Aliquots

November 8, 2012

Kidney woes during heart failure

Levels of the protein NGAL may be a good predictor of worsening kidney function in patients with acute heart failure.

By Leigh MacMillan
November 6, 2012

Bacterial signals in sarcoidosis

Study adds evidence for infectious agents’ role in sarcoidosis, an inflammatory condition that can lead to respiratory failure and death.

By VUMC News and Communications
November 2, 2012

Toxin provides endometriosis clues

Environmental toxins may contribute to endometriosis-related infertility by disrupting endometrial response to progesterone.

By VUMC News and Communications
October 31, 2012

Protein’s length, flexibility key to infection

The structural architecture of the reovirus attachment protein is required for efficient reovirus infection of host cells.

By Leigh MacMillan
October 25, 2012

Bid protein guards blood cells against stress

A protein normally known to promote cell death found to encourage survival of blood forming cells.

By VUMC News and Communications
October 23, 2012

Stomach bug alters tumor suppressor

The stomach bug Helicobacter pylori increases forms of a protein that promote tumor development, perhaps explaining how it elevates risk for gastric cancer.

By Leigh MacMillan
October 19, 2012

More gene links to breast cancer risk

Two newly identified gene variants linked to breast cancer may aid in predicting disease risk and targeting screening and prevention strategies.
By VUMC News and Communications
October 18, 2012

Setting traps to probe gene function

A new method for creating genetic mutations that can be activated at certain times or in specific tissues will enable studies to probe gene function.
By Leigh MacMillan
October 11, 2012

Amish aid search for Alzheimer’s genes

An analysis of Amish populations revealed novel risk genes for late-onset Alzheimer disease.
By Leigh MacMillan
October 5, 2012

Host proteins can control HIV infection

The protein APOBEC3G contributes to spontaneous control of HIV-1 in vivo and may provide therapeutic benefits.
By Leigh MacMillan
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