Aliquots - Research Briefs

October 4, 2012

An orphan enzyme’s purpose

“Orphan” enzyme may play role in cancer growth, new research suggests.

By VUMC News and Communications
September 27, 2012

Target acquired for aggressive tumor

New therapeutic target for angiosarcoma – an aggressive, highly fatal tumor of the blood vessels – identified.

By VUMC News and Communications
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 21, 2012

HER2 may impact lung cancer therapy

A protein associated with aggressive breast cancers may also influence resistance of lung cancer to targeted therapies.

By VUMC News and Communications
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 11, 2012

Enzyme counters stomach acid attack

Dysfunction or loss of an “antioxidant” enzyme may lead to higher risk for esophageal cancer in patients with gastric reflux disease.
By VUMC News and Communications
September 7, 2012

Parkinson’s therapy may impact language

Deep brain stimulation used to treat Parkinson’s disease may impair some aspects of language processing, a recent study suggests.
By VUMC News and Communications
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 24, 2012

Tool helps plumb electronic records

A tool developed for one institution’s electronic health records can work at other institutions, potentially facilitating the use of these records in research studies.
By VUMC News and Communications
August 23, 2012

Gene linked to familial prostate cancer

A rare, inherited mutation confers an eightfold increased risk of prostate cancer, a recent study shows.
By VUMC News and Communications