Department Of Biochemistry

Brandt Eichman and Walter Chazin, professors of biochemistry, worked together to provide a better understanding of how exactly DNA replication is initiated. Their work will influence novel small molecule modifier designs that may serve as tools for detailed studies of DNA replication in cells and eventual therapies. Read More

­­Immune response authority Karen Adelman will present the Vanderbilt School of Basic Sciences Apex Lecture on April 10, 2024. Read More

Cohen was awarded the 1986 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine for his discovery of epidermal growth factor, a protein produced in the body that influences the development of nerve and skin tissues by stimulating cell growth and differentiation. The discovery of EGF launched an entire field of research into growth factor signaling and had major impacts on human health. Read More

For bichemist Fred Guengerich, the story of his 50-plus years in science can be told through his 98 semesters on Vanderbilt University’s faculty; the 22 graduate students and 141 postdoctoral fellows and visiting scientists he has mentored; the 768 primary research papers, 324 invited reviews and chapters, and 138 book chapters and published proceedings he has authored; and the 125,316 of times he has been cited. But even those numbers don’t tell the whole story. Read More

VIRAL will highlight the work and stories of the university’s international researcher community during its second annual symposium. The platform is for international students to discuss research, inclusion, and personal experiences. Read More

Baris and Pollenz have been selected as the Danzo and Cohen Postdoctoral Scholars, respectively. Destination Biochemistry applications for the next cohort are due Thursday, Feb. 15. Read More

As a professor of biochemistry and medicine at Vanderbilt University School of Medicine for more than 40 years, Osheroff is the longest serving course director currently teaching medical students. He also codirects the preclerkship phase of the medical school curriculum and leads the Master Science Teachers cohort, a role established in 2007 to recognize VUSM’s outstanding basic science educators. Through his teaching, he has helped medical students at VUSM and across the globe acquire the basic science skills and knowledge they need to thrive in clinical practice, according to the AAMC. Read More

By Kate Carter To highlight major inflection points in research, the Vanderbilt School of Medicine Basic Sciences launched the Apex Lecture Series in 2023, which allows the Basic Sciences community to engage with researchers from around the world who are influencing the trajectory of their fields. Read More

Neil Osheroff, John G. Coniglio Chair in Biochemistry and professor of biochemistry and medicine, received the Mentoring, Innovation, and Leadership in Educational Scholarship Award at the annual Asia Pacific Medical Education Conference that took place in May. Read More

An international collaboration steered by David Cortez, Richard N. Armstrong, Ph.D. Chair for Innovation in Biochemistry, explored how cells tolerate DNA damage and genome instability—and they arrived at conclusions that will redirect research into DNA replication as a target for cancer and disease therapeutics. Cells continuously divide… Read More