University of Iowa - Department of Anatomy & Cell Biology

Welcome to the Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology

Established as the Anatomy Department in 1868, when The University of Iowa College of Medicine was first approved by the trustees, the Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology has experienced extensive growth over its history. Originally, it had one lecture hall that could accommodate 100 students, plus one room dedicated to microscopic anatomy and another to dissection. Since that time the department has expanded and moved several times. In 1997,it was given its current name, which better reflects its mission and research.

The Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology now serves three major functions: the performance of topical research, the preparation of graduate students for scientific careers within academia and other related fields, and the teaching of human anatomy to health professionals in training

Research in the department is diverse and addresses problems in cell and developmental biology, neurobiology, cancer biology, vascular biology, stem-cell biology, molecular medicine and gene therapy. The department is also the administrative home of the University's Gene Therapy Center, an entity that funds and otherwise supports research in molecular medicine, with a particular emphasis on the development of genetic therapies for Cystic Fibrosis.