The Molecular and Structural Biology Research Area brings together several departments at UC San Diego: the Departments of Cellular & Molecular Medicine and Pharmacology in the UC San Diego Medical School, the Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, and the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry on the UC San Diego main campus. Research in these departments in Molecular and Structural Biology aims to understand how biology and disease arises from the dynamic interactions of molecules, from the smallest signaling molecules to the largest macromolecular protein complexes.<br><br>Faculty associated with the Molecular and Structural Biology Research Area study a range of topics including fundamental mechanisms of molecular motors and chromosome organization, host-pathogen interactions, and methods-development in computational modeling of protein structure and dynamics. The Research Area also includes several labs focused on Chemical Biology that develop chemical tools and probes to study molecular interactions and dynamics in living cells. A guiding principle throughout research at UCSD is the use of cutting-edge technology and multi-disciplinary approaches to advance fundamental knowledge and develop novel treatments for pressing human health needs.