gut

October 26, 2017

Gut response to fluid flow

Vanderbilt researchers have discovered that microvilli – finger-like projections from cells in the intestine – respond to the shear stress of fluid flow to drive a cellular pathway that regulates nutrient balance.

By VUMC News and Communications
December 8, 2016

Study links lifestyle factors to formation of high-risk polyps

Lifestyle factors like cigarette smoking and red meat consumption are known to be associated with an increased risk of colon polyps that can lead to colorectal cancer.

By VUMC News and Communications
x-ray of stomach
November 3, 2016

A DARPP role in gastric cancer

Vanderbilt researchers have discovered a link between Helicobacter pylori infection, inflammation and gastric cancer that could suggest new anti-cancer therapies.

By Sanjay Mishra
February 11, 2016

Study identifies potential colon cancer biomarker

A protein that suppresses a key cancer pathway in the colon may be a potential biomarker for colitis-associated tumors, researchers at Vanderbilt University Medical Center reported last month in the journal Gut.

By Bill Snyder
Illustration of human intestinal tract
July 30, 2015

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.

By Bill Snyder
April 17, 2014

Nutrient-absorbing surface’s assembly revealed: study

Vanderbilt University researchers have discovered how intestinal cells build the “brush border” — a specialized surface structure that is critical for absorbing nutrients and defending against pathogens.

By Leigh MacMillan
November 8, 2013

Defusing ‘C. diff’ infection

By Leigh MacMillan
September 26, 2013

Cell changes en route to stomach cancer

Molecular characterization of pre-cancerous changes in cells lining the stomach could point to lesions with a greater risk of progression to cancer.
By Leigh MacMillan
May 9, 2013

Dual-action enzyme protects esophagus

An antioxidant enzyme also functions as a tumor suppressor to limit cancer development in the esophagus.
By Leigh MacMillan
November 19, 2012

Bird’s eye view of gut development

A new map of the developing gut of quail offers valuable tool for studying intestinal diseases.
By VUMC News and Communications
September 11, 2012

Enzyme counters stomach acid attack

Dysfunction or loss of an “antioxidant” enzyme may lead to higher risk for esophageal cancer in patients with gastric reflux disease.
By VUMC News and Communications
May 14, 2012

Intestinal artillery launches anti-bacterial attack

The epithelial cells that line the intestines have a newly discovered mechanism for protecting us against microbes: they fire anti-bacterial "bullets" into the gut.
By Leigh MacMillan