The Rebecca Kimball Lab is a research facility focused on understanding the molecular mechanisms underlying various biological processes. Located at the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF), the lab is led by Dr. Rebecca Kimball, a renowned expert in the field of molecular biology. The lab's primary objective is to uncover the intricacies of cellular signaling pathways and their role in disease progression.
Research Focus
The Rebecca Kimball Lab is currently investigating the molecular mechanisms that regulate cell growth, differentiation, and survival. The lab’s research focuses on the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway, which plays a crucial role in various cellular processes, including cell metabolism, proliferation, and apoptosis. By elucidating the molecular interactions and regulatory mechanisms that control this pathway, the lab aims to identify novel therapeutic targets for the treatment of diseases such as cancer, diabetes, and neurodegenerative disorders.
Key Research Areas
The lab’s research is divided into several key areas, including:
- Cell signaling and signal transduction: The lab investigates the molecular mechanisms that regulate cell signaling pathways, including the PI3K/AKT pathway, and their role in disease progression.
- Cancer biology: The lab studies the molecular mechanisms that contribute to cancer development and progression, with a focus on the role of the PI3K/AKT pathway in tumor growth and metastasis.
- Neurodegenerative diseases: The lab explores the molecular mechanisms that contribute to neurodegenerative diseases, such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s, with a focus on the role of the PI3K/AKT pathway in neuronal survival and function.
| Research Area | Key Findings |
|---|---|
| Cell signaling and signal transduction | Identification of novel regulatory mechanisms that control the PI3K/AKT pathway |
| Cancer biology | Discovery of the role of the PI3K/AKT pathway in tumor growth and metastasis |
| Neurodegenerative diseases | Elucidation of the molecular mechanisms that contribute to neuronal survival and function in neurodegenerative diseases |
Techniques and Methods
The Rebecca Kimball Lab employs a range of techniques and methods to investigate the molecular mechanisms underlying cellular signaling pathways. These include:
- Biochemical assays: The lab uses biochemical assays, such as Western blotting and co-immunoprecipitation, to study protein-protein interactions and signaling pathway activation.
- Cell culture and imaging: The lab uses cell culture and imaging techniques, such as fluorescence microscopy, to study cellular behavior and signaling pathway activation in real-time.
- Genetic manipulation: The lab uses genetic manipulation techniques, such as CRISPR/Cas9, to study the role of specific genes and signaling pathways in disease progression.
Collaborations and Funding
The Rebecca Kimball Lab collaborates with other research groups and institutions to advance its research goals. The lab is funded by grants from the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and other funding agencies.
What is the primary focus of the Rebecca Kimball Lab’s research?
+The primary focus of the Rebecca Kimball Lab’s research is to understand the molecular mechanisms underlying cellular signaling pathways, with a focus on the PI3K/AKT pathway and its role in disease progression.
What techniques and methods does the lab use to investigate cellular signaling pathways?
+The lab uses a range of techniques and methods, including biochemical assays, cell culture and imaging, and genetic manipulation, to investigate cellular signaling pathways.
