Journal of Clinical Investigation

September 9, 2024

Peptide discovery could advance treatment of high blood pressure

VUMC researchers found that peptides modified by highly reactive compounds called isolevuglandins activated T cells and promoted hypertension in mice. Their first-ever isolation of such peptides is a step toward potentially intervening in this pathologic process.

By Bill Snyder
A rise in a mother’s blood levels of serotonin — a neurotransmitter that regulates mood, memory and gastrointestinal function — is associated with some, but not all forms of autism in children. (illustration by Diana Duren with Adobe Stock)
July 29, 2024

Study sheds new light on autism, but there’s more work to be done

A target of their investigations is serotonin, a signaling molecule that is well known for its critical roles in regulating mood and which also plays an important role in the development of the brain and nervous system.

By Bill Snyder
Jeffrey Rathmell, PhD, and Melissa Wolf, PhD. (photo by Susan Urmy)
April 22, 2024

Study reveals potential new way to stop a common kidney cancer

Vanderbilt researchers have identified cancer cell-specific genetic alterations that reprogram the immune “landscape,” thereby driving tumor growth, and discovered a potential new drug target for stopping it.

By Bill Snyder
March 28, 2024

Study identifies molecule as potential target for treating AML

While immune checkpoint inhibitors that target the PD-1 molecule on T-cells have proven to be effective with many cancers, these immunotherapies have not worked for acute myeloid leukemia (AML), but new research has identified a “cousin” molecule as a potential therapeutic target for AML. 

By Tom Wilemon
(iStock image)
March 25, 2024

VUMC team finds potential treatment for kidney fibrosis

By Bill Snyder
January 4, 2024

Potential AML therapy induces leukemic stem cell death

Vanderbilt researchers are studying a potential therapy for acute myeloid leukemia that targets the residual leukemic stem cells in bone marrow after treatment that are responsible for relapses and drug resistance.

By Tom Wilemon
September 6, 2023

Releasing a brake that drives obesity and diabetes

Vanderbilt researchers have uncovered a potential new way to help curb the rapidly rising worldwide prevalence of metabolic disorders, including obesity and diabetes.
By Bill Snyder
June 29, 2023

Selenium signal found in colorectal cancer: study

An antioxidant transporter of the trace mineral selenium that protects against inflammatory bowel disease has the opposite effect in colorectal cancer, where it promotes tumor growth, researchers at Vanderbilt University Medical Center have reported.
By Bill Snyder
December 15, 2022

Novel therapeutic target identified for chronic kidney disease

Vanderbilt investigators have discovered a molecular mechanism that promotes chronic kidney disease following kidney injury.
By Leigh MacMillan
May 12, 2022

Study sheds light on the dark side of obesity

Vanderbilt research that promotes the anti-inflammatory pathway in macrophages could also reduce some of the bad side effects of obesity.
By Bill Snyder
April 7, 2022

New prognosis predictor and target for gastric cancer

The protein CGA — a subunit of glycoprotein hormones — is a biomarker that predicts chemoresistance in gastric cancer and could be targeted along with EGFR to restore chemosensitivity.
By Sarah E. Glass
July 8, 2021

Nature’s “recycler” could reduce heart disease risk: study

Researchers at Vanderbilt University Medical Center have identified potential new targets for the prevention of atherosclerosis through the enhancement of autophagy, a natural process for recycling damaged cellular material.
By Bill Snyder
April 1, 2021

Breast cancer cells ‘steal’ nutrients from immune cells: study

Triple-negative breast cancer cells engage in a “glutamine steal” — outcompeting T cells for the nutrient glutamine and impairing their ability to kill tumor cells, Vanderbilt researchers have discovered.
By Leigh MacMillan
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