Leigh MacMillan

May 6, 2015

Neurofibromin fine-tunes bone growth

The protein neurofibromin acts as a brake in a signaling pathway that is important in bone development, Vanderbilt researchers have discovered.

By Leigh MacMillan
May 1, 2015

New player in neuronal communication

Vanderbilt researchers have discovered a novel mechanism for the development of dendritic spines – sites of nerve cell communication.

By Leigh MacMillan
April 30, 2015

RNA defects in multiple sclerosis

Vanderbilt researchers have discovered that profound defects exist in the integrity of structural RNA molecules in patients with relapsing remitting multiple sclerosis.

By Leigh MacMillan
April 30, 2015

Team tracks how kidney responds to blood pressure meds

Changes in the kidney can limit the blood pressure-lowering effects of thiazide diuretics, a new study reports.

By Leigh MacMillan
April 30, 2015

Stem cells, Wnt signaling explored at Discovery lecture

Our tissues are in a constant state of flux — cells are lost and cells are generated, with local signals and stem cells maintaining the balance, said Roel Nusse, Ph.D., during last week’s Flexner Discovery Lecture.

By Leigh MacMillan
illustration of cholesterol blockage
April 23, 2015

VU team explores new cholesterol processing pathway

A zebrafish model of a rare genetic disease has revealed an unexpected regulatory pathway for cholesterol absorption and processing.

By Leigh MacMillan
April 22, 2015

Best hospital depends on cancer type

Best hospital rankings for cancer do not take into account the fact that cancer reflects many different diseases.
By Leigh MacMillan
April 20, 2015

Boosting beta cells in diabetes

New findings suggest that it might be possible to treat diabetes by regenerating insulin-producing beta cells in the pancreas.
By Leigh MacMillan
April 17, 2015

Stuffed animals bring bacteria to OR

Stuffed animals that pediatric patients bring to the operating room are a reservoir of bacteria that can be effectively sterilized in a household washer/dryer the day before surgery.
By Leigh MacMillan
April 16, 2015

Tissue regulation expert Nusse set for next Discovery Lecture

Roel Nusse, Ph.D., an expert in the regulation of tissue growth and development by Wnt signaling pathways, will deliver the next Flexner Discovery Lecture on Thursday, April 23.
By Leigh MacMillan
April 6, 2015

New player in heart cell growth

Vanderbilt researchers have identified a new protein involved in heart cell growth, which could improve understanding of pathologic cardiac hypertrophy.
By Leigh MacMillan
April 2, 2015

Gene variant, environment can boost RSV severity

A particular genetic mutation combined with an urban environment increases the risk of severe disease in children infected with respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), an international team of investigators has found.
By Leigh MacMillan