Colleen Niswender

Caucasian mom and toddler daughter playing in the park

August 24, 2017

Drug discovery efforts may lead to new Rett syndrome treatments

Vanderbilt University research-ers have relieved symptoms of Rett syndrome in a mouse model with a small molecule that works like the dimmer switch in an electrical circuit.

By Bill Snyder

August 7, 2017

Vanderbilt begins Phase 1 trials of new Alzheimer’s drug

Developed at Vanderbilt, VU319 is designed to precisely target a specific neuron receptor associated with cognitive function while avoiding potentially dangerous side effects.

By Bill Snyder

November 17, 2016

VUMC’s Rett Syndrome Clinic lands national recognition

Vanderbilt’s Rett Syndrome Clinic has been named a Rett Syndrome Clinical Research Center of Excellence by Rettsyndrome.org.

By VUMC News and Communications

March 3, 2016

Study reveals possible ‘dimmer switch’ drug for Rett syndrome

Researchers at Vanderbilt University Medical Center have relieved symptoms in a mouse model of Rett syndrome with a drug-like compound that works like the dimmer switch in an electrical circuit.

By Bill Snyder

January 23, 2014

Autism Speaks grant boosts Rett syndrome research

Colleen Niswender, Ph.D., research associate professor of Pharmacology, has received a three-year, $450,000 grant from the autism science and advocacy organization Autism Speaks to support studies investigating a possible new treatment for Rett syndrome.

By Bill Snyder

September 30, 2011

Drug-like molecules aimed at improving treatment of Parkinson’s

Drug-like molecules described by Vanderbilt researchers could lead to Parkinson’s treatments with fewer side effects.

By Bill Snyder

March 11, 2011

Neuroscience drug discovery center opens at Vanderbilt

Vanderbilt University Medical Center has established a new Center for Neuroscience Drug Discovery to accelerate research that may lead to new treatments for Parkinson's disease, schizophrenia and other disorders of the brain.