gastrointestinal disorders

Gene mutations impair gut barrier

Mutations in a cell membrane transporter protein impair the integrity of the gut lining, contributing to chronic gastrointestinal distress for people with the mutations, Vanderbilt researchers report.

Motor protein linked to intestinal cell differentiation

The motor protein MYO5B, a cause of the congenital intestinal disorder microvillus inclusion disease, does more than move cellular cargo, Vanderbilt researchers have discovered.

Transporter’s role in gut barrier

A disease-associated mutation in a transporter protein impairs gut barrier function, leading to gastrointestinal disease and chronic infections.

x-ray of stomach

Study defines association of oral anticoagulants and proton pump inhibitors to gastrointestinal bleeding risk

A Vanderbilt University Medical Center study published this week in JAMA shows that patients already at higher risk for gastrointestinal bleeding gain a marked protection from this risk when they take a proton pump inhibitor (PPI) in combination with an oral anticoagulant.

child sick to his stomach

Study sheds light on link between autism, GI issues

Researchers at Columbia and Vanderbilt universities have made an important discovery in mice that has implications for understanding the gastrointestinal (GI) problems experienced by some children with autism.

Illustration of human intestinal tract

Study sheds light on human gut’s ‘pacemaker’ cells

The gut has its own built-in pacemakers, populations of specialized cells that control smooth muscle contraction in the stomach, small intestine and colon.