Charles Sanders

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

Researchers identified a small molecule that improves the localization of a potassium channel frequently mislocalized and impaired in the genetic heart rhythm disorder known as long QT syndrome. The study provides proof of principle that future therapies aimed at correcting the underlying molecular defect in this potentially fatal genetic disorder could be viable. Read More

Kate is a graduate student in the Biochemistry Graduate Program and a member of the Sanders lab since 2020. Her research focuses on the potassium channel KCNQ1 and mutations that cause a cardiac disorder called type 1 long QT syndrome (LQT1). Sanders lab researchers have determined that mistrafficking is a common cause of KCNQ1 dysfunction in LQT1. Kate’s effort to search for small molecules that might remedy this mistrafficking provides an early foundation for possible drug discovery efforts to treat LQT1 and related cardiac disorders. Read More

Mark Magnuson, Louise B. McGavock Professor and professor of molecular physiology and biophysics, has been named senior associate dean for research for the School of Medicine Basic Sciences. He succeeds Chuck Sanders, who will transition from vice dean to a new role as senior advisor to the dean, effective July… Read More

The 2025 School of Medicine Faculty Awards for Excellence in Teaching, Extraordinary Performance of Clinical Service, and Outstanding Contributions to Research were presented during the May 30 Spring Faculty Meeting. Read More

Mark Magnuson, Louise B. McGavock Professor and professor of molecular physiology and biophysics, has been named senior associate dean for research for the School of Medicine Basic Sciences. He succeeds Chuck Sanders, who will transition from vice dean to a new role as senior advisor to the dean, effective July… Read More

Vanderbilt and Northwestern University researchers characterized a group of KCNQ1 variants probe their role in a common heart disorder called LQTS. They found that there are five classes of mutations that act through independent mechanisms, suggesting that a more tailored/personalized treatment approach could be beneficial for LQTS patients. Read More

If there is any chance that you will eventually want to apply for a MIRA/R35 award from a particular institute, you should think twice about submitting an MPI grant to that institute, as this may limit your options several years down the road. Read More

Polycystic ovarian syndrome  is a complex endocrinological disorder with widespread prevalence, affecting approximately one in ten women worldwide. Treatment for PCOS typically involves extensive lifestyle modification and medications to help manage reproductive symptoms and insulin resistance, but there are no treatments that directly target hyperandrogenism. Because of this, women with PCOS often feel unsatisfied with the quality of their care and are belabored by the changes necessary to live out their daily lives. Read More

“You’re nervous because you don't know what to expect and excited to see whatever it is you get to see,” Schlafly said of the visit. "I had seen a lab before, but I must say, it’s a pretty humbling experience to go from thinking there is no one at all who knows about your really weird, rare disease to walking into a lab and learning that everyone there is in some way working to cure my issue.” Read More