Department of Medicine

August 7, 2014

Novel treatment strengthens bones in genetic disease

An enzyme therapy may prevent skeletal abnormalities associated with the genetic disorder neurofibromatosis type-1, Vanderbilt investigators have discovered.

By Leigh MacMillan
August 6, 2014

Low selenium and lung cancer

Vanderbilt researchers have found that selenium deficiency may contribute to the racial disparity in lung cancer incidence.

By Yan Su
August 1, 2014

Anti-inflammatory protein “rheostat” sheds light on leaky blood vessels

Vanderbilt researchers have discovered that the protein CRADD counteracts inflammatory injury to endothelial cells, which could assist the development of new therapies for inflammatory vascular disorders.

By Emily Poulin
July 10, 2014

Molecular ‘chat’ holds kidney fibrosis clues

A novel molecular “conversation” regulates kidney fibrosis – the final result of end-stage chronic kidney disease – suggesting new treatment options for this currently irreversible process.

By Leigh MacMillan
Heart illustration thumbnail
May 12, 2014

Normalizing calcium flux to treat atrial fibrillation

A particular anti-arrhythmia drug provides a targeted treatment for certain forms of atrial fibrillation.

By Leigh MacMillan
April 30, 2014

Potential mechanism for myeloma drug’s variable toxicity

A genetic variant is associated with toxicity of the chemotherapy drug melphalan, and could guide individualized dosing for the medication.

By Leigh MacMillan
April 25, 2014

Increased cell permeability may protect from colitis

Having a “leaky” gut may protect against colitis, a paradoxical finding that alters understanding of the role of cell permeability in intestinal homeostasis and immune regulation.
By Leigh MacMillan
April 3, 2014

Dugan named to lead Division of Geriatric Medicine

Laura Dugan, M.D., the Larry L. Hillblom Chair in Geriatric Medicine at the University of California San Diego (UCSD), will join the Vanderbilt faculty on April 7 to direct Vanderbilt University’s Division of Geriatric Medicine, a division of the Department of Medicine.
By Nancy Humphrey
March 27, 2014

Study links stem cell gene to prostate cancer susceptibility

A gene on chromosome 8 — in a region of the genome linked to risk for many types of cancer — is particularly associated with prostate cancer susceptibility, Vanderbilt University researchers have found.
By Leigh MacMillan
March 17, 2014

Delirium increases long-term disability

Patients who suffer a longer duration of delirium in the intensive care unit are more likely to experience long-term disability after discharge.
By Leigh MacMillan
February 27, 2014

Yale’s Lifton set to deliver next Flexner Discovery Lecture

Yale University’s Richard Lifton, M.D., Ph.D., winner of a $3 million, 2014 Breakthrough Prize in Life Sciences for discovering genes and biochemical mechanisms that cause hypertension, will deliver the next Flexner Discovery Lecture March 6.
By Doug Campbell
February 27, 2014

Probing the pathogenesis of leukemia

A new mouse model reveals gene clusters important in a treatment-resistant form of leukemia.
By Leigh MacMillan
February 20, 2014

Thoracic society honors Newman

The American Thoracic Society (ATS) is presenting John Newman, M.D., professor of Medicine, with its Outstanding Educator Award during the ATS 2014 International Conference in San Diego, May 16-21.
By VUMC News and Communications