Leigh MacMillan
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Brain circuits in schizophrenia
Vanderbilt psychiatrists are probing brain circuit hyperactivity implicated in schizophrenia, with the idea that normalizing the hyperactivity may improve cognitive processes. Read MoreSep 20, 2021
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Structural variants in breast cancer risk genes
Vanderbilt epidemiologists conducted in-depth whole genome sequencing of breast cancer risk genes in Black women, who die at higher rates and have more aggressive disease, to discover mutations that may improve testing and treatment selection. Read MoreSep 16, 2021
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Vitamin D impact on disease biomarkers
In a randomized controlled trial, vitamin D supplementation did not improve biomarkers for cardiovascular and metabolic disease. Read MoreAug 10, 2021
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Prediction models for breast cancer
Vanderbilt researchers developed new prognostic models for breast cancer outcomes and found that adding postdiagnostic weight change as a factor improves the prediction. Read MoreJul 27, 2021
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Researchers discover that protein switches functions to regulate DNA replication
Vanderbilt biochemists have discovered that the protein RADX has different biological effects at sites of DNA synthesis, depending on the cellular conditions — even though it works the same way in both stressed and unstressed cells. Read MoreJul 22, 2021
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Probing statin-associated diseases with genetics
Vanderbilt researchers used genetics tools and biobanks with linked electronic health records to explore the associations between statins and noncardiovascular diseases. Read MoreJul 12, 2021
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Genetics of hydrocephalus
Fluid build-up in the brain — hydrocephalus — increases pressure and risk for brain damage; Vanderbilt researchers have now identified genes and signaling pathways associated with the condition. Read MoreJul 8, 2021
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Gene variant linked to unnecessary bone marrow biopsies in African Americans
A gene variant that lowers white blood cell levels and is common in individuals with African ancestry contributes to unnecessary bone marrow biopsies, according to a study published June 28 in JAMA Internal Medicine. The findings, led by investigators at VUMC, are an example of how using genetic data could reduce a health disparity. Read MoreJun 28, 2021
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Treating metastatic prostate cancer
An indirect comparative effectiveness study using published data suggests that the targeted therapy olaparib should be re-evaluated for treating metastatic prostate cancer. Read MoreJun 22, 2021
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Heat for hypertension in autonomic failure
Heat therapy could offer a novel nonpharmacologic approach for treating the overnight hypertension that affects patients with autonomic failure. Read MoreMay 25, 2021
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Beta cell regeneration
Vanderbilt researchers dissected the complex microenvironment of the pancreatic islet to discover the signals that drive beta cell regeneration — as a possible treatment for diabetes. Read MoreMay 20, 2021
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New strategy to treat brain bleeding
Vasorelaxing peptides could offer a promising therapeutic strategy for reducing the neurological deficits caused by subarachnoid hemorrhage-induced cerebral blood vessel constriction. Read MoreMay 4, 2021
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A compound to counteract aging?
A compound that increases lifespan in yeast is offering clues to pharmacological approaches that might slow the aging process and improve health. Read MoreApr 29, 2021
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New therapeutic strategy for leukemia syndrome
Using primary cells from patients with chronic myelomonocytic leukemia, Vanderbilt researchers found synergistic inhibition of cell viability and proliferation, suggesting a new treatment strategy. Read MoreApr 20, 2021
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Arrhythmia culprit: supertrafficking ion channel
Charles Sanders, PhD, and colleagues show how a “supertrafficking” mutant potassium channel contributes to heart rhythm abnormalities. Read MoreApr 15, 2021
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Study revises understanding of cancer metabolism
Tumors consume glucose at high rates, but a team of Vanderbilt researchers has discovered that cancer cells themselves are not the culprit, upending models of cancer metabolism that have been developed and refined over the last 100 years. Read MoreApr 7, 2021
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Genetic differences in Wilms tumor
Unique somatic gene mutations may contribute to racial disparities in the incidence of Wilms tumor — the most common childhood kidney cancer. Read MoreApr 6, 2021
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Codeine metabolizer status in clinical practice
Vanderbilt researchers have developed a response score using genetic and clinical information to aid prescribing of the widely used pain medication codeine. Read MoreApr 5, 2021
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NYU’s Tsien to discuss brain plasticity at next Discovery Lecture
Richard Tsien, PhD, director of the Neuroscience Institute at NYU Langone Medical Center, will deliver the next web-based Discovery Lecture. Read MoreMar 29, 2021
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Team studies new use for pulmonary hypertension drug
An FDA-approved medication enhances the function of T regulatory cells (Treg), a class of immune cells that restrains the immune response, Vanderbilt investigators have discovered. Read MoreMar 25, 2021