Basic Sciences

Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine

Dedicated to conducting world-class research in biochemistry and molecular medicine.

Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine research
Professor and Chair

David J Segal, Ph.D.

Professor Segal received a Ph.D. from the University of Utah, where he studied the stimulation of homologous recombination by targeted double-strand breaks. As a post-doc at The Scripps Research Institute, he helped develop methods to engineer zinc finger DNA-binding proteins. After three years at University of Arizona, he joined the new UC Davis Genome Center in 2005. He served as co-Chair of the Integrative Genetics and Genomics graduate group for six years, and is now the Harold Albin Johnson Chair of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine.

His research focuses on the application of molecular therapy for neurodevelopmental disorders, including Angelman syndrome, ADNP syndrome, and numerous other rare and underserved genetic conditions. His lab uses antisense oligonucleotides and CRISPR-based tools with viral and non-viral delivery methods. He is a founding member of the Interventional Genetics Team at the UC Davis MIND Institute and the Chief Field Editor of Frontiers in Genome Editing.

David J Segal, Ph.D.
Li lab research

Our Mission

  • Conduct world-class research in biochemistry and molecular medicine.
  • Excel in undergraduate, graduate and medical education.
  • Serve the university through leadership in forums committed to graduate and professional school admissions and curriculum.

At the Davis Campus, the department maintains laboratories at Tupper Hall, the Genome Building and in the Department of Chemistry. At the Sacramento Campus, the department maintains laboratories at the Oak Park Research Building, Research I and III Buildings, and the MIND Institute.

Each of us has an obligation to the community and the UC Davis Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine strives to build and maintain a culture and climate based on mutual respect and caring. We recognize and cherish the richness contributed to our lives by our diversity. We further recognize the right of every individual to think, speak, express and debate any idea. We support and uphold the UC Davis Principles of Community.

Department News
  • David Segal, Ph.D.

    David Segal elected as AAAS Fellows for shaping science of neurological conditions

    Professor and Chair David J. Segal, along with Professor Janine LaSalle has been elected Fellows of the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS). With this lifetime honor, he joins a century-long UC Davis legacy of AAAS Fellows who lead exceptional science scholarship.

    Segal was recognized for his distinguished contributions to the field of molecular and translational genetics. He is a leader in developing gene editors like zinc finger (distinct DNA-binding protein structures that include zinc ions), TALE and CRISPR and applying them to treat neurologic conditions.

    Learn more about this news
  • Megan Dennis

    2025 Research Rock Star Award Recipient

    Megan Dennis, an associate professor in Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine at UC Davis Health, has been awarded the UC Davis School of Medicine 2025 Research Rock Star Award designated for a Basic Researcher. Congratulations on this well-deserved award!

  • Yuanpei Li

    School of Medicine Cultivating Team Science Award

    The proposal, "Overcoming therapy resistance in cancers with new-chemical-entity nanomedicine: from bench to clinic", from Li lab has been selected School of Medicine Cultivating Team Science Award.

    Congratulations to Professor Yuanpei Li and his team on this well-deserved award!

  • Colleen Sweeney

    2025 Distinguished Teaching Award for Graduate and Professional Teaching Recipient

    Professor and Vice Chair of Education, Colleen Sweeney has been selected as a recipient of the 2025 Distinguished Teaching Award for Graduate and Professional Teaching by the Academic Senate Distinguished Teaching Awards (DTA) Committee. This award recognizes outstanding teaching and dedication to student success. She was nominated by Professor and Vice Dean for Medical Education, Mark Servis. An in-person awards ceremony will be held on the evening of Thursday, May 29, 2025. Awardees will be highlighted in an upcoming UC Davis Dateline article.

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Federal Updates

Federal Updates from the University of California Office of the President (UCOP)

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Federal Research Funding Executive Actions

Research updates from the UC Davis Office of Research

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