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Gene mutations impair gut barrier
Nov. 10, 2022—All of us suffer from gastrointestinal (GI) distress from time to time, but people with mutations in the SLC12A2gene suffer from chronic GI infections, intestinal obstruction, constipation, nutrient malabsorption and blood in the intestine. To understand why this mutation causes such intense GI distress, Eric Delpire, PhD, and team used human epithelial colon cells to...
Alzheimer’s risk factor and cognition
Nov. 10, 2022—A genetic variant of apolipoprotein E (APOE), a protein involved in fat metabolism, is the strongest common genetic risk factor for Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and contributes to worse cognition in older adults. However, many people who have the variant (APOE-e4) remain cognitively normal as they age, suggesting there may be neuroprotective modifiers of APOE effects. ...
Basic Sciences celebrates Hispanic Heritage Month
Nov. 9, 2022—By Caroline Cencer On October 12, the School of Medicine Basic Sciences hosted the inaugural Hispanic Heritage Month Conference and Workshop, “Unidos: Inclusivity for a Stronger Nation,” to celebrate Hispanic and Latinx* scientists. Co-moderated by Felysha Jenkins, program manager for diversity, equity and inclusion in Basic Sciences, and Elsie Spencer, visiting postdoctoral fellow, the event...
Basic Sciences Dean’s Lecture presented by renowned virologist
Nov. 9, 2022—The October 17 School of Medicine Basic Sciences Dean’s Lecture featured renowned immunologist, virologist, and alumnus Dr. Barney S. Graham, PhD’91. Throughout his career, Graham has made incredible scientific achievements, leading the first human trial on the AIDS vaccine and serving as the chief architect for the first experimental COVID-19 vaccines. In recognition of his...
Indrayani Waghmare participates in SEC Emerging Scholars Program
Nov. 2, 2022—Five Vanderbilt graduate students recently participated in the SEC Networking and Career Fair hosted by the University of Missouri, part of the SEC Emerging Scholars Program for doctoral and postdoctoral scholars announced earlier this year. The program is intended to serve as a pathway and source of mentorship for historically underrepresented graduate students and postdoctoral...
New target for lung fibrosis
Nov. 1, 2022—Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) — a chronic, progressive syndrome — is marked by persistent activation and proliferation of fibroblast cells and the pathologic accumulation of extracellular matrix (scar tissue). Most patients die within 3-5 years of diagnosis. Timothy Blackwell, MD, James West, PhD, and colleagues have now discovered that TBXA2R (thromboxane-prostanoid receptor) signaling links oxidative stress...
Vanderbilt-Ancora partnership advances research for rare form of epilepsy
Nov. 1, 2022—Vanderbilt researchers’ partnership with Ancora Innovation LLC, a Deerfield Management company that supports Vanderbilt University’s innovative life science research, has added an effort to develop therapeutics for a rare form of epilepsy. This is the fourth drug discovery and development program supported through the Ancora-Vanderbilt collaboration.
Donor Establishes the Dr. Roger Chalkley Critical Need Fund
Oct. 28, 2022—In recognition of Roger Chalkley, retired senior associate dean for biomedical research education and training, Dr. Tom Daniel, a former Vanderbilt professor, biotechnology R&D leader, and venture investor, has established the Dr. Roger Chalkley Critical Need Fund to support biomedical graduate students who encounter unanticipated financial challenges.
Antentor Hinton Jr. receives Chan Zuckerberg Initiative grant to increase representation in research
Oct. 21, 2022—Antentor Hinton Jr., assistant professor of molecular physiology and biophysics at the School of Medicine Basic Sciences, has been awarded a grant from Chan Zuckerberg Initiative’s Science Diversity Leadership program. The $1.5 million, five-year grant will support his work on “finding organelle contacts in human tissue across ethnicities to increase representation in research,” according to...
ACS journal dedicates of 35-year anniversary issue to founding editor Larry Marnett
Oct. 18, 2022—In this issue of the 35th volume of Chemical Research in Toxicology (CRT), we share a special collection of science that celebrates the tremendous advances in this period at the intersection of chemistry and toxicology. Throughout the year, every issue of the Journal has borne a 35-year anniversary symbol to mark this milestone. This issue...