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
Diversity
Diversity

MCCB is committed to promoting an equitable and inclusive environment. Learn more about how we are fostering a positive research culture.
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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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

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.

Join Us

Interested in joining MCCB? Check out the open job positions and available research opportunities in the department. We encourage all to apply.

MCCB Recognitions & Achievements

Highlights from UMass Chan News

Getting Results…

Research by UMass Chan scientists upends scientific understanding of how anticancer drugs kill cancer

Research by Sharon Cantor, PhD, and Jenna M. Whalen, PhD, poses a new explanation for how cancer-fighting drugs attack and destroy BRCA1 and BRCA2 tumor cells.

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Recent Publications

Dang et al. Mesenchymal Hippo signaling regulates intestinal homeostasis in adult mice. iScience, 2025. Article | Mao Lab
Banday et al. The O-glycosyltransferase C1GALT1 promotes EWSR1::FLI1 expression and is a therapeutic target for Ewing sarcoma. Nat Commun, 2025. Article | Green Lab
Whalen et al. Targeting BRCA1-deficient PARP inhibitor-resistant cells with nickase reveals nick resection as a cancer vulnerability. Nat Cancer, 2025. Article | Cantor Lab