pharmacology

Neurons with serotonin transporters labeled with quantum dots. (Jerry Chang / Vanderbilt)
June 27, 2012

Probing the roots of depression by tracking serotonin regulation at a new level

An interdisciplinary team of scientists have successfully tagged a protein that regulates the neurotransmitter serotonin with tiny fluorescent beads, allowing them to track the movements of individual molecules for the first time. This capability makes it possible to study the manner in which serotonin regulates mood, appetite and sleep at a new level of detail.

DNA sequence
June 11, 2012

Vanderbilt identifies genes linked to breast cancer chemo resistance

A study led by Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center investigators has identified a gene expression pattern that may explain why chemotherapy prior to surgery isn’t effective against some tumors and suggests new therapy options for patients with specific subtypes of breast cancer.

By VUMC News and Communications
May 15, 2012

New clue to ADHD

A rare genetic change adds support to the idea that altered dopamine signaling is a key risk factor for ADHD.

By Bill Snyder
May 10, 2012

Probing epilepsy’s molecular sparks

Understanding how mutations in neuronal receptors contribute to epilepsy could lead to improved therapies.

By Leigh MacMillan
Brain and doorway concept
April 6, 2012

Minds wide open: Neuroscience at Vanderbilt

Vanderbilt University has emerged as one of the nation’s leading academic centers in neuroscience.

By Bill Snyder
March 9, 2012

Combo combats dizziness

Some patients may need a combo of medications to combat a condition that causes dizziness.

By VUMC News and Communications
January 20, 2012

Pumping up the pancreas in pregnancy

A strain of mutant mice provide a novel model for studying glucose intolerance and gestational diabetes during pregnancy and suggest that certain molecules may be useful for therapeutic applications.
By Leigh MacMillan
December 8, 2011

Move out, cholesterol

Compounds developed at Vanderbilt could offer a whole new way to treat atherosclerosis.
By Leigh MacMillan
October 28, 2011

Vanderbilt doctors to screen patients taking statins for genetic risk factors

Vanderbilt University Medical Center doctors announced today they will begin screening patients who take commonly prescribed statin drugs for a rare genetic variation that can increase risks for side effects from these drugs such as muscle aches, kidney damage and even death.
By Craig Boerner
October 21, 2011

Information flow reduced in psychosis

Bipolar depression and schizophrenia share patterns of changes in neurons that regulate information flow, new research shows.
By Leigh MacMillan
July 29, 2011

Connecting the dots in schizophrenia

Abnormalities of the hippocampus, a seahorse-shaped brain region involved in learning and memory, may play a role in the psychotic symptoms and cognitive deficits of schizophrenia.
By VUMC News and Communications
July 21, 2011

Give me some skin

A new understanding of the biochemical pathway that builds our skin barrier could lead to treatments for skin diseases.
By Leigh MacMillan
June 24, 2011

Cocaine’s effects on the teenage brain

Cocaine exposure during the teen years causes long-lasting brain and behavioral changes in rats.
By VUMC News and Communications