Department of Cell and Developmental Biology

How microvilli form

A protein called IRTKS helps build the microvilli that form the border of cells in the intestines, explaining why the protein is a frequent target of gut pathogens.

First Islet Workshop draws international audience

More than 200 investigators from across the globe who specialize in islet biology, the study of hormone-producing cell clusters in the pancreas known as islets, recently gathered in Nashville to share knowledge and present the challenges and successes of their work during the first Islet Biology Workshop at Vanderbilt.

By Jill Clendening

August 30, 2018

A brain-builder called “Shh”

New findings demonstrate a previously unappreciated role of Shh signaling activity in the proliferation of CGNPs — the presumed cell-of-origin for a subset of the malignant pediatric brain tumor medulloblastoma.

By VUMC News and Communications

August 30, 2018

Gould awarded Sutherland Prize for Achievement in Research

Vanderbilt University’s most prestigious faculty honor for accomplishments in research, scholarship or creative expression was awarded to Kathleen Gould, PhD, during the Fall Faculty Assembly Aug. 23.

By VUMC News and Communications

August 2, 2018

Repairs in the basement membrane

Studies in fruit flies have shed light on how the basement membrane — a sheet-like scaffold that wraps around most animal tissues — is repaired after being damaged.

By Sanjay Mishra

August 2, 2018

How asters form

New findings shed light on the formation of microtubule structures that support cellular processes ranging from cell division to intracellular transport.