Institute of Molecular and Cellular Biology
The IMCB was established in 2002 and currently consists of 11 full-time and 8 adjunct faculty members. To foster cutting-edge research in biological sciences and to translate laboratory hypothesis-driven discoveries into advances in biomedicine and biotechnology, we focus on establishing cellular and animal models to excel in investigations of infectious diseases, human microbiomes, regenerative medicine, neurodegenerative diseases, and cancer biology. Specific research interests include

• Molecular evolution, phylogenomics, and molecular ecology of ferns
• Avian evolutionary genetics and genomics
• Evolution of SARS-CoV-2 and the development of viral entry inhibitors
• Axonal and intraflagellar transport in Caenorhabditis elegans
• Pathogenesis of Helicobacter pylori, Candida albicans, and Acanthamoeba spp.
• Molecular and cellular immunology
• DNA double-strand break repair
• Signal transduction in carcinogenesis
• Cancer stem-cell biology and cancer epigenetics
• Hepatitis B Virus-mediated genomic instability and tumorigenesis
• Target-based drug discovery
• Microbiome and human health

The IMCB has access to advanced equipment such as a High Throughput Genome Analyzer, cell sorter, spectrum flow cytometry, and state-of-the-art in vivo imaging systems. We maintain continuous collaboration with international laboratories at Johns Hopkins University (USA), Oxford University (UK), Pasteur Institutes in Nha Trang and Ho Chi Minh City (Vietnam), University of Science (VNU-HCMC, Vietnam), Xiamen University (China), and more. In addition, our alumni have made outstanding contributions to superb academic research, biotechnology, biomedicine, conservation biology, intellectual property and technology licensing, entrepreneurship, and science and technology management. Our goals are to become a successful player in the global science league and to train potential leaders in both academics and industry.