The department has major research programs in the molecular basis of control and regulation of gene expression, molecular mechanisms of signal processing and transduction, detailed analysis of macromolecular structure and function, the biochemistry and molecular biology of the brain, and genetic medicine including gene therapy.

The department’s exceptionally strong research into various aspects of the biochemistry and cell biology of cancer is internationally recognized. Ongoing research programs in this area include chemical carcinogenesis, mechanism of action of cancer chemotherapeutic agents, tumor cell invasion and metastasis, and regulation of gene expression.

The department supports an internationally recognized program in gene therapy, which includes faculty from the affiliated Institute for Genetic Medicine under the directorship of Dr. Laurence Kedes, who is a pioneer in basic and translational research on therapeutic gene transfer methodologies. Many faculty members are affiliated with the Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center.

The Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center maintains a microchemical core facility which includes capabilities for gas phase protein sequencing, amino acid analysis, peptide synthesis, DNA synthesis and sequencing. Other facilities available to support the research of members of the department include bioreagent and cell culture, genomics, microarray, confocal microscopy, transgenic, flow cytometry and biostatistical core facilities.

The Ziklha Neurogenetic Institute was constructed with a solid foundation of financial and institutional support, which will allow its scientists to conduct groundbreaking research. This partnership between USC, the Keck Foundation, Selim Zilkha and the philanthropic community will undoubtedly result in the sort of highest-quality science that leads to meaningful clinical applications in the diagnosis and treatment of neurological diseases and behavioral disorders.