bacteria Archive — Page 2 of 3

Petri dish containing red culture medium with numerous white bacterial colonies and streak marks from inoculation; additional culture plates are blurred in the background.
November 4, 2015

Detect and defend against pathogens

Understanding factors, such as the receptor TLR9, that detect and defend against pathogens may lead to therapeutic approaches that promote an effective immune response to treat infections.

arm with IV line
June 4, 2015

Study identifies C. diff toxin receptor, suggests new treatment approaches

Vanderbilt University investigators have identified a cellular receptor for a toxin from Clostridium difficile (“C. diff”) — the leading cause of hospital-acquired diarrhea in the United States.

Pregnant person in a dark blue dress cradling their abdomen with both hands.
May 20, 2015

Preventing early pregnancy complications

The enzyme alkaline phosphatase may provide a new therapeutic option for women at high risk of pregnancy complications due to bacterial toxin exposure.

December 11, 2014

Bacterial secretion machinery: 3-D view

New structural findings reveal how “gatekeeper” proteins participate in the secretion systems bacteria use to infect host cells.

Abstract illustration of colorful DNA double-helix strands forming a sweeping arc across a purple background with bright radiating light.
October 28, 2014

Peptide quells “genomic storm”

A cell-penetrating peptide developed at Vanderbilt blocks the signaling pathways that lead to lethal shock caused by bacterial infection.

obesity or overweight belly
July 17, 2014

Study examines therapeutic bacteria’s ability to prevent obesity

Engineered bacteria that produce a therapeutic compound in the gut prevent obesity in mice, Vanderbilt University investigators have discovered.