Department of Veterans Affairs Archives
Boosting cell-based heart repair
May. 15, 2015—A metabolic change in adult stem cells makes them less “fit” for regenerative heart therapies, suggesting that strategies to prevent this response may boost the therapeutic usefulness of the cells.
Insights on lysosomal storage diseases
May. 14, 2015—A novel mechanism could point to new therapies for a group of inherited diseases that share pathological features.
Kids more likely to react to blood transfusions
May. 4, 2015—Pediatric patients have a significantly higher incidence of transfusion reactions compared to adults, according to a study by Vanderbilt University researchers.
Boosting beta cells in diabetes
Apr. 20, 2015—New findings suggest that it might be possible to treat diabetes by regenerating insulin-producing beta cells in the pancreas.
Surprising finding in the kidney
Apr. 16, 2015—TGF-beta signaling in the kidney was thought to be a target for reducing renal fibrosis, but Vanderbilt researchers report that fibrosis still occurs in the absence of TGF-beta signaling.
New player in heart cell growth
Apr. 6, 2015—Vanderbilt researchers have identified a new protein involved in heart cell growth, which could improve understanding of pathologic cardiac hypertrophy.
Target for atherosclerosis therapies
Dec. 17, 2014—A newly identified “atheroprotective” gene is a tool for exploring plaque pathophysiology and may be a good target for therapies to slow atherosclerosis progression.
Immune cell activity and melanoma
Nov. 6, 2014—The activity of a certain factor in immune cells is essential for an anti-tumor response, emphasizing the need to consider the effects of anti-cancer therapies on immune cells.
Skin cancer risks higher for soldiers serving abroad
Sep. 11, 2014—Soldiers deployed to tropical and sunny climates are coming home with increased risk factors for a threat far from the battlefield: skin cancer.
Factor impacts bone toughness
Jun. 16, 2014—The factor ATF4 has a role in the toughness of bone and its resistance to fracture, suggesting new therapeutic targets.
Potential mechanism for myeloma drug’s variable toxicity
Apr. 30, 2014—A genetic variant is associated with toxicity of the chemotherapy drug melphalan, and could guide individualized dosing for the medication.
Increased cell permeability may protect from colitis
Apr. 25, 2014—Having a “leaky” gut may protect against colitis, a paradoxical finding that alters understanding of the role of cell permeability in intestinal homeostasis and immune regulation.
