national research
awards. Eleven excellent faculty members have been hired
during the past ten years. All of the new faculty have
established strong research programs and have attracted
major national grant support shortly after their arrival.
The strength and reputation of the our research
programs have translated into a strong graduate program.
The department also has a strong undergraduate program
that provides excellent preparation for graduate or
professional education or for careers in modern biology.
