Center for Human Genetics Research

September 26, 2014

Biomarker for diabetic eye disease

A person’s mitochondrial gene “signature” could predict risk for diabetic retinopathy and guide early intervention strategies.

By Leigh MacMillan
April 11, 2014

Myelin junctions key to conduction

A protein in the myelin coating on nerves helps form a “seal” that enables effective nerve conduction; loss of the protein causes inherited neuropathies.

By Leigh MacMillan
February 28, 2014

Imaging guides Alzheimer gene search

Using imaging data, Vanderbilt researchers discovered an association between a gene pair and brain changes in Alzheimer’s disease.

By Leigh MacMillan
Heart illustration thumbnail
February 10, 2014

Keeping the beat after heart surgery

Variation in the gene for the beta-1 adrenergic receptor increases the risk that a patient will have an abnormal heart rhythm after cardiac surgery.

By Leigh MacMillan
November 22, 2013

What makes us human?

Using computational tools to search for the genetic basis of what makes us human, Vanderbilt Assistant Professor of Biomedical Informatics Tony Capra and colleagues at the University of California-San Francisco have identified promising candidate regions.

By Leigh MacMillan
November 11, 2013

Amish aid study of Parkinson genetics

Amish populations are valuable for genetic research because of their isolation, shared ancestry and homogeneous lifestyles.

By Leigh MacMillan
October 3, 2013

Pioneers of Discovery: Computer science drives Capra’s biomedical research

Tony Capra, Ph.D., is a new assistant professor of Biomedical Informatics and investigator in the Center for Human Genetics Research at Vanderbilt. His goal is to use the tools of computer science to address problems in genetics, evolution and biomedicine.
By Leigh MacMillan
June 21, 2013

Rhythm response tied to gene variant

A genetic variant that increases risk for atrial fibrillation also impacts the response to a common therapy for the heart rhythm disorder.
By Leigh MacMillan
March 15, 2013

Diagnostic codes identify smoking status

Diagnostic codes used for billing purposes effectively identify smokers in a general clinic population and can be used to adjust smoking status in genetic and epidemiologic studies.
By Leigh MacMillan
March 7, 2013

Eye disorder’s genetic risk factors come into focus

An international group of investigators has identified seven new genetic regions associated with age-related macular degeneration (AMD), a common cause of blindness in older individuals.
By Leigh MacMillan
December 12, 2012

Genes, nutrients interact to shape traits

A new study identifies interactions between genes and nutrients that may participate in determining levels of cholesterol and triglycerides.
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
August 30, 2012

13th annual Genetics Symposium Oct. 1

By Bill Snyder
1 2