Department of Pharmacology

January 23, 2015

New view of dopamine heteromers

Although heteromeric dopamine receptors composed of both D1 and D2 subunits have been proposed to play a role in depression and schizophrenia, recent studies suggest these heteromers do not exist.

By VUMC News and Communications
January 9, 2015

Does fish oil help prevent A-fib?

Growing evidence suggests that fish oil, thought to directly prevent inflammation, oxidative stress and heart disease, may have limited clinical utility.

By VUMC News and Communications
Heart illustration thumbnail
December 18, 2014

Atrial disease and hypertension links

New findings suggest that misfolded proteins accumulate in the heart atria, particularly in patients with hypertension, and may contribute to atrial heart disease.

By Leigh MacMillan
December 11, 2014

Bacterial secretion machinery: 3-D view

New structural findings reveal how “gatekeeper” proteins participate in the secretion systems bacteria use to infect host cells.

By Leigh MacMillan
November 25, 2014

Protein implicated in atherosclerosis

Vanderbilt researchers have discovered a new target for the prevention of atherosclerotic plaque development and cardiovascular disease.

By VUMC News and Communications
October 9, 2014

Nobel laureate sheds light on immune response system

Peter Doherty, Ph.D., had some advice for young scientists at last week’s Flexner Discovery Lecture. The way to win a Nobel Prize, he said, “is to make a very big discovery first.”

By Leigh MacMillan
September 30, 2014

Seizure mutation impairs receptor

Defects in the production of certain receptors are linked to the pathogenesis of genetic epilepsies and fever-induced seizures.
By Yan Su
September 25, 2014

Doherty set for next Discovery Lecture

Nobel laureate Peter Doherty, Ph.D., who discovered how the immune system recognizes virus-infected cells, will deliver the next Flexner Discovery Lecture on Thursday, Oct. 2.
By Leigh MacMillan
September 12, 2014

Schizophrenia ‘switches’ discovered

Drugs developed at Vanderbilt could provide a new way to treat schizophrenia in a personalized way.
By Bill Snyder
September 11, 2014

Bone healing therapy for NF1 fractures

A combination treatment delivered to the site of fractures may improve bone healing in patients with the genetic disease neurofibromatosis type-1.
By VUMC News and Communications
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
June 12, 2014

Pharmacology reached new heights on Hamm’s watch

During her 13-year tenure as chair of Vanderbilt University’s Department of Pharmacology, Heidi Hamm, Ph.D., bolstered its international reputation, attracted 18 new faculty members and helped take it in new directions, such as drug discovery.
By VUMC News and Communications
April 16, 2014

Channel drug restores glucose balance

A new compound that activates potassium channels could be used to treat disorders of glucose homeostasis.
By Bill Snyder