​The research in the Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology is conducted in the laboratories of 24 research groups, headed by 12 faculty members and 12 Emeriti Professors. The scientific interests of these groups are diverse and characterized by the usage of biochemical, cellular and molecular biological methodologies in attempts to explore mechanisms underlying physiological and pathological processes, as well as the development of therapeutic agents and strategies. Highlights of research topics investigated by the department's scientists are: biochemical mechanisms of signal transmission in the nerve system and the involvement of ion channels and membrane transport proteins; molecular responses to environmental and metabolic stresses, like oxygen deficiency and UV irradiation; differentiation of osteoclasts; aging-associated degenerative diseases, like Parkinson's disease, and macular degeneration; neoplastic transformation and metastasis; metabolic diseases, like Diabetes, mitochondrial diseases and lipid-storage diseases; inflammatory and allergic diseases, like asthma; cardiac hypertrophy; infectious diseases caused by HIV, respiratory viruses and pathogenic bacteria; drug delivery systems and selective targeting of disease-causing cells for treating cancer, multiple sclerosis, as well as pain management and local anesthetics; development of antiviral drugs and vaccines.