Basic Sciences Archives
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.
Enzyme helps build motor that drives neuron death
Aug. 6, 2018—The process, discovered in the axons of neurons, is implicated in Alzheimer’s, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, traumatic brain injury and other diseases or injuries to the nervous system.
Three VU doctoral students receive 2018 Gilliam Fellowships for Advanced Study
Aug. 1, 2018—The Howard Hughes Medical Institute has awarded 2018 Gilliam Fellowships for Advanced Study—created to ensure that a diverse and highly trained workforce is prepared to assume leadership roles in the sciences—to three Vanderbilt University doctoral students and their advisers.
Fueling the MATE transporter
Jul. 20, 2018—In new research, Hassane Mchaourab and colleagues have uncovered new insights into drug resistance that could lead to the development of new anti-cancer and antibacterial drugs.
SMAD4 clue to colon cancer
Jul. 5, 2018—Chronic inflammation is a predisposing condition for colorectal cancer, the third leading cause of cancer-related deaths in the United States. Anna Means, Ph.D., and colleagues have now linked inflammation-driven carcinogenesis in the colon to loss of an important signaling protein called SMAD4.
Scavengers “protect” HDL
Jun. 29, 2018—Lipid molecules that bind to HDL can modify its function — and blocking that modification can protect HDL and potentially lower the risk of atherosclerosis and heart disease.