Molecular Physiology & Biophysics

To study the dynamics of structural proteins in the heart, Vanderbilt investigators generated a cellular tool they expect will be useful for screening drugs that affect heart muscle contraction. Read More

Structural details of a protein that is essential to normal brain function could improve treatments for epilepsy and other seizure disorders. Read More

Vanderbilt researchers have discovered that a protein called SGK1 in immune cells is activated by sodium, leading to the development of salt-sensitive hypertension. Read More

A previously unrecognized role for a cell surface receptor may open new therapeutic options for the treatment of fibrotic diseases. Read More

A new imaging method makes it possible to directly measure cell division and changes in metabolism in atherosclerotic plaques. Read More

Using a unique computational framework they developed, a team of scientist cyber-sleuths in the Vanderbilt University Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics and the Vanderbilt Genetics Institute has identified 104 high-risk genes for schizophrenia. Read More

Inhibiting COX-2 — an enzyme associated with inflammation — could provide a novel therapeutic approach for stress-related psychiatric disorders. Read More

New research led by Alyssa Hasty shows that diet-induced weight loss in obese individuals increases levels of a white blood cell that promotes metabolic health in fatty tissues, but not in the liver. Read More

New research by Alyssa Hasty and colleagues shows that a certain immune cell can absorb excess iron that can compromise healthy fat tissue. Read More

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. Read More

Kasey Vickers has developed a new analytical method for to study small RNAs, a poorly understood component of the genome. Read More

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. Read More

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. Read More

Dr. Nancy Carrasco, a leading figure in the study of iodide transport and its critical role in the thyroid and mammary glands, has been named chair of Vanderbilt's Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics. Read More

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. Read More

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. Read More

Alumna Kimberly Bryant, founder of Black Girls Code, will discuss the underrepresentation of women in STEM fields with Vanderbilt professors Alyssa Hasty, Bonnie Miller and Nicole Joseph. Read More

Researchers at Vanderbilt have identified what may be a genetic “smoking gun” for autism spectrum disorder (ASD) — a mutation in the gene for the critical neuronal protein CaMKII. Read More

Vanderbilt investigators have discovered how a promising cancer immunotherapy causes brain swelling, findings that could lead to ways to protect brain function while fighting cancers. Read More

A new method developed at Vanderbilt will speed the search for potential therapeutics for diabetes: compounds that stimulate the replication of insulin-producing beta cells. Read More