Biochemistry

Yi Ren, associate professor of biochemistry at the School of Medicine Basic Sciences, will deliver a Kairos Lecture on Thursday, Sept. 24. Read More

The biochemistry lab of Charles Sanders has provided—for the first time—pharmacological tools to explore the formation of lipid rafts, key structural and functional elements of animal cell membranes. Read More

The Vanderbilt University School of Medicine Basic Sciences has named eight Ph.D. students as recipients of the 2026 Dean’s Award for Exceptional Achievement in Graduate Studies, recognizing their outstanding research accomplishments and excellence in graduate education. Read More

Meet Kelly O’Rourke, a Ph.D. candidate in the lab of Doug Kojetin in the Department of Biochemistry. Read More

Martin Egli, the Richard N. Armstrong, Ph.D. Professor of Innovation in Biochemistry, delivered a Kairos Lecture exploring how RNA’s chemical composition and three-dimensional structures influence its biological roles and contributions to disease. Read More

Celebrate the 10-year anniversary of the School of Medicine Basic Sciences by recognizing 10 of our hundreds of exemplary alums who have completed their training in the School of Medicine Basic Sciences Read More

Congratulations to our School of Medicine Basic Sciences faculty members who were promoted or received new appointments between January and March 2026! These individuals significantly enrich our pursuit of pathbreaking research and contribute to the growth and success of our school. Read More

Celebrate the 10-year anniversary of the School of Medicine Basic Sciences by revisiting 10 scientific discoveries and achievements from our short history. Read More

The biochemistry lab of Doug Mitchell discovered the enzyme responsible for a rare chemical modification that doesn't exist in human cells, which can potentially become a new target for developing antibiotics that selectively kill bacteria without harming our own cells. Read More

In honor of the 2026 Women’s History Month, the Vanderbilt University School of Medicine Basic Sciences is highlighting female faculty from our school. We asked them to reflect on their journeys and the changes they have experienced in how biomedical research and academia treat their women. Read More