The Division of Molecular Biology and Human Genetics, Department of Biomedical Sciences
The Division of Molecular Biology and Human Genetics
conducts research on two main fields namely tuberculosis and inherited
genetic disorders. These two apparently different fields are united
through the study of fundamental biology of nucleic acids and genetic
material of both human and organism. This
molecular approach to research is enhanced through the use of modern
laboratory techniques and collaboration with national and international
leaders in the field.
The division
occupies a position bridging the gap between basic research and its
application in clinical TB research and management. This laboratory is
engaged in fundamental research towards a better understanding of the
biology of the bacterium, which enables it to avoid destruction in the
host and spread rapidly within human populations. This may result in the
identification and characterisation of novel drug targets.
It
is also at the cutting edge of research to identify novel bacterial and
host markers that will considerably shorten the time taken to evaluate
new drug and vaccines and to develop new diagnostic tools and new,
multidisciplinary approaches for understanding the epidemiology of the
disease.
Each one of these efforts is
aimed at bridging the gap between fundamental research and its clinical
application and some have broader application beyond the field of human
TB, most notably in areas such as wildlife management and veterinary
disease.
The division is home to a number of research entities, many of which focus on several aspects of research on tuberculosis.
The division hosts the Stellenbosch node of the DST/NRF Centre of Excellence for Biomedical Tuberculosis Research, and three
South African Research Chairs Initiative (SARChI) Chairs in the field
of tuberculosis research. The purpose of this initiative is to stimulate
high-level research and research capacity via postgraduate research and
training.
The three SARChI Chairs are in:
- Mycobactomics
(genomics, proteomics, transcriptomics and other 'omics' studies of
mycobacteria and specifically the tuberculosis-causing species)
- Biomarkers for Tuberculosis
- Animal Tuberculosis
Other research entities in the division are:
The DST/NRF Centre of Excellence for Biomedical Tuberculosis Research (CBTBR)
The major objective of the CBTBR
is to contribute to local and global research efforts that are aimed at
developing new tools for controlling tuberculosis and to use the
research as a vehicle for training a new generation of high-quality
biomedical research scientists.
The MRC Centre for Molecular and Cellular Biology
The MRC Centre for Molecular and Cellular Biology
provides a strong teaching and research environment to approximately 50
scientists, technicians and postgraduate students. It also hosts
scientists and students from other regional institutions, whose work is
complemented by our facilities and research interests.
The African Network for Drugs and Diagnostics Innovation (ANDI) Centre of Excellence in HIV Translational Research
The Desmond Tutu TB Centre
The Desmond Tutu TB Centre
is an academic research centre which has its main offices at the FMHS
and satellite offices in various communities affected by tuberculosis
and poor health.
It has as its
mission the improvement of the health of vulnerable groups through
influencing policy based on new knowledge created by research focusing
on health, mainly TB and HIV.
