Basic Sciences
Research reveals link between immunity, diabetes
Sep. 13, 2018—An immune cell called CD8+ is supposed to attack disease, but it can also contribute to inflammation, which can lead to insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes.
Unleashing TIGER on small RNAs
Sep. 6, 2018—Kasey Vickers has developed a new analytical method for to study small RNAs, a poorly understood component of the genome.
Team’s findings could spur new treatments for type 2 diabetes
Sep. 6, 2018—New research by an international team that includes Vanderbilt researchers shows how a common diabetes drug blocks glucose production by the liver, suggesting new avenues for treatment.
Immune system emerges as partner in opioid cravings fight
Sep. 5, 2018—There’s promise in specific immune system peptides—amino acid compounds that signal cells how to function. In this case, they may be affecting brain activity and, by extension, drug cravings.
Energetic gene switch
Aug. 30, 2018—James Galligan and Lawrence Marnett have discovered a new histone modification that can affect gene expression.
A brain-builder called “Shh”
Aug. 30, 2018—A newly discovered role for the "Sonic the Hedgehog" protein in the proper development of the cerebellum.
New faculty chair in Vanderbilt’s Basic Sciences created in memory of biochemist Richard Armstrong
Aug. 29, 2018—A $1 million gift has established a new faculty chair within the School of Medicine’s Basic Sciences that is named in honor of the late biochemist Richard Armstrong.
Clue to treating obesity found in body’s ‘rheostat’
Aug. 23, 2018—New research by Masoud Ghamari-Langroudi and colleagues has revealed that a certain brain protein called MC3R plays a role in causing the body to reset its "ideal" weight.
Predictive models for gene regulation
Aug. 17, 2018—Modern statistical tools are not very accurate when it comes to predicting the discrete and non-symmetric behaviors of individual cells. Gregor Neuert and colleagues say that's because the wrong tools are being used.
Repairs in the basement membrane
Aug. 9, 2018—New research by Andrea Page-McCaw shows that a membrane that wraps around most animal tissues can heal within 24 hours, but does leave a scar.
Genetic balancing act
Aug. 9, 2018—David Cortez and colleagues have found that a protein called RADX helps modulate a protein called RAD51 in order to make sure exactly the correct amount of DNA repair occurs.
Vanderbilt Summer Science Academy holds 16th annual Student Research Symposium
Aug. 6, 2018—The Office of Biomedical Research Education and Training hosted the 16th annual Student Research Symposium, the culmination of more than 100 undergraduate students’ summer research experiences as part of the elite Vanderbilt Summer Science Academy.