Department of Medicine

From left, Nicholas Negretti, PhD, Jonathan Kropski, MD, John Benjamin, MD, MPH, Jennifer Sucre, MD, and Erin Plosa, MD, led the research team that created a single-cell “atlas” of lung development. (photo by Erin O. Smith)

“Atlas” of lung development may aid efforts to heal premature lungs

Researchers at Vanderbilt University Medical Center have constructed a single-cell “atlas” of lung development that tracks multiple cell types over time.

Study finds similar success rates with two devices for breathing tube placement

Two devices for placing a breathing tube during critical illness had similar success rates for intubation on the first attempt, according to a study published Dec. 8 in JAMA.

Study sets framework for precision surveillance of colorectal cancer

Vanderbilt research has revealed some of the mechanisms by which polyps develop into colorectal cancer, setting the framework for improved surveillance for the cancer utilizing precision medicine.

Oral microbes and gastric cancer

Studies in three large population cohorts that include Asian, African American and European American people support a role for the oral microbiota — the collection of microbial species in the mouth — in gastric cancer development.

By Leigh MacMillan

PHOTO: Members of the supermere discovery team include (front row from left) Qi Liu, PhD, Robert Coffey, MD, Qin Zhang, PhD, and (back row from left) James Higginbotham, PhD; Dennis Jeppesen, PhD; and Jeffrey Franklin, PhD. (hoto by Erin O. Smith)

December 10, 2021

“Supermeres” may carry clues to cancer, Alzheimer’s disease and COVID-19

Vanderbilt researchers have discovered a nanoparticle released from cells, called a “supermere,” which contains enzymes, proteins and RNA associated with multiple cancers, cardiovascular disease, Alzheimer’s disease and even COVID-19.

By Bill Snyder

December 9, 2021

Cell signaling targets in leukemia

Vanderbilt researchers identified a critical role for IL-1beta signaling in leukemia cells with a certain mutation, suggesting this pathway may be a good target for novel treatments.