Reporter Jan 23 2015

New clue to a devastating disease

New findings suggest a previously unrecognized role for the Sox10 transcription factor in Hirschsprung’s disease, and may lead to improved diagnostic and therapeutic approaches for this disease.

Immune response depends on force

New studies explain how T-cell receptors use force to recognize and protect us against pathogens.

New view of dopamine heteromers

Although heteromeric dopamine receptors composed of both D1 and D2 subunits have been proposed to play a role in depression and schizophrenia, recent studies suggest these heteromers do not exist.

Glucose level blood test

Beta cell link to fasting glucose

New findings explain why variation in a particular gene is the most important determinant of fasting blood glucose levels in humans.

obesity or overweight belly

New signaling pathway provides clues to obesity

A Vanderbilt University-led research team has discovered a molecular “rheostat” in the brain’s appetite control center that may provide new insights into obesity, which is at epidemic levels in this country.

double helix

New data mining method reveals cancer-driving genes

Prospecting for genes that might be implicated in cancer, a Vanderbilt University Medical Center research team has struck pay dirt.

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