molecular physiology and biophysics

Researchers who helped find high-risk genes for schizophrenia included, from left, Quan Wang, PhD, Bingshan Li, PhD, Nancy Cox, PhD, Rui Chen, PhD, Xue Zhong, PhD, Qiang Wei, PhD, and James Sutcliffe, PhD.
April 18, 2019

Researchers find high-risk genes for schizophrenia

Using a unique computational framework they developed, a team of scientist cyber-sleuths in the Vanderbilt University Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics and the Vanderbilt Genetics Institute (VGI) has identified 104 high-risk genes for schizophrenia.

By Bill Snyder
x-ray of cell showing cell bodies
October 12, 2018

Cellular stress defense

The modular architecture of small heat-shock proteins contributes to the ability of these proteins to aid cells in responding to stress.

By Leigh MacMillan
October 12, 2018

Targeting diabetic kidney disease

Pathways activated by the epidermal growth factor receptor may be attractive targets to treat diabetic kidney disease, according to new findings from Vanderbilt investigators.

By Sanjay Mishra
Insulin in vials
October 11, 2018

Insulin accelerant

It’s possible to increase the permeability of blood vessels and accelerate insulin action in muscle, Vanderbilt researchers have discovered.

By Laura Daniel
September 13, 2018

First Islet Workshop draws international audience

More than 200 investigators from across the globe who specialize in islet biology, the study of hormone-producing cell clusters in the pancreas known as islets, recently gathered in Nashville to share knowledge and present the challenges and successes of their work during the first Islet Biology Workshop at Vanderbilt.

By Jill Clendening
September 6, 2018

Link between immune system, disease explored

The first Flexner Discovery Lecture of the academic year featured presentations by two Vanderbilt faculty members.

By Leigh MacMillan
September 6, 2018

Team’s findings could spur new treatments for type 2 diabetes

An international research team including scientists from Vanderbilt University has discovered how the diabetes drug metformin blocks glucose production by the liver. The discovery, reported Aug. 27 in the journal Nature Medicine, could lead to development of new ways to treat type 2 diabetes.
By Bill Snyder
August 23, 2018

Carrasco to lead Molecular Physiology and Biophysics at VU

Nancy Carrasco, MD, a leading figure in the study of iodide transport and its critical role in the thyroid and mammary glands, has been named chair of Vanderbilt University’s Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics.
By Leigh MacMillan
August 23, 2018

Clue to treating obesity found in body’s ‘rheostat’

Researchers at Vanderbilt University and the University of Michigan have discovered a critical factor in the rheostatic control of body weight by the brain.
By Bill Snyder
August 23, 2018

Madhur, Smith set to deliver fall season’s first Discovery Lecture

The Flexner Discovery Lecture series kicks off the academic year next week with presentations by two Vanderbilt faculty members. The Cutting-Edge Discovery Lectures by Meena Madhur, MD, PhD, and Scott Smith, MD, PhD, begin at 4 p.m. on Thursday, Aug. 30 in 208 Light Hall.
By Leigh MacMillan
August 16, 2018

Predictive models for gene regulation

Using new computational approaches to understand the behavior of cells should aid efforts to predict how mutations affect cell function and how diseases respond to drug combinations.
By Bill Snyder
July 19, 2018

Fueling the MATE transporter

Vanderbilt researchers used spectroscopy to understand how a drug transporter pumps drugs out of cells, findings that are important for developing novel anti-cancer and anti-bacterial drugs that can overcome drug resistance.
By Sanjay Mishra
May 18, 2018

Shaping reward circuits

Using techniques to control and monitor the activities of individual neurons, Vanderbilt investigators are probing the brain’s reward circuitry.
By Leigh MacMillan