Molecular Physiology And Biophysics
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Study reveals mysteries of critical brain receptor complex
Poorly functioning AMPARs have been linked to a wide range of neurological and psychiatric disorders including seizures, Alzheimer’s disease, major depression and autism spectrum disorder. Understanding how AMPARs are formed and operate is essential for the rational design of pharmacological compounds that, by tuning AMPAR activity up or down, could improve treatment of these conditions. Read MoreDec 5, 2019
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New faculty Nancy Carrasco: From one side of the membrane to the other
Nancy Carrasco, new chair of the Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics and originally from Mexico City, knows how enriching an experience living abroad can be. Read MoreSep 29, 2019
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Madhur receives Presidential Early Career Award
Meena Madhur, MD, PhD, has received a Presidential Early Career Award for Scientists and Engineers. Read MoreJul 18, 2019
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Study details regulation of a multi-drug transporter
Vanderbilt University researchers have discovered how a protein pump distinguishes between chemicals that it will expel from a cell and inhibitors that block its action. The new findings could guide the development of more efficient inhibitors to prevent cancer cell resistance to chemotherapy. Read MoreMay 30, 2019
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Shaping reward circuits
Using techniques to control and monitor the activities of individual neurons, Vanderbilt investigators are probing the brain’s reward circuitry. Read MoreMay 18, 2018
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Toxin floats on lipid rafts
The bacterium H. pylori is a leading cause of stomach cancer, and Vanderbilt researchers are studying how one of its toxins gets into cells. Read MoreApr 23, 2018
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Nobel laureate Kobilka’s talk explores receptor activation
Brian Kobilka, MD, who received the 2012 Nobel Prize in Chemistry for his studies of G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs), shared his team’s progress in understanding receptor activation — and how that might guide drug development — at last week’s Flexner Discovery Lecture. Read MoreApr 12, 2018
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Nobel laureate Kobilka set to deliver Flexner Discovery Lecture on April 5
Brian Kobilka, MD, who shared the 2012 Nobel Prize in Chemistry for his studies of G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs), will deliver the next Flexner Discovery Lecture on April 5. Read MoreMar 29, 2018
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Voluntary exercise and energy balance
Non-exercise physical activity has a measurable energy expenditure, which goes down when animals engage in voluntary exercise, Vanderbilt researchers have discovered. Read MoreMar 23, 2018
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Linda Sealy receives 2018 AAAS Mentor Award for Lifetime Achievement
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. Read MoreFeb 15, 2018
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Noted neuroscientist Gouaux set for Discovery Lecture
Eric Gouaux, PhD, whose work has helped reveal the molecular mechanisms by which nerve cells communicate, will deliver the next Flexner Discovery Lecture Thursday, Feb. 22. Read MoreFeb 15, 2018
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Study helps map signaling system in brain linked to ASD
Researchers at Vanderbilt University have worked out part of the “wiring diagram” of a signaling system in the brain that has been linked to autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Read MoreFeb 8, 2018
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A cataract-heart connection
Studies of alpha-B crystallin in zebrafish could ultimately lead to improved treatment for cataracts and heart disease. Read MoreJan 25, 2018
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Study may point to new ways to reverse insulin resistance
Researchers at Vanderbilt University have discovered how insulin crosses the capillary endothelium to exit blood vessels and stimulate skeletal muscle cells — a major finding that may lead to new ways to reverse insulin resistance, a hallmark of type 2 diabetes. Read MoreJan 25, 2018
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Forming memories through CaMKII
Vanderbilt researchers have identified an interaction between two proteins that play a role in learning and memory. Read MoreDec 19, 2017
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Vanderbilt researchers win an R&D100 Award for MultiWell MicroFormulator
A team of Vanderbilt University scientists and engineers led by Professor John P. Wikswo has won an R&D 100 Award--called the "Oscar of Innovation"--for their MultiWell MicroFormulator. Read MoreDec 13, 2017
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Salt, inflammation and hypertension
Vanderbilt researchers have identified a pathway that links excess sodium, inflammation and hypertension. Read MoreNov 13, 2017
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How Epo action is ‘enhanced’
The hormone erythropoietin (Epo) controls red blood cell production and synthetic forms of Epo treat multiple disorders. New Vanderbilt research details how Epo works. Read MoreJul 24, 2017
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VU scientists report a way to calm the sepsis “storm”
Researchers at Vanderbilt University Medical Center (VUMC) have found a way to calm the “genomic storm” that triggers the often-lethal consequences of sepsis. Read MoreJun 22, 2017
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Grant bolsters Nakagawa’s research on autism, other brain disorders
Terunaga Nakagawa, M.D., Ph.D., associate professor of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, has received a two-year, $100,000 grant from the Brain and Behavior Research Foundation to continue his studies of the molecular underpinnings of autism and other brain disorders. Read MoreApr 20, 2017