Overview of Activities

The Department of Molecular Genetics, Function & Therapy (MGFT) carries out research, services and education in specific biomedical areas in order to achieve its mission in accordance with the wider mission of the CING. Regarding research, the department is interested in identifying the molecular causes of diseases, in studying the function of molecules which are involved in diseases and in the development of novel genetic approaches which may form the basis of therapy of diseases. Particularly, the use of regulatory RNA in research and the involvement of RNA in disease pathogenesis are priority research fields in MGFT. Moreover, there is interest in developing and exploiting genetic and biological tools for the appropriate implementation of the research projects. The department develops and applies, also, mainly genetic approaches for the diagnosis of several diseases which affect the people of Cyprus and the wider area. Some of these approaches are unique and provide novel findings about these diseases. MGFT participates in several quality control schemes for its services. The department has also educational activities and hosts full-time PhD students who are registered with the University of Bristol U.K. Finally, the department accepts undergraduate students to perform their final year dissertations.