Gut
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Gut microbiota metabolite protects against obesity: study
Vanderbilt researchers have discovered that beneficial bacteria in the small intestines produce a compound that protects against obesity. Read MoreDec 8, 2023
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Study discovers role for gut bacteria in host-pathogen competition for nutrients
Vanderbilt research shows that commensal gut microbes impact the host-pathogen competition for iron and have implications for therapeutic strategies aimed at preventing pathogens from acquiring essential nutrients. Read MoreOct 27, 2023
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Byndloss selected for Burroughs Wellcome Fund infectious disease award
Vanderbilt's Mariana Byndloss, DVM, PhD, is one of eight Burroughs Wellcome Fund 2023 Investigators in the Pathogenesis of Infectious Disease. Read MoreJun 7, 2023
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Preserving gut mucus architecture
A new method that keeps microbes and gut cells together will be useful for studies of complex host-microbe interactions and for analysis of clinical specimens. Read MoreOct 20, 2020
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Host-microbe interactions in the gut
Vanderbilt investigators demonstrated that intestinal cells promote beneficial microbe behavior — the findings support developing microbiota-based therapies for intestinal health. Read MoreAug 13, 2019
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Lineage tracing in the gut
Vanderbilt investigators have developed an algorithm to classify cell types from experimental data, making it possible to understand how organs develop. Read MoreNov 30, 2017
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Study links lifestyle factors to formation of high-risk polyps
Lifestyle factors like cigarette smoking and red meat consumption are known to be associated with an increased risk of colon polyps that can lead to colorectal cancer. Read MoreDec 8, 2016
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A DARPP role in gastric cancer
Vanderbilt researchers have discovered a link between Helicobacter pylori infection, inflammation and gastric cancer that could suggest new anti-cancer therapies. Read MoreNov 3, 2016
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Study identifies potential colon cancer biomarker
A protein that suppresses a key cancer pathway in the colon may be a potential biomarker for colitis-associated tumors, researchers at Vanderbilt University Medical Center reported last month in the journal Gut. Read MoreFeb 11, 2016
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Study sheds light on human gut’s ‘pacemaker’ cells
The gut has its own built-in pacemakers, populations of specialized cells that control smooth muscle contraction in the stomach, small intestine and colon. Read MoreJul 30, 2015
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Nutrient-absorbing surface’s assembly revealed: study
Vanderbilt University researchers have discovered how intestinal cells build the "brush border" -- a specialized surface structure that is critical for absorbing nutrients and defending against pathogens. Read MoreApr 17, 2014
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Defusing ‘C. diff’ infection
Clostridium difficile on the intestinal lining. (Wellcome Images) Clostridium difficile (“C. diff”) infection is a leading cause of hospital-associated diarrhea, and the frequency and severity of infections are on the rise. D. Borden Lacy, Ph.D., associate professor of Pathology, Microbiology and Immunology, and colleagues recently demonstrated that the C. Read MoreNov 8, 2013
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Cell changes en route to stomach cancer
Molecular characterization of pre-cancerous changes in cells lining the stomach could point to lesions with a greater risk of progression to cancer. Read MoreSep 26, 2013
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Dual-action enzyme protects esophagus
An antioxidant enzyme also functions as a tumor suppressor to limit cancer development in the esophagus. Read MoreMay 9, 2013
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Bird’s eye view of gut development
A new map of the developing gut of quail offers valuable tool for studying intestinal diseases. Read MoreNov 19, 2012
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Enzyme counters stomach acid attack
Dysfunction or loss of an “antioxidant” enzyme may lead to higher risk for esophageal cancer in patients with gastric reflux disease. Read MoreSep 11, 2012
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Intestinal artillery launches anti-bacterial attack
The epithelial cells that line the intestines have a newly discovered mechanism for protecting us against microbes: they fire anti-bacterial "bullets" into the gut. Read MoreMay 14, 2012