Research Labs

Genomics and Bioinformatics

We take integrated genomics, bioinformatics and systems biology approaches to carry out research into cancer genomics, personalized medicine, comparative analyses, model organism and microbial genomics and bioinformatics. Several of our faculty have joint appointments at the renowned Michael Smith Genome Sciences Centre.

 

 

Cells, Development and Disease

We apply molecular and genetic approaches to the cell and developmental biology of model systems. Specific interests cover a broad range of topics, including: signal transduction, cilia, morphogenesis, cell death and autophagy, cytoskeleton, gene expression, cell division and polarity.

 

Structural Biology

We use X-ray crystallography, electron cryomicroscopy, computational modeling and proteomics tools combined with biochemical and biophysical assays of protein and membrane function, to investigate diverse life processes such as bacterial secretion and pilus assembly, viral proteases, and eukaryotic programmed cell death and signal transduction.

 

 

 

Function of Nucleic Acids

We employ biochemical, spectroscopic and electrochemical methods to investigate the fundamental properties of DNA and RNA. Catalytic RNAs and DNAs are an area of major interest, as is the biology of newly discovered non-coding RNAs, DNA-and-RNA-based biochemical switches and probes, biosensors for disease marker detection and the use of DNA in electronic nano-circuitry.

 

Research Labs

Immunology and Infectious Disease

Immunology research at SFU focuses on how the immune system responds to infection by human immunodeficiency virus and selected bacterial pathogens, and how it can lead to the rejection of transplanted organs. Studies routinely utilize molecular, biochemical, cell culture and animal models.