Kasey Vickers Archive

February 7, 2023

A new view of a cholesterol carrier

Vanderbilt researchers developed a novel method to measure small RNAs carried by HDL and demonstrated that these molecules circulate in greater concentrations than previously believed and are likely to contribute to communication between immune cells.

By Kelsey Pinckard

The study could suggest ways to promote the transport of phospholipids and cholesterol out of macrophages, immune system cells that play key roles in all stages of atherosclerosis development.

January 19, 2023

Study points to new ways to prevent, treat heart disease

Vanderbilt researchers have confirmed the existence of an alternative pathway to atherosclerosis, a finding that may lead to new ways to prevent and treat cardiovascular disease.

By Bill Snyder

January 21, 2021

NIH grant bolsters research on heart disease, cholesterol

Thanks to major funding from the National Institutes of Health (NIH), researchers at Vanderbilt University Medical Center have made major inroads in understanding how high-density lipoprotein (HDL), commonly known as good cholesterol, in some cases may actually contribute to the development of atherosclerosis.

By Bill Snyder

The extracellular RNA in colorectal cancer team includes, from left, Jeffrey Franklin, PhD, Yu Shyr, PhD, Qi Liu, PhD, Alissa Weaver, MD, PhD, James Higginbotham, PhD, and James Patton, PhD. Not pictured: Robert Coffey, MD, Kasey Vickers, PhD, and John Karijolich, PhD. (photo taken before social distancing)

April 9, 2020

Research team awarded $9 million to study extracellular RNA in colorectal cancer

The NCI program project grant is supporting multiple projects that aim to define fundamental biological principles about extracellular RNA signaling and the development and aggressiveness of colorectal cancer, the second leading cause of cancer death in the United States.

By Leigh MacMillan

From left, Ryan Allen, PhD, MacRae Linton, MD, Kasey Vickers, PhD, Quanhu Sheng, PhD, and colleagues are working to create a new model of atherosclerosis development. (photo by Susan Urmy)

August 26, 2019

VUMC investigators receive Keck Foundation award for novel atherosclerosis research

A team of researchers has received a $1 million grant from the W.M. Keck Foundation to explore a novel model of atherosclerosis development.

By Leigh MacMillan

array of test tubes with pipette dropping fluid into one

September 5, 2018

Unleashing TIGER on small RNAs

Vanderbilt investigators have developed a new analytical tool to identify, quantify and analyze small RNAs.

By Leigh MacMillan

October 2, 2014 Team spots key regulator for cholesterol production
A Vanderbilt University-led research team has discovered a “master regulator” for cholesterol production and transport in the liver — a tiny piece of RNA called microRNA-223.
By Bill Snyder
August 21, 2014 Major grant spurs deeper look into ‘good cholesterol’
In some cases, HDL, the "good cholesterol," may not function properly and may actually accelerate atherosclerosis.
By Bill Snyder