Welcome
The Department of Biochemistry is a leading research division at Emory University School of Medicine. Our diverse studies exploring many key areas of biochemistry, molecular and structural biology, applied toward a better understanding of diverse, fundamental biological processes with potential or established links to human health and disease. These include but are not limited to the study of gene expression and control of protein synthesis, cell signaling, cell metabolism, molecular pathogenesis, and protein/nucleic acid modifications and interactions.
Latest Department News
Emerging Leaders in Biochemistry Seminar Series
The Department of Biochemistry has reserved slots in our departmental seminar series for mid- and senior-level postdoctoral researchers who are considering academic careers. This is an outstanding opportunity for postdocs in biochemistry to present their cutting-edge research, meet our faculty and trainees, and expand their network. The seminar series is open to postdocs from U.S. institutions. Interested postdocs can self-nominate by sending a CV to biochem_DEI@emory.edu or be nominated by their peers. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis and priority will be given to applicants from traditionally underrepresented groups in academia.
Dr. Homa Ghalei Promoted to Associate Professor
Congratulations to Dr. Homa Ghalei for her promotion to Associate Professor of Biochemistry, effective September 1, 2023.
Dr. Sohail Khoshnevis Received NIH Grant
Congratulations to Dr. Sohail Khoshnevis for receiving a 5-year NIH grant, "Post-transcriptional regulation of cell plasticity."
Ghalei Lab Received Emory SOM (I3) Nexus Research Award
Congratulations to Ghalei lab for receiving the 2023 Emory School of Medicine Dean’s IMAGINE, INNOVATE, AND IMPACT (I3) award. The SoM Dean’s I3 WOW Awards fund innovative research ideas with the potential to make a transformational impact on fundamental biomedical knowledge or translational applications. This awarded project, which is collaborative research between the laboratories of Dr. Homa Ghalei in the Department of Biochemistry and Dr. Adam Marcus from the Hematology and Medical Oncology Department, aims to establish novel non-coding RNA biomarkers for non-small cell lung cancer.
Ortlund Lab Publishes "JBC" Paper
Congratulations to Lee Cato, Emma D’Agostino, Racheal Spurlin, Sarah Abraham, and Eric Ortlund on their publication, "Comparison of Activity, Structure, and Dynamics of SF-1 and LRH-1 Complexed with Small Molecule Modulators," in the Journal of Biological Chemistry, June 2023.
Ortlund Lab Published "Nature Communications" Paper
Congratulations to Sam Druzak, Suzanne Mays, Mireille El-Bejjani, Kristal Maner-Smith, Thomas Bowen, Lee Cato, Matt Tillman, and Eric Ortlund on their recent publication, "Ligand dependent interaction between PC-TP and PPARδ mitigates diet-induced hepatic steatosis in male mice," in Nature Communications, June 2023.
Excellence in Biochemistry DEI Award
Congratulations to Alejandro Oviedo, BCDB graduate student from the Conn laboratory, for receiving the 2023 Excellence in Biochemistry DEI Award!
NAR Cancer Receives First Impact Factor
Published by Oxford University Press, NAR Cancer thanks its editors, authors, and readers in getting off to a great start, with release this week of an impact factor of 5.1. Dr. William Dynan, Professor in the Emory School of Medicine departments of Radiation Oncology and Biochemistry, is the founding Editor-in-Chief and Emory University faculty member Alexander Orthwein is also an Editorial Board Member.
Liang Lab Publishes Paper in "Microorganisms"
The Liang Lab Published "Microorganisms" Paper titled, "In Silico Identification and In Vitro Validation of Repurposed Compounds Targeting the RSV Polymerase”.
Dr. Homa Ghalei Selected for 2023 Educator Appreciation Day
Dr. Homa Ghalei has made extensive contributions to graduate education at Emory. In addition to providing outstanding mentorship to trainees in her research lab, Dr. Ghalei is the director of the major course taken by 1st year Biochemistry, Cell and Developmental Biology graduate students and has taught extensively in this course, developing several minicourses that emphasize scientific discussions, critical thinking, hypothesis design and testing, and application of techniques in modern biochemistry.
In recognition of Educator Appreciation Day, the Recognitions Committee at Emory School of Medicine sent out a call for nominations for educators across the school who go above and beyond the call of duty as teachers and mentors. Emory educators were nominated by their peers and colleagues for their passion and skills to educate, encourage, and support scholars and learners across the university.
Ortlund Lab Publishes Paper in "Structure"
The Ortlund Lab shows how #COVID variants can escape immune detection with their publication, "Molecular basis of SARS-CoV-2 Omicron variant evasion from shared neutralizing antibody response," in Structure.
Nick Seyfried, PhD, and Colleagues on PBS's Your Fantastic MindÂ
Nick Seyfried, PhD, and colleagues appear on PBS's Your Fantastic Mind discussing their research of proteomics, the study of proteins in humans, and its potential to unlock the secrets of neurodegenerative diseases.
