Program in Developmental Biology

March 17, 2022

Discovery Lecture featuring Sánchez Alvarado returns to in-person format

Alejandro Sánchez Alvarado, PhD, executive director and chief scientific officer of the Stowers Institute for Medical Research in Kansas City, Missouri, will discuss tissue regeneration at the next Discovery Lecture, in person on Thursday, March 24 in 208 Light Hall.

By Leigh MacMillan
July 9, 2020

Keeping beta cells “fit”

Vanderbilt cell biologists are defining the factors that help beta cells in the pancreas stay healthy, secrete insulin and prevent diabetes initiation and progression.

By Leigh MacMillan
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
Insulin in vials
May 3, 2017

Therapeutic targets for diabetes

Vanderbilt investigators have identified novel regulators of insulin-producing beta-cell proliferation and survival, suggesting new targets for the treatment of type 2 diabetes.

By Leigh MacMillan
pair of tango dancers outdoors
June 23, 2016

It takes two to tango: beta cell development

Defining the genes required for the function of insulin-producing beta cells is crucial for ongoing efforts to develop a cell-based therapy for diabetes.

By Bill Snyder
October 9, 2014

Long-range signaling to stem cells

The potential for long-range signaling factors – such as those identified in the current study – to regulate stem cell behaviors has implications in tumor progression and metastasis.

By Leigh MacMillan
May 23, 2013

Conference highlights latest developmental biology research

The annual Southeast Regional meeting of the Society for Developmental Biology, hosted by Vanderbilt for the first time since 2006, broke participant records with 163 investigators registered and 81 posters presented.
By Leigh MacMillan
February 18, 2013

Pancreas cells full of potential

Adult cells in the pancreas can return to a less mature state – and then become a different cell type, like the beta cells that secrete insulin.
By Jessica Mazerik
January 17, 2013

Study helps define pancreatic cancer’s cellular origins

Vanderbilt and University of California investigators have discovered the “cell of origin” for pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma, a finding that could lead to early detection methods and new treatments.
By Leigh MacMillan
August 16, 2012

Ph.D., M.D. students team up in bench-to-bedside program

This summer, the Program in Developmental Biology introduced a new format to its annual Boot Camp class.
By Bill Snyder
March 4, 2011

Chasing Foxd3’s role in stem cells

Researchers use genetic manipulations in mice and single-cell analyses to help explain stem cell regulation.
By Leigh MacMillan