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Students discussing medical research Dr. Schneck  teaching gross anatomy Students working in cell culture hood

department of Anatomy and cell biology

Graduate Programs

Overview

 

The Cell Biology Graduate Program offers a PhD degree, a combined MD/PhD degree, and a unique MS degree in Cell Biology with a Certificate in Business. Research training is focused on organization and function at the molecular, cell and organ level. This includes instruction in the scientific method, in current cellular and molecular biology research techniques, and in oral and written communication skills. The goal of our graduate program is to prepare students for biomedical careers in academia, government or industry. The Certificate in Business can also be combined with PhD or MD/PhD degrees and is designed to prepare students for biomedical research management careers in the pharmaceutical or biotechnology industry.

 

Over the first two years, each PhD candidate is required to take the following courses:

  • Molecular Biology
  • Cell: Structure and Function
  • Writing Scientific Documents
  • Fundamentals of Biochemistry
  • Recombinant DNA Techniques in Molecular Biology
  • Scientific Integrity and Bioethics
  • Introduction to Biostatistics

In addition, each student participates in the weekly Seminars in Cell Biology course.

 

During the first two years, students are expected to complete two to three laboratory rotations of approximately three months each in departmental laboratories.

 

At the end of the second year, students must pass a preliminary qualifying examination consisting of both written and oral components. The examination requires the student to produce an independently written introductory chapter for their expected PhD research project chosen after discussions between the student and faculty advisor.  Following successful completion of the preliminary examination, students initiate their thesis research. The granting of the PhD degree is subject to approval of a completed thesis by an advisory committee consisting of at least three departmental examiners and one external examiner.

  

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Training and Career Opportunities

 

The varied research interests of the department faculty allow the students a breadth of research possibilities. Areas of particular strength within the department include musculoskeletal biology, cardiovascular biology, reproductive biology and neurobiology. Several of the faculty have joint appointments in the Fels Institute for Cancer Research and Molecular Biology which provide another avenue for interaction and exchange of ideas between students in our department and members of the Fels Institute. The principle research frontiers in Anatomy and Cell Biology rely extensively on molecular and cellular approaches and techniques. Our graduate students will, therefore, receive training in these areas. The department has excellent research facilities for molecular and cell biology, biochemistry, histology, cytochemistry and electron microscopy, in addition to ample facilities for the study of gross anatomy, histology and neuroanatomy. 

 

Graduates in Cell Biology will have opportunities to pursue careers in academic departments, research institutes, industrial laboratories or government agencies.  Past graduates of Temple University School of Medicine, Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology currently hold positions in academia, medicine, and industry – both in this country and abroad.

 

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Admissions

 

Students seeking admission to the graduate program should have a Bachelor’s degree with a strong background in biology and related sciences.  Candidates are required to submit an application that includes the following:

  • Completed application form
  • Official transcripts of your previous college work (in a sealed and signed envelope)
  • Three letters of recommendation (in sealed and signed envelopes)
  • Unofficial GRE scores (official scores must follow, Advanced and Aptitude tests are required, Advanced Biology and/or Chemistry test highly recommended)
  • TOEFL score (if applicable, the Department Code is 32, 74 or 99 and the University Code is 2906)
  • $60.00 application fee (credit card, check or money order only, no cash will be accepted, payable to Temple University)

Application forms and further information concerning admission may also be obtained in writing from:

Chairperson, Graduate Studies Committee

Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology

Temple University School of Medicine

3500 North Broad Street

Philadelphia, PA  19140

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Financial Assistance

 

Students will be supported for the first year with departmental funds.  Upon selection of a dissertation laboratory, the student will be supported by his/her mentor using research grant funds.  University and Presidential fellowships are also available.  A satisfactory level of academic performance must be maintained for continued support.

 

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MD/PhD Degree

 

The combined MD/PhD program provides the opportunity for highly qualified students to obtain expertise in clinical medicine and to become broadly trained in modern basic science research.  The program is comprehensive and challenging, attracting highly motivated individuals drawn to a research career in medicine. 

 

Separate applications must be submitted to the MD and PhD programs, with an indication at the time of application that the MD/PhD degree is desired.  Acceptance into the PhD portion of the MD/PhD program is made by the Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology and the Graduate School.  Applications to the MD/PhD program will also be considered from individuals who are enrolled in the MD degree program and have demonstrated strong performance in basic science courses.

 

MD/PhD candidates spend the first two years in the medical school curriculum and the next three years completing coursework and carrying out an original research project as requirements for the PhD degree under the guidance of a preceptor in the Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology.  For the final two years, students return to the medical school for clinical training.

 

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MS Degree with a Certificate in Business

 

The Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, in conjunction with the School of Business, offers a two-year graduate program leading to an MS degree in Cell Biology with a Certificate in Business.  The goal of this graduate program is to prepare students for biomedical research management careers in the pharmaceutical or the biotechnology industry.  Research training is focused on biological organization and function of cells and tissues at the molecular and cellular levels.  This includes instruction in the scientific method, in current cellular and molecular biology research techniques, and in oral and written communication skills.  Additional research training occurs with a 3-month internship in an industrial laboratory.  In addition, our program is unique in that it provides students with training in management, finance and human resource administration.  Industrial research experience and business training will significantly enhance students’ credentials when pursuing industrial job opportunities.

 

A minimum of 32 semester hours is required for this 2-year, MS degree. This number does not include variable research credit.  Each student is required to take the following courses:

  • Molecular Biology (4 s.h.)
  • Fundamentals of Biochemistry (4 s.h.)
  • Cell: Structure and Function (4 s.h.)
  • Recombinant DNA Techniques in Molecular Biology (3 s.h.)
  • Introduction to Biostatistics (3 s.h.)
  • Scientific Integrity and Bioethics (1 s.h.)
  • Accounting (3 s.h.)
  • Human Resource Administration (Management and Organizational Behavior) (3 s.h.)
  • Marketing (Marketing Management) (3 s.h.)
  • General Strategic Management (Management of Technology and Innovation (3 s.h.)
  • Industry laboratory experience

In addition, each student participates in the weekly Seminars in Cell Biology course.  Students are expected to complete two to three laboratory rotations of approximately three months each in departmental laboratories prior to selection of a thesis laboratory.  The MS thesis will consist of two documents: one a scientific research paper and the other a business/marketing plan.

 

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General Program Requirements for a Doctoral Degree in Cell Biology

 

Minimum number of credits required beyond the Baccalaureate: 30 semester hours.  This number does not include variable research credit.  Students must pass a preliminary exam (written and oral).  Students must also write and defend a thesis.

 

Required courses are:

  • Molecular Biology (4 s.h.)    
  • Fundamentals in Biochemistry (4 s.h.)
  • Scientific Integrity and Bioethics (1 s.h.)
  • Introduction to Biostatistics (3 s.h.)
  • Cell: Structure and Function (4 s.h.)
  • Writing Scientific Documents (1 s.h. x 2 semesters)
  • Recombinant DNA Techniques in Molecular Biology (3 s.h.)
  • Seminars in Cell Biology (1-3 s.h., taken each semester)

Recommended electives are:

  • Principles of Development (3 s.h.)
  • Bioinformatics (3 s.h.)
  • Readings in Cell and Developmental Biology (1-3 s.h.)
  • Musculoskeletal Biology (3 s.h.)
  • Molecular Biology of Signal Transduction (3 s.h.)
  • Microbial Genetics (3 s.h.)
  • Cellular Pharmacology (4 s.h.)
  • Principles of Physiology (3 s.h.)

Research (1-6 s.h.)

 

Dissertation Research and Writing (1-6 s.h.)

 

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Current Graduate Students

 

Below is a list of students who are enrolled in the Anatomy and Cell Biology graduate program and their advisors:

 

Graduate Students Advisors
Kamal Abouzaid 1st year student
Steven Back * Archana Sanjay, PhD
Asen Bagashev ** 1st year student
Joyce Belcher Fayez Safadi, PhD
Tracy Brennan Archana Sanjay, PhD
Kevin Crawford 1st year student
Nagat Ahmed Frara 1st year student
Helen Gao Mary Barbe, PhD
Honey Handesi 1st year student
Jason Lundon Lynn Kirby, PhD
Jahan Marcu Mary Abood, PhD
Shobha Rani Judith Daniels (Litvin), PhD
Sibel Salihoglu Fayez Safadi, PhD
Harinder Singh Victor Rizzo, PhD
Maneet Singh Fayez Safadi, PhD

Anne-Marie Verenna     

J. Heckman, PhD/S. Popoff, PhD
Xuemei Zhang Steven N. Popoff, PhD

 

  * MD/PhD Student

** MS Student

 

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Recent Graduates and Thesis Titles

 

Samir Abdelmagid

Localization, Characterization, Regulation and Function of Osteoactivin in Osteoblasts

PhD, Temple University, 2005

Doctoral Advisory Committee Chair: Fayez Safadi, PhD

 

John Arnott

Connective Tissue Growth Factor (CTGF/CCN2) is a Downstream Target of Transforming Growth Factor-Beta in Primary Rat Osteoblasts

PhD and Certificate in Business, Temple University, 2007

Doctoral Advisory Committee Chair: Steven Popoff, PhD

 

Mary-Ellen Carlile

The Role of Lipid Rafts and Caveolae in Protease Activated-Receptor-Induced Signaling

PhD, Temple University, 2006

Doctoral Advisory Committee Chair: Victor Rizzo, PhD

 

Franto Francis

Cytoskeletal and Motor Requirements of Neurofilament Transport in Mammalian Neurons

PhD, Temple University, 2006

Doctoral Advisory Committee Chair: Mark Black, PhD

 

Silke Heinisch
Chemokine Interactions with Serotonin and Opioid Systems: Anatomical and Electrophysiological Studies
MD/PhD, Temple University, 2010 (anticipated)
Doctoral Advisory Committee Chair: Lynn Kirby, PhD

 

Ling Hui

A Molecular and In SilicoAnalysis of the t Complex Sperm-Oolemma Penetration Trait

PhD, Temple University, 2004

Doctoral Advisory Committee Chair: Stephen Pilder, PhD

 

Reem Kanaan

Connective Tissue Growth Factor (CTGF) Induces Osteoblast Adhesion and Regulates Mesenchymal Cell Condensation

PhD, Temple University, 2003

Doctoral Advisory Committee Chair: Fayez Safadi, PhD

 

Lauren LeBeau

Molecular Interactions of the N-terminal Extension of DNAHC8

MS, Temple University, 2005

Masters Advisory Committee Chair: Stephen Pilder, PhD

 

Jing Lu
Regulation of Mouse Sperm Motility by t Complex Encoded Proteins
PhD, Temple University, 2007
Doctoral Advisory Committee Chair: Stephen Pilder, PhD

 

Olugbemiga Ogunkua

A Molecular and Bioinformatic Analysis of the Expression of Mouse Axonemal Dynein Heavy Chain 8

PhD, Temple University, 2003

Doctoral Advisory Committee Chair: Stephen Pilder, PhD

 

Subhojit Roy

Visualization of Neurofilament Transport in Growing Axons

PhD, Temple University, 2001

Doctoral Advisory Committee Chair: Mark Black, PhD

 

Abdulhafez Selim

The Effect of Osteoactivin and Osteoactivin-Derived Peptides on Osteoblast Differentiation and Function

PhD, Temple University, 2003

Doctoral Advisory Committee Chair: Fayez Safadi, PhD

 

Jason Song
Connective Tissue Growth Factor (CTGF/CCN2) is a Downstream Mediator of Transforming Growth Factor-Beta1 (TGF-?1) in Promoting Mesenchymal Cell Condensation
MD/PhD, Temple University, 2010 (anticipated)
Doctoral Advisory Committee Chair: Steven Popoff, PhD

 

Shimei Zhu
The Role of Periostin-Like Factor in Osteoblast Proliferation and Differentiation in vitro and Bone Formation in vivo
PhD, Temple University, 2007
Doctoral Advisory Committee Chair: Judith Daniels (Litvin), PhD

 

Jie Xu

Molecular and Cellular Basis of Aberrant Skeletal Development in Osteopetrosis

PhD, Temple University, 2000

Doctoral Advisory Committee Chair: Steven Popoff, PhD

 

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Recent Publications from Graduate Students

 

Heinisch S, Kirby LG (2009) SDF-1alpha/CXCL12 enhances GABA and glutamate synaptic activity at serotonin neurons in the rat dorsal raphe nucleus. Neuropharmacology, in press.

 

Heinisch S, Kirby LG (2009) Fractalkine/CX3CL1 enhances GABA synaptic activity at serotonin neurons in the rat dorsal raphe nucleus. Neuroscience, in press.

 

Fedorczyk JM, Barr AE, Rani S, Gao HG, Amin M, Amin S, Litvin J, Barbe MF (2009) Exposure-dependent increases in IL-1beta, substance P, CTGF, and tendinosis in flexor digitorum tendons with upper extremity repetitive strain injury. J Orth Res, in press.

 

Rani S, Barbe MF, Barr AE, Litvin J (2009) Induction of periostin-like factor and periostin in forearm muscle, tendon and nerve in an animal model of work-related musculoskeletal disorder. J Histochem Cytochem, in press.

 

Rani S, Barbe MF, Barr AE, Litvin J (2009) Periostin-like factor and periostin in an animal model of work-related musculoskeletal disorder. Bone, 44:502-12.

 

Zhu S, Barbe MF, Liu C, Hadjiargyrou M, Popoff SN, Rani S, Safadi FF, Litvin J (2009) Periostin-like factor in osteogenesis. J Cell Physiol, 218:584-92.

 

Barbe MF, Elliott MB, Abdelmagid SM, Amin M, Popoff SN, Safadi FF, Barr AE (2008) Serum and tissue cytokines and chemokines increase with repetitive upper extremity tasks. J Orthop Res, 26:1320-6.

 

Abdelmagid SM, Barbe MF, Rico MC, Salihoglu S, Arango-Hisijara I, Selim AH, Anderson MG, Owen TA, Popoff SN, Safadi FF (2008) Osteoactivin, an anabolic factor that regulates osteoblast differentiation and function. Exp Cell Res, 314:2334-51.

 

Arnott JA, Zhang X, Sanjay A, Owen TA, Smock SL, Rehman S, DeLong WG, Safadi FF, Popoff SN (2008) Molecular requirements for induction of CTGF expression by TGF-beta1 in primary osteoblasts. Bone, 42:871-85.

 

Zhu S, Barbe MF, Amin N, Rani S, Popoff SN, Safadi FF, Litvin J (2008) Immunolocalization of Periostin-like factor and Periostin during embryogenesis. J Histochem Cytochem, 56:329-45.

 

Selim AA, Castaneda JL, Owen TA, Popoff SN, Safadi FF (2007) The role of osteoactivin-derived peptides in osteoblast differentiation. Med Sci Monit, 13:BR259-70.

 

Kirby LG, Pan YZ, Freeman-Daniels E, Rani S, Nunan JD, Akanwa A, Beck SG (2007) Cellular effects of swim stress in the dorsal raphe nucleus. Psychoneuroendocrinology, 32:712-723.

 

Carlile-Klusacek M, Rizzo V (2007) Endothelial cytoskeletal reorganization in response to PAR1 stimulation is mediated by membrane rafts but not caveolae. Am J Physiol Heart Circ Physiol, 293:H366-H375.

 

Radel C, Carlile-Klusacek M, Rizzo V (2007) Participation of caveolae in beta1 integrin-mediated mechanotransduction. Biochem Biophys Res Commun, 358:626-631.

 

Pilder SH, Lu J, Han Y, Hui L, Samant SA, Olugbemiga OO, Meyers KW, Cheng L, Vijayaraghavan S (2007) The molecular basis of "curlicue": a sperm motility abnormality linked to the sterility of t haplotype homozygous male mice. Soc Reprod Fertil Suppl, 63:123-133.

 

Chakrabarti R, Kline D, Lu J, Orth J, Pilder S, Vijayaraghavan S (2007) Analysis of Ppp1cc-null mice suggests a role for PP1gamma2 in sperm morphogenesis. Biol Reprod, 76:992-1001.

 

Litvin J, Chen X, Keleman S, Zhu S, Autieri M (2007) Expression and function of periostin-like factor in vascular smooth muscle cells. Am J Physiol Cell Physiol, 292:C1672-C1680.

 

Abdelmagid S, Barbe, M, Owen T, Popoff S, Safadi, FF. (2007) Osteoactivin Acts as Downstream Mediator of BMP-2 Effects on Osteoblast Function J Cell Physiol, 210:26-37.

 

Arnott J, Nuglozeh E, Rico M, Arango-Hisijara I, Safadi F, Popoff S. (2007) Connective tissue growth factor (CTGF/CCN2) is a downstream mediator for TGF- 1 induced extracellular matrix production in osteoblasts. J Cell Physiol, 210:843-852.

 

Song J, Aswad Rulla, Kanaan R, Rico M, Owen T, Barbe M, Safadi F, Popoff, S. (2007) Connective Tissue Growth Factor (CTGF) Acts as a Downstream Mediator of TGF- 1 to Induce Mesenchymal Cell Condensation. J Cell Physiol, 210:398-410.

 

Ahmad FJ, He Y, Myers KA, Hasaka TP, Francis F, Black MM, Baas PW (2006) Effects of dynactin disruption and dynein depletion on axonal microtubules. Traffic, 7:524-37.

 

Hui L, Lu J, Han Y, Pilder SH (2006) The mouse T complex gene Tsga2, encoding polypeptides located in the sperm tail and anterior acrosome, maps to a locus associated with sperm motility and sperm-egg interaction abnormalities. Biol Reprod, 74:633-43.

 

Kanaan RA, Kanaan LA. (2006) Transforming growth factor beta1, bone connection.

Med Sci Monit, 12:RA164-9.

 

Selim AA, Mahon M, Juppner H, Bringhurst FR, Divieti P (2006) Role of calcium channels in carboxyl-terminal parathyroid hormone receptor signaling. Am J Physiol Cell Physiol, 291:C114-21.

 

Yao B, Xu J, Qi Z, Harris RC, Zhang MZ (2006) Role of renal cortical cyclooxygenase-2 expression in hyperfiltration in rats with high-protein intake.

Am J Physiol Renal Physiol, 291:F368-74.

 

Francis F, Roy S, Brady ST, Black MM (2005) Transport of neurofilaments in growing axons requires microtubules but not actin filaments. J Neurosci Res, 79:442-50.

 

He Y, Francis F, Myers KA, Yu W, Black MM, Baas PW (2005) Role of cytoplasmic dynein in the axonal transport of microtubules and neurofilaments. J Cell Biol, 168:697-703.

 

Litvin J, Zhu S, Norris R, Markwald R (2005) Periostin family of proteins: therapeutic targets for heart disease. Anat Rec A Discov Mol Cell Evol Biol, 287:1205-12.

 

Roy S, Chu A, Trojanowski JQ, Zhang PJ (2005) D2-40, a novel monoclonal antibody against the M2A antigen as a marker to distinguish hemangioblastomas from renal cell carcinomas. Acta Neuropathol (Berl), 109:497-502.

 

Roy S, Zhang B, Lee VM, Trojanowski JQ (2005) Axonal transport defects: a common theme in neurodegenerative diseases. Acta Neuropathol (Berl), 109:5-13.  

 

Samant SA, Ogunkua OO, Hui L, Lu J, Han Y, Orth JM, Pilder SH (2005) The mouse t complex distorter/sterility candidate, Dnahc8, expresses a gamma-type axonemal dynein heavy chain isoform confined to the principal piece of the sperm tail. Dev Biol, 285:57-69.

 

Selim A, Khachemoune A, Lockshin NA (2005) Angiosarcoma: a case report and review of the literature. Cutis, 76:313-7.

 

Litvin J, Selim AH, Montgomery MO, Lehmann K, Rico MC, Devlin H, Bednarik DP, Safadi FF (2004) Expression and function of periostin-isoforms in bone. J Cell Biochem, 92:1044-61.

 

Chung SW, Arnott JA, Yang Y, Wong PM (2003) Presence of prepackaged mRNA in virions of DNA adenovirus. J Biol Chem, 278:50635-40.

 

Safadi FF, Xu J, Smock SL, Kanaan RA, Selim AH, Odgren PR, Marks SC Jr, Owen TA, Popoff SN (2003) Expression of connective tissue growth factor in bone: its role in osteoblast proliferation and differentiation in vitro and bone formation in vivo. J Cell Physiol, 196:51-62.

 

Selim AA, Abdelmagid SM, Kanaan RA, Smock SL, Owen TA, Popoff SN, Safadi FF (2003) Anti-osteoactivin antibody inhibits osteoblast differentiation and function in vitro. Crit Rev Eukaryot Gene Expr, 13:265-75.

 

Samant SA, Ogunkua O, Hui L, Fossella J, Pilder SH (2002) The T complex distorter 2 candidate gene, Dnahc8, encodes at least two testis-specific axonemal dynein heavy chains that differ extensively at their amino and carboxyl termini. Dev Biol, 250:24-43.

 

Roy S, Coffee P, Smith G, Liem RK, Brady ST, Black MM (2000) Neurofilaments are transported rapidly but intermittently in axons: implications for slow axonal transport.

J Neurosci, 20:6849-61.

 

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