Giving

Dear alumni, friends, and supporters,

Almost a century ago, Vanderbilt launched the precursors to our current departments of biochemistry, cell and developmental biology, pharmacology, and molecular physiology and biophysics. In 1925 medical students and faculty worked proactively to stay informed about key research while also collaborating with colleagues across the university to initiate and lead novel projects and programs. The culture of collaboration so vital to all we do today was present even then, and it is largely responsible for our evolution into a global leader in discovery to improve the human condition. Support from our generous community members who understand the immeasurable, positive potential of fundamental biomedical discovery has enhanced our progress and will further solidify our standing in the future. Thank you for your partnership, particularly during the university’s ongoing Dare to Grow campaign.

In recent decades we have witnessed the development of cures, reduced disease mortality rates, and dramatically improved health outcomes resulting from scientific discovery, and coming decades hold unimaginable promise. At the core of the possibilities are the highest-level researchers and clinicians dedicated to this impactful work. From talented faculty members already established in their fields to the brightest leaders of tomorrow, we are leading discovery and leveraging new technologies to address our greatest challenges and improve quality of life.

Carrie Jones, Ph.D., director of in vivo pharmacology and development, and associate professor of pharmacology, and Laura Teal, a graduate student in the Jones lab at the Warren Center for Neuroscience Drug Discovery, have identified a path to potentially reduce addictive effects of opioids. The findings offer positive implications for the widespread problem of opioid use disorder in the U.S. while allowing continued benefit from the pain-relieving drugs.

Jeffrey Spraggins, Ph.D., associate professor of cell and developmental biology, was recently named a Chancellor Faculty Fellow, recognizing and supporting his work in mass spectrometry to determine how molecules, cells and tissues can inform the biology of disease and bridge the gap between long-established scientific processes and new technologies. His work will ultimately allow us to better understand research into conditions such as infectious disease and diabetes.

A discovery by cell and developmental biology researchers Bill Tansey, Ph.D., and Caleb Howard, Ph.D., in collaboration with biochemistry professor Stephen Fesik, Ph.D., who holds the Orrin H. Ingram II Chair, has led to exploration of a potential new investigational drug to target cancer cells responsible for acute myeloid leukemia and colorectal cancer, as well as other forms of the disease.

While we continue to innovate and educate, we must also be diligent in bringing new minds into our orbit to strengthen our ideas and expand our sphere of influence. Your gifts not only support the complex work performed every day in our labs, but importantly they also support faculty, postdoctoral scholars and students who will expand on existing work, create new knowledge and solutions, and develop crucial partnerships to bring discoveries to the world.

I invite you to make an investment in the people and mission of the Vanderbilt School of Medicine Basic Sciences. Support us today by giving online at vu.edu/supportbasicsciences.

Thank you,

John Kuriyan, Ph.D.

Dean, Basic Sciences, School of Medicine