Department of Biochemistry

June 22, 2015

Biochemistry professor Richard Armstrong remembered

Richard N. Armstrong, Ph.D., professor of Biochemistry and Chemistry, prominent biochemist, journal editor and mentor, died on June 18 after a brief illness. He was 66.

By Bill Snyder
June 17, 2015

Lit up COX-2 cancer probe

A new imaging probe developed by Vanderbilt investigators enhances tumor visibility and has broad applications in diagnosing and monitoring patients with cancer.

By Henry H. Ong
arm with IV line
June 4, 2015

Study identifies C. diff toxin receptor, suggests new treatment approaches

Vanderbilt University investigators have identified a cellular receptor for a toxin from Clostridium difficile (“C. diff”) — the leading cause of hospital-acquired diarrhea in the United States.

By Leigh MacMillan
April 28, 2015

David Ong, professor of Biochemistry, emeritus, dies at 71

David E. Ong, Ph.D., professor of Biochemistry, emeritus, whose contributions to research in the area of vitamin A biochemistry were recognized worldwide, died April 25. He was 71.

By Wayne Wood
March 26, 2015

‘Docking stations’ on chromosomes new anti-cancer target

Vanderbilt University researchers have discovered a cleft in a chromosome-binding protein that may hold the key to stopping most cancers in their tracks.

By Bill Snyder
March 5, 2015

Vanderbilt team first to blend high-end imaging techniques

Vanderbilt University researchers have achieved the first “image fusion” of mass spectrometry and microscopy — a technical tour de force that could, among other things, dramatically improve the diagnosis and treatment of cancer.

By Bill Snyder
February 26, 2015

Center for Structural Biology symposium to feature stellar lineup

The Vanderbilt University Department of Biochemistry will host a two-day symposium March 6-7 to honor the 60th birthday of Walter Chazin, Ph.D., director of the Center for Structural Biology.
By VUMC News and Communications
February 25, 2015

Antibiotics with anticancer potential

A series of experimental antibiotics may be a good starting point for developing new anticancer drugs.
By Leigh MacMillan
January 29, 2015

Grant bolsters pancreatic cancer drug discovery efforts

The Lustgarten Foundation has awarded a $1.5 million Research Investigator Grant to Stephen Fesik, Ph.D., professor of Biochemistry, Pharmacology and Chemistry, for research designed to discover new drugs for the treatment of pancreatic cancer.
By VUMC News and Communications
January 2, 2015

Genome-editing pioneer next up in Discovery Lecture series

Jennifer Doudna, Ph.D., recipient of a 2015 Breakthrough Prize in Life Sciences, will deliver the next Flexner Discovery Lecture on Thursday, Jan. 8.
By Leigh MacMillan
October 23, 2014

VICC investigators earn breast cancer grants

The grants, which total $830,000, are part of the non-profit organization’s commitment to young scientists, as well as established investigators who are searching for more effective breast cancer therapies.
By VUMC News and Communications
September 4, 2014

VU study creates new road map for cellular activity

Human cells are constructed in large part from proteins whose activity can be altered by the incorporation of oxygen in what are known as redox modifications.
By VUMC News and Communications
August 28, 2014

Ascano seeks to shed light on cellular stress response

Ebola. Chikungunya. Influenza. What’s to be done about these headline-grabbing, debilitating, often lethal viruses?
By Bill Snyder