Leigh MacMillan

September 25, 2012

Cell entry ports for cold virus

The respiratory virus HMPV uses its fusion (F) protein – which interacts with cellular receptors called integrins – to bind to and enter target cells.

By Leigh MacMillan
September 19, 2012

How ‘Jedi’ disposes of dead neurons

The protein Syk is essential for clearing away neuron “corpses” in the developing peripheral nervous system.

By Leigh MacMillan
September 13, 2012

Cells with LIP eat their neighbors

A transcription factor called LIP is capable of causing one cell to consume another.

By Leigh MacMillan
September 6, 2012

New doctoral students welcomed

Vanderbilt University Medical Center welcomed 109 new doctoral students into the scientific community last week in the third annual “Simple Beginnings” ceremony.

By Leigh MacMillan
September 6, 2012

Neuronal subtypes in genetic disorder

Inhibitory neurons that connect and regulate signaling in the brain (interneurons) may contribute to epilepsy and autism in patients with tuberous sclerosis complex.

By Leigh MacMillan
August 30, 2012

Targeting new pathways to ease pain

The spinal cord’s neuropeptide Y signaling pathway may be a good target for new pain therapeutics.

By Leigh MacMillan
August 28, 2012

Clues to retinal cell degeneration

A reversible chemical modification of rhodopsin, a receptor for light, plays a role in the degeneration of retinal cells.
By Leigh MacMillan
August 23, 2012

VU, Lipscomb partner on dual degree program

A new cooperative program between Vanderbilt University and Lipscomb University’s College of Pharmacy is focusing on the next generation of pharmaceutical researchers. By offering a pathway for students to earn both Pharm.D. and Ph.D. degrees, the program aims to boost the number of pharmacy-trained research scientists.
By Leigh MacMillan
August 14, 2012

Flu Tool guides patient decision-making

Studies of Flu Tool, a computer application that guides health care decision-making, suggests that patients are willing to use these types of resources.
By Leigh MacMillan
August 9, 2012

New therapeutic target for cold, flu viruses identified

Viruses that cause acute respiratory infections — such as human metapneumovirus (HMPV) and flu — impair a set of immune system cells that should clear the virus from the lungs. Now, Vanderbilt University investigators have discovered the signaling pathway that disables these immune cells.
By Leigh MacMillan
August 9, 2012

Team creates new view of body’s infection response

A new 3-D view of the body’s response to infection — and the ability to identify proteins involved in the response — could point to novel biomarkers and therapeutic agents for infectious diseases.
By Leigh MacMillan
August 7, 2012

Ancestry impacts smoking risk for lungs

Smoking is more detrimental to lung function in individuals with high proportions of African ancestry.
By Leigh MacMillan