Department of Cell and Developmental Biology

Ken Lau, PhD, left, and Bob Coffey, MD, have made several important discoveries about colorectal cancer that are aiding the search for new, more effective therapies. (photo by Erin O. Smith)
December 11, 2023

Colorectal cancer ‘cartography’ reveals an avenue to improved immunotherapy

Vanderbilt University Medical Center researchers have discovered why most colorectal tumors escape detection and destruction by the body’s immune system.

By Bill Snyder
A C. diff bacterium (green) with iron particles in red, shown in a reconstructed electron tomogram from STEM-EDS. (image courtesy of James McBride)
November 15, 2023

Novel C. diff structures are required for infection, offer new therapeutic targets

Vanderbilt research discovers that iron storage “spheres” inside the bacterium C. diff — the leading cause of hospital-acquired infections — are important for infection in an animal model and could offer new targets for antibacterial drugs.

By Leigh MacMillan
In this 3D projected still image from a precision cut lung slice, alveolar epithelial cells are labeled green. All other cells are seen in purple.
July 5, 2023

Vanderbilt researchers envision the potential to grow new lungs

Using a four-dimensional microscope that allows them to watch a tissue putting itself together, researchers at Vanderbilt University Medical Center have achieved a rare feat in science — they have shattered a long-standing dogma about how the lung develops.

By Bill Snyder
July 3, 2023

Vanderbilt investigators land Keck Foundation grant for groundbreaking genetic research

Vanderbilt scientists have received a $1.2 million award from the W. M. Keck Foundation for their groundbreaking project, “Genetic Intolerance Patterns as a Treasure Map to Genes that Define Us as Human.”

By VUMC News and Communications
Izumi Kaji, PhD, and James Goldenring, MD, PhD, were among eight researchers from Vanderbilt University Medical Center honored last week by the American Physiological Society.
April 27, 2023

Researchers honored at American Physiology Summit

Three faculty members and five postdoctoral fellows at Vanderbilt University Medical Center received research honors last week from the American Physiological Society during its 2023 American Physiology Summit.

By Bill Snyder
April 24, 2023

These high school seniors found mentors in Vanderbilt research labs — and were honored in a national science talent search

The students were given the opportunity to work on original research projects at Vanderbilt, diving straight into learning various laboratory techniques and how to formulate a scientific narrative

By Caroline Cencer
March 23, 2023

Decoding cell division machinery

Phosphate modification regulates the cell localization of Cdc15, one of the main controllers of cell division, to fine tune the assembly of cell division machinery.
By Caroline Cencer 
December 15, 2022

Novel therapeutic target identified for chronic kidney disease

Vanderbilt investigators have discovered a molecular mechanism that promotes chronic kidney disease following kidney injury.
By Leigh MacMillan
November 17, 2022

Grants spur efforts to create molecular ‘atlases’ of organs

Vanderbilt researchers have received three grants totaling $13.6 million from the National Institutes of Health to develop molecular “atlases” of the brain, kidney, eye and other tissues.
By Bill Snyder
September 22, 2022

Colon cancer researchers awarded NCI grant for study of early lesions

Vanderbilt researchers are studying precancerous lesions and early cancers in the colon, with the goal of developing new ways to prevent colorectal cancer, the nation’s second leading cancer killer.
By VUMC News and Communications
July 28, 2022

C. difficile may contribute to colorectal cancer: study

A Vanderbilt study found that the bacterium Clostridioides difficile (C. difficile) may be a previously unrecognized contributor to colorectal cancer.
By Bill Snyder
July 21, 2022

Researchers find potential new target against colorectal cancer

By Bill Snyder
July 20, 2022

Vanderbilt team tracks cellular and antibody responses to COVID-19 vaccine

In a technical tour de force, a collaborative team of Vanderbilt researchers has characterized the antigen-specific immune response to the Pfizer SARS-CoV-2 RNA vaccine.
By Leigh MacMillan
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