Molecular, Cell and Cancer Biology (MCCB)

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About
About

Located at the University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School in Worcester, MA, the Department of Molecular, Cell & Cancer Biology is a collaborative group dedicated to translating fundamental discoveries in biomedical research into novel therapeutic strategies for cancer and other diseases.
Faculty
Faculty

Our faculty make innovative, high-impact discoveries in biomedical research in molecular, cell and cancer biology.
Research
Research

Explore how our bold discoveries are redefining our understanding of how diseases start and can be treated.
Bioinformatics Core
Bioinformatics Core

The MCCB Bioinformatics Core is a unique in-house resource that provides cutting-edge bioinformatics and biostatistics support to researchers in the department.
Education
Education

MCCB is dedicated to fostering innovation and training the next generation of scientists. Learn more about how MCCB equips students and early-career researchers with the skills and knowledge to drive scientific discovery.
- Postdoctoral Training
  
  Postdoctoral Training
  
  Educational Enrichment Activities
  
  Professional Development & Support
  
  MCCB Postdoc Achievements
- Graduate Training
  
  Graduate Programs
  
  Educational Enrichment Activities
  
  Professional Development & Support
  
  Current MCCB Students
  
  MCCB Student Achievements
  
  Michael R. Green, MD, PhD, Award in Graduate Research
  
  MCCB Faculty Awards in Education
Support Us
Support Us

Learn more about how you can support MCCB’s fundraising initiatives to advance research at UMass Chan.
- Michael R. Green, MD, PhD, Award in Graduate Research
- UMass Chan Cancer Research Team

Additional Resources

MCCB was formed in 2015 from the merger of the Program in Gene Function and Expression and the Department of Cancer Biology.

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Dr. Ceol transferred to MCCB from the Program in Molecular Medicine in March. His lab studies cell signaling mechanisms that drive tumor progression.

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The national competition, hosted by the American Medical Association, recognizes innovative medical research.

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The all-day retreat brings together researchers studying diverse aspects of cancer biology and is a private event for the UMass Chan community.

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The award recognizes outstanding graduate students at UMass Chan who have demonstrated research excellence.

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Conducting collaborative, cutting-edge research
to unravel molecular, cellular and genetic mechanisms of disease and translate our discoveries into innovative therapeutic strategies

Research

Explore how our bold discoveries are redefining our understanding of how diseases start and can be treated.

Education

Find out how MCCB equips students and early-career researchers with the skills and knowledge to drive scientific discovery.

Support

Learn more about how you can support MCCB’s fundraising initiatives to advance research at UMass Chan.

MCCB Recognitions & Achievements

Highlights from UMass Chan News

Getting Results…

UMass Chan delivers fitting tribute to young Worcester scholars

UMass Chan presented “scientist-in-training” lab coats to Lake View Elementary School, one of the 11 North Quadrant schools in Worcester that are part of the UMass Chan North Quadrant Support Services Initiative.

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Recent Publications

Oikemus et al. Identifying optimal conditions for precise knock-in of exogenous DNA in the zebrafish genome. Development, 2025. Article | Lawson Lab
Guo et al. VGLL2 and TEAD1 fusion proteins identified in human sarcoma drive YAP/TAZ-independent tumorigenesis by engaging EP300. eLife, 2025. Article | Mao Lab
Dang et al. Mesenchymal Hippo signaling regulates intestinal homeostasis in adult mice. iScience, 2025. Article | Mao Lab