Department Of Biochemistry

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. Read More

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. Read More

Vanderbilt researchers describe how certain tuberculosis treatments work and suggest these medications may overcome the threat of drug-resistant tuberculosis. Read More

It’s not often that a keynote speaker will ask his audience to close their eyes and tune him out, but that’s what Aviad “Adi” Haramati, PhD, did when delivering the 2018 John E. Chapman Lecture. Read More

Vanderbilt investigators have discovered that cancer treatment induces an “idling” state for cells, which could promote resistance to treatment. Read More

Structural views of the proteins that regulate the heartbeat may help improve existing treatments for cardiac arrhythmias. Read More

An improved technology enables high-throughput protein identification in imaging mass spectrometry, aiding proteomics research. Read More

Vanderbilt investigators have used sophisticated cell biological and structural techniques to “classify” mutations in potassium channels, studies that could lead to personalized treatment of heart rhythm disorders. Read More

Vanderbilt researchers have discovered an unanticipated link between sulfur and iron balance, pointing to a genetic basis for iron-deficiency anemia. Read More

New findings suggest that oxidative stress damages mitochondrial DNA, and they link this damage to a disease state. Read More

Structural details about a protein involved in the repair of damaged DNA provide insight into xeroderma pigmentosum disorders, which are characterized by increased risk for skin cancer. Read More

Vanderbilt investigators have discovered a class of compounds that inhibit a mediator of inflammation and autoimmune disorders, and that could pave the way for development of future therapies. Read More

New mechanistic details about the DNA-unwinding activity of antibacterial protein targets could lead to the design of better antibiotic medicines. Read More

The histone deacetylase HDAC3 is required for the maturation of B cells, white blood cells that produce antibodies. Read More

Vanderbilt researchers report a structure of a human metabolic enzyme bound to its substrate 17alpha-hydroxyprogesterone. Read More

Researchers at Vanderbilt University Medical Center (VUMC) have discovered a protein that may lead to a new way to prevent resistance and improve outcomes for patients whose cancers have mutations in the tumor suppressor gene BRCA2. Read More

New findings shed light on how enzymes that replicate DNA skip over mutations that might cause cancer and restart DNA synthesis further away. Read More

Vanderbilt investigators have developed a new method for measuring oxidative stress in human tumors, which provides insight into cancer development. Read More

A new protein structure may guide the development of Alzheimer's therapeutics. Read More

Structural details of a protein that removes DNA lesions shed light on fundamental mechanisms of DNA repair. Read More