Basic Sciences Research Programs

Basic Science at Fred Hutch

Gene Regulation and Genomic Integrity

The structure, organization and regulation of chromatin (the complex of DNA and structural components) is critical to ensuring that cells activate relevant genes correctly and maintain the integrity of their genome. Malfunctions in these processes can result in genetic diseases and cancer formation. Researchers in the division seek to understand the multiple complex molecular systems that govern chromatin structure as well as DNA transcription, RNA processing and translation and other controls of gene expression.

Bradley Lab

R. Bradley Lab: RNA Biology and Biophysics

Hahn Lab

Hahn Lab: Transcriptional Regulation

Henikoff Lab

Henikoff Lab: Epigenetics

Adeyemi Lab

Adeyemi Lab: Mechanisms of Genome Maintenance

Smith Lab

Smith Lab: DNA Repair and Recombination

Subramaniam Lab

Subramaniam Lab: Translation and Ribasomal Function

Tsukiyama Lab

Tsukiyama Lab: Chromatin and Quiescence

Avgousti Lab

Avgousti Lab: Viral Manipulation of Chromatin

Lehrbach Lab

Lehrbach Lab: Protein Degradation

Biophysics and Quantitative Biology

The molecular structure of proteins determines their functionality within cells and organisms. Researchers in the division are working to discover the structure of existing molecules and to synthesize new ones that might prevent or treat disease. Investigators also examine the symbiotic relationships among cell communities and how these affect human health. 

Brent Lab

Brent Lab: Systems Biology

Campbell Lab

Campbell Lab: Cell Communication and Signal Transduction

Stoddard Lab

Stoddard Lab: Protein Structure and Design

Strong Lab

Strong Lab: Translational Biophysics and Vaccine Design

P. Bradley Lab

P. Bradley Lab: Protein Structure and Interaction

Cell Proliferation and Fate

Normal cellular processes as well as environmental stressors can disrupt the genetic and structural integrity of a cell. Researchers in the division are investigating the processes by which cells recover from these stressors. Additionally, they seek to understand cellular division, metabolism and fate by answering fundamental questions about normal and abnormal cell function, development and how dysregulation of these processes contribute to disease, including cancer.

Biggins Lab

Biggins Lab: Cell Division and Chromosome Segregation

Setty Lab

Setty Lab: Cell Lineage and Fate

Cooper Lab

Cooper Lab: Cell Signaling and Migration

Eisanman Lab

Eisenman Lab: Transcriptional Control of Proliferation and Neoplasia

Hatch Lab

Hatch Lab: Micronuclei and Nuclear Envelope Repair

Parkhurst Lab

Parkhurst Lab: Wound Healing and Nuclear Architecture

Priess Lab

Priess Lab: Developmental Systems

Roth Lab

Roth Lab: Metabolic Flexibility and Suspended Animation

Sullivan Lab

Sullivan Lab: Metabolism

Immunology and Evolution

Studying the evolution of viruses, bacteria and the immune system enables researchers to understand how these infectious agents evade immune response and develop resistance to existing therapies. These investigations provide a deeper understanding of human immunity while revealing novel means for protecting the body from viruses like HIV and influenza.

Bloom Lab

Bloom Lab: Viral Evolution

Emerman Lab

Emerman Lab: Virology of HIV

Koch Lab

Koch Lab: Immunology and Microbiota

Malik Lab

Malik Lab: Genetic Conflicts

Salama Lab

Salama Lab: Bacterial Infection and Gastric Cancer

Talbot Lab

Talbot Lab: Neuroimmunology

Neuroscience

Disruptions in the proliferation, migration and signaling of cells in the brain can lead to disease and mental illness. Researchers in the division study the mechanisms behind these complex systems to better understand nervous system function and the underlying causes of neurological disorders, including brain cancers.

Bai Lab

Bai Lab: Neurotransmission and Neuromodulation

Buck Lab

Buck Lab: Sensory Systems and Stress

Moens Lab

Moens Lab: Neurodevelopment

Rajan Lab

Rajan Lab: Neurobiology of Obesity

Singhvi Lab

Singhvi Lab: Glia-Neuron Interactions