Department of Cell & Developmental Biology
Learn. Discover. Make the unknown known.

We rigorously pursue answers to the fundamental questions of biological and biomedical sciences. 

 Faculty and students in lab coats examining a specimen under a microscope in a research laboratory.
Investigating and Understanding the Fundamentals of Life

Since 1854, the Department of Cell & Developmental Biology has been dedicated to guiding the next generation of leaders to pursue rigorous fundamental questions in biological and biomedical sciences with an eye on the future.

Our faculty, students and trainees pursue discovery-driven research in the disciplines of cell biology, developmental biology, genetics, neuroscience, organogenesis, stem cell biology, and tissue repair and regeneration.
Contact Us
Department of Cell & Developmental Biology
3062 Biomedical Sciences Research Bldg.
109 Zina Pitcher Place
Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109-2200

Email: [email protected]

CDB Internal site
ABOUT US

Explore the evolution of our Department over more than a century.
EDUCATION

We offer programs for undergraduate, graduate, and professional students, as well as post-baccalaureate and post-doctoral trainees.
PEOPLE

Meet the remarkable faculty, staff, postdoc fellows, and students of CDB.

Cell & Development Biology department in action

Watch the Cell and Development Biology department in action on campus in this short video.
cell & developmental biology faculty group shot

CDB Primary Faculty

 graphic: Department of cell & developmental biology ranks 6th in National Institutes of Health (NIH) research funding.

CDB ranks 6th in National Institutes of Health (NIH) research funding.
Welcome from the Chair

In CDB, we value an eclectic mix of junior, mid-career and senior faculty, of model systems and cutting-edge technologies, and of trainees at the undergraduate, graduate and post-graduate levels. By synergizing, we investigate, discover, and understand the biology that will shape the textbooks of tomorrow.

Department Chair, Cell & Developmental Biology
faculty profile pierre coulombe
Upcoming Events View all CDB Upcoming Events
Dissertation Defense: Yulan Chu
Yulan Chu will defend her dissertation, "Cell cycle-activated Nuclear Receptor Phosphorylation Maintains Organotypic Progenitor Cell Identity and Lineage Fidelity," on Thursday, July 17, 2025, beginning at 10:00 AM. Join In-Person or via Zoom.
Michigan Pioneer Fellows Program Accepting Applications through August 1, 2025
Join the Michigan Pioneer Fellows program for top-tier research training, mentorship from leading scientists, and collaboration with motivated peers. This program provides a competitive salary, opportunities for career development, and practical experience that will prepare you to shape the future of science.
CDB & CMB Community Summer Picnic
The Department of Cell & Developmental Biology and Cellular and Molecular Biology team members are invited to a summer picnic on Wednesday, August 20, 2025, beginning at 4:00 PM. Join us at Island Park Shelter B for games, music, fun, food, and drinks.
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Featured News & Stories See all news
Department News
New Publication from the Spence Lab!
Cell Reports published "Lysophosphatidic acid and sphingosine-1-phosphate are apical polarity cues in multiple organoid systems" by the Spence Lab.
Department News
New Publication led by Dr. Subhash Arya (Parent Lab) in close collaboration with the Coulombe and Mosalaganti Labs!
Nature Cell Biology published "Neutrophils secrete exosome-associated DNA to resolve sterile acute inflammation." This work was a team effort led by Dr. Subha.sh Arya (Parent Lab), in close collaboration with the Coulombe and Mosalaganti Labs.
Department News
New Publication by Karen Wang and Chelsey Spriggs!
PLOS Pathogens published "Temporal gating of nuclear import: How Merkel cell polyomavirus exploits the cell cycle for nuclear entry."
Department News
Congratulations to Changyang Linghu!
Congratulations to Changyang Linghu, Ph.D., on being named a 2025 Klingenstein Fellow in Neuroscience by the Esther A. & Joseph Klingenstein Fund.
Department News
Congratulations Chris Pineda!
Chris (Coulombe lab) successfully defended his thesis, "A role for keratin 17 in Rac1-mediated DNA damage response in keratinocytes," on Friday, June 27, 2025.
 2025 Endowment for Basic Sciences Awards
Medical School News
Eighteen from UMMS honored with 2025 Endowment for Basic Sciences Awards
Nine Medical School faculty members and nine research staff members have been recognized for their contributions to teaching and research with Endowment for Basic Sciences (EBS) Awards for 2025. Each of the nine UMMS basic science departments select a winner for each award. This year’s recipients received their awards June 12 during a ceremony in the Medical School.
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