eLIFE Archives
Microscopic spines connect worm neurons
Oct. 17, 2019—Worm neurons have microscopic “spines” — where nerve-to-nerve communication happens — that share features with mammalian neurons, supporting the use of worms to study spine genetics and biology.
Novel genetic study sheds new light on risk of heart attack
Oct. 11, 2018—Loss of a protein that regulates mitochondrial function can greatly increase the risk of myocardial infarction (heart attack), Vanderbilt scientists reported Oct. 3 in the journal eLife.
Advanced imaging tools reveal architecture of cell division machinery
Nov. 9, 2017—Using super-resolution microscopy tools in the Nikon Center of Excellence, Vanderbilt investigators have determined the molecular architecture of the contractile ring machinery that functions during cell division — a process that is essential for life.
Ancient sea creature unlocks a mystery of how tissue developed
Apr. 20, 2017—The dawn of the Animal Kingdom began with a collagen scaffold that enabled the organization of cells into tissues.
Surprising finding by VU team sheds light on fibrotic disease
Jan. 19, 2017—Integrins are membrane proteins made up of combinations of different “alpha” and “beta” subunits that enable cells throughout the body to interact with their surroundings.
Refining neural circuitry
Aug. 2, 2016—During development, neural circuits are remodeled – some synapses are eliminated and others are strengthened – to produce a mature, functional nervous system.
COX-2 blocker could help PTSD
May. 12, 2016—COX-2 inhibitors – used clinically to reduce inflammation and pain – may find new applications for treating PTSD and other stress-related psychiatric disorders like major depression.
Study explores less invasive way to monitor colorectal cancer
Feb. 18, 2016—Investigators at Vanderbilt University Medical Center have published research regarding an important feature of colorectal cancer (CRC) that could eventually lead to the development of non-invasive means of monitoring cancer progression. After lung cancer, CRC is the second-most lethal cancer in the United States.
How ABC transporters move molecules
Jun. 13, 2014—New views of how transporters move molecules across cell membranes are key to understanding how these proteins impact tumor cell drug resistance and inherited diseases such as cystic fibrosis.