cell and developmental biology
Adhesion protein optimizes border
Feb. 15, 2019—Matthew Tyska and colleagues have found that an adhesion protein in the gut is necessary for proper intestinal functioning.
Trans-institutional team documents potential new treatment path for breast cancer
Jan. 16, 2019—A team led by biomolecular engineer John Wilson and cancer biologist Rebecca Cook have found a way to trigger an immune response that targets breast cancer cells.
Team seeks to create genetic map of worm’s nervous system
Dec. 7, 2018—A complete map of gene expression for the worm may help address broad questions in neuroscience about how gene expression programs establish diverse sets of neurons and how genetic differences contribute to neuronal function in healthy and disease conditions.
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.
Gould awarded $10K prize for achievement in research
Aug. 24, 2018—Vanderbilt’s most prestigious faculty prize for accomplishments in research, scholarship or creative expression was awarded to Professor of Cell and Developmental Biology Kathleen Gould Aug. 23. She was one of 10 award recipients during Fall Faculty Assembly.
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.
$8.1 million grant funds new center to research highly aggressive form of lung cancer
Jun. 8, 2018—A five-year National Cancer Institute grant will fund an interdisciplinary research center for the study of small cell lung cancer, a highly aggressive, incurable form of the disease.
Linda Sealy receives 2018 AAAS Mentor Award for Lifetime Achievement
Feb. 15, 2018—Professor Linda Sealy has won the AAAS Mentor Award for Lifetime Achievement for her continued efforts to increase the number of underrepresented minorities in STEM Ph.D. programs.
A lipid’s role in cell division
Nov. 10, 2017—Lipids in the plasma membrane regulate the position of the contractile ring that is required for cell division, Vanderbilt researchers have discovered.
Cell signals that trigger wound healing are surprisingly complex
Oct. 3, 2017—Vanderbilt scientists have taken an important step toward understanding the way in which injured cells trigger wound healing, an insight essential for improving treatments of all types of wounds.
Study seeks to reverse precancerous stomach lesions
May. 4, 2017—Vanderbilt University Medical Center cancer researcher James Goldenring, M.D., Ph.D., has received a two-year, $200,000 grant from the DeGregorio Family Foundation in Pleasantville, New York, to begin clinical trials of a potential approach for reversing precancerous stomach lesions.
Therapeutic targets for diabetes
May. 3, 2017—Vanderbilt investigators have identified novel regulators of insulin-producing beta-cell proliferation and survival, suggesting new targets for the treatment of type 2 diabetes.