Pharmacology

Congratulations to our School of Medicine Basic Sciences members who were promoted or received new appointments between January and March 2025. These individuals significantly enrich our pursuit of pathbreaking research and contribute to the growth and success of our school. Read More

Meet Ashley Haddard, the senior program manager for research for the Department of Pharmacology in the Vanderbilt School of Medicine Basic Sciences. Read More

Triple-negative breast cancer accounts for 10 percent of breast cancer cases in the U.S. annually. As T-cells that normally kill cancer cells often become exhausted and stop, Vanderbilt pharmacologists are seeking chemotherapy or targeted therapy approaches that can enhance the T-cell killing of cancer cells. Read More

New research by Vanderbilt pharmacologists has uncovered inconsistencies in the active ingredient levels of a dietary supplement often referred to as corydalis. The work, published in Frontiers in Pharmacology, highlights concerns regarding the efficacy and authenticity of these widely used supplements. Read More

New research reveals that alcohol use can cause long-lasting changes in the brain’s dopamine system, even during abstinence. Vanderbilt researchers found that even after a month without alcohol, key regulators of dopamine activity remained altered, potentially increasing the risk of relapse. The study also challenges long-held assumptions about how gene expression relates to brain function, opening new doors for precision treatments in alcohol use disorder. Read More

Peanuts cause the highest number of food allergy–related deaths in the U.S. Basic scientists at Vanderbilt uncover how the allergy works and suggest new potential treatments. Read More

The Office of Biomedical Research Education and Training hosted a Ph.D. Career Stories presentation focused on medical affairs and the role of medical science liaisons. The event featured Vanderbilt University alums Casey (Butrico) Hatfield and Todd Townsend, who provided insights into their career paths, responsibilities, and experiences as medical science liaisons. Read More

Researchers from the School of Medicine Basic Sciences found that, although synapses are not bound by a membrane, they are still able to maintain a nanostructure necessary for evoked neurotransmission with the help of a physicochemical phenomenon called liquid-liquid phase separation. Read More

On Jan. 14, President Biden awarded nearly 400 scientists and engineers the Presidential Early Career Award for Scientists and Engineers, the highest honor bestowed by the U.S. government on outstanding scientists and engineers early in their careers. Read More

Ashley Brady, PhD’03, assistant dean of biomedical career engagement and strategic partnerships in the BRET Office of Career Development ASPIRE Program and associate professor of medical education and administration, sat down with us to discuss her experience studying basic science at Vanderbilt and how it played a role in her career. Read More