Immune cells and obesity

Understanding how macrophage immune cells accumulate in fat tissue and contribute to the pathology of obesity could lead to the development of novel therapeutics for metabolic disorders.

Photo: Mouse Metabolic Phenotyping Center

Altered dopamine signaling may offer a clue to autism

Newly discovered genetic variations linked to autism spectrum disorder (ASD) disrupt the function of the dopamine transporter, suggesting that altered dopamine signaling contributes to this common developmental condition, according to a Vanderbilt University-led research team.

Vanderbilt study supports notion ‘You are what you eat’

An international research group led by Vanderbilt University scientists has shown for the first time that a lipid, or fat molecule, can regulate “psychostimulant” behaviors by interacting with a brain protein.

Matrix remodeling and insulin resistance

The extracellular matrix that surrounds cells plays a role in the development of insulin resistance.

Proton transfer powers multidrug resistance: study

Vanderbilt University researchers and their Belgian colleagues have discovered the mechanism behind a multidrug transporter. Their findings, posted this week by Nature Chemical Biology, could lead to new treatments for multidrug resistant bacterial infections.