Department of Biochemistry

close up of mans arm as he receives chemotherapy infusion
March 14, 2018

Boehringer Ingelheim and Vanderbilt University expand partnership to develop novel treatment approaches for cancer

New agreement will pursue therapies targeting MCL1 (myeloid cell leukemia 1), which is highly prevalent in many difficult-to-treat cancers.

By Bill Snyder
ekg results
March 12, 2018

Long QT syndrome – revealed

Vanderbilt investigators have used sophisticated cell biological and structural techniques to “classify” mutations in potassium channels, studies that could lead to personalized treatment of heart rhythm disorders.

By Bill Snyder
busy intersection
March 8, 2018

Iron-sulfur “intersection”

Vanderbilt researchers have discovered an unanticipated link between sulfur and iron balance, pointing to a genetic basis for iron-deficiency anemia.

By Sanjay Mishra
mitochondria dna image
February 22, 2018

Mitochondrial mutations and disease

New findings suggest that oxidative stress damages mitochondrial DNA, and they link this damage to a disease state.

By Sanjay Mishra
December 5, 2017

DNA damage repair: molecular insights

Structural details about a protein involved in the repair of damaged DNA provide insight into xeroderma pigmentosum disorders, which are characterized by increased risk for skin cancer.

By VUMC News and Communications
October 12, 2017

A switch for autoimmunity

Vanderbilt investigators have discovered a class of compounds that inhibit a mediator of inflammation and autoimmune disorders, and that could pave the way for development of future therapies.

By VUMC News and Communications
September 29, 2017

Novel insights to antibiotic targets

New mechanistic details about the DNA-unwinding activity of antibacterial protein targets could lead to the design of better antibiotic medicines.
By Leigh MacMillan
August 3, 2017

HDAC3 role in B-cell development

The histone deacetylase HDAC3 is required for the maturation of B cells, white blood cells that produce antibodies.
By Leigh MacMillan
July 25, 2017

Altered metabolism and disease

Vanderbilt researchers report a structure of a human metabolic enzyme bound to its substrate 17alpha-hydroxyprogesterone.
By VUMC News and Communications
July 20, 2017

Study identifies protein’s role in chemotherapy resistance

Researchers at Vanderbilt University Medical Center (VUMC) have discovered a protein that may lead to a new way to prevent resistance and improve outcomes for patients whose cancers have mutations in the tumor suppressor gene BRCA2.
By Bill Snyder
June 12, 2017

Repriming replication roadblocks

New findings shed light on how enzymes that replicate DNA skip over mutations that might cause cancer and restart DNA synthesis further away.
By Sanjay Mishra
May 18, 2017

Oxidative stress in tumors

Vanderbilt investigators have developed a new method for measuring oxidative stress in human tumors, which provides insight into cancer development.
By Sanjay Mishra
April 27, 2017

Protein structure may aid in treating Alzheimer’s disease

A new protein structure may guide the development of Alzheimer's therapeutics.
By Leigh MacMillan