Dedicated to conducting world-class research in biochemistry and molecular medicine.
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.
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.
In early June, the Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine (BMM) Faculty convened for a one-day retreat to collaborate and establish a strategic plan and shared vision for the department. The insights and initiatives that emerged will guide our research priorities and inform future hiring decisions.
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.
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!
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!
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