Research

lungs
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
brain illustration
August 9, 2012

Study links rare genetic marker to brain cancer

Investigators from Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center and three other cancer centers have identified a link between a rare genetic variant and the risk of developing glioma.

By VUMC News and Communications
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 9, 2012

Network approach yields glioblastoma clues

MicroRNA “regulatory networks” generated at Vanderbilt aid search for biomarkers and new drugs to treat glioblastoma, the most common and lethal primary brain tumor.

By Bill Snyder
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
August 2, 2012

Early HIV treatment also can prevent TB: study

Anti-retroviral therapy can prevent tuberculosis, even in people with early HIV disease.

By Bill Snyder
July 31, 2012

Biomarkers may offer autism clues

A combination of biomarkers may reveal new clues about causes of and potential interventions for autism.
By VUMC News and Communications
July 31, 2012

National type I diabetes prevention trial now an option for younger children

A type I diabetes prevention study that is part of the TrialNet program at Vanderbilt is now enrolling children as young as 8 years old.
By Craig Boerner
July 26, 2012

Study finds mutation in melanoma sensitive to drug

An uncommon mutation of the BRAF gene in melanoma patients has been found to respond to a specific drug therapy, providing a rationale for routine screening and therapy in melanoma patients who harbor the BRAF L597 mutation.
By VUMC News and Communications
July 26, 2012

On the hunt for bladder cancer factors

A protein linked to aggressive bladder cancers could point to new strategies for treatment or prevention.
By Leigh MacMillan
July 24, 2012

Vanderbilt-led team to develop ‘microbrain’ to improve drug testing

Creating a device out of human cells that simulates brain chemistry is the goal of a $6.4 million grant which is part of major new federal initiative to develop a series of “organs on a chip” designed to improve the drug development process.
By VUMC News and Communications
July 24, 2012

Proteins guard against cancer spread

Targeting immune system proteins may keep prostate cancer from spreading to bone.
By VUMC News and Communications
July 20, 2012

High consumption of vitamin E may lower liver cancer risk

By VUMC News and Communications