neuron Archives
Loss of ‘Jedi’ alters neuron activity
Mar. 10, 2020—This is not the Jedi you're thinking of. This Jedi is a receptor that helps clear away dead neurons during development, and its loss changes the activity of dorsal root ganglia neurons, which could have implications for treating chronic pain.
Study sheds light on link between cannabis, anxiety and stress
Jan. 15, 2020—A molecule produced by the brain that activates the same receptors as marijuana is protective against stress by reducing anxiety-causing connections between two brain regions.
Study explores potential new class of antidepressants
Nov. 21, 2019—Researchers at VUMC have taken a major step that could ultimately facilitate development of a new class of antidepressants which may relieve symptoms more rapidly and effectively and with fewer side effects than current medications.
How nerves may lose their insulation
Aug. 22, 2019—Vanderbilt’s Bruce Carter and colleagues have discovered how genetic changes in the protein PMP22 may contribute to a disease of peripheral nerves.
Investigators eye new target for treating movement disorders
Jan. 18, 2018—Blocking a nerve-cell receptor in part of the brain that coordinates movement could improve the treatment of Parkinson’s disease, dyskinesia and other movement disorders, researchers at Vanderbilt University have reported.
Researchers eye potential schizophrenia ‘switch’
Sep. 15, 2016—Researchers at Vanderbilt University Medical Center have discovered a key mechanism that explains how compounds they’re developing can suppress schizophrenia-like symptoms without side effects in mice.
Findings reveal new target in quest to ease schizophrenia
May. 7, 2015—Vanderbilt University researchers have uncovered a surprising finding that could lead to the development of new, more effective therapies for schizophrenia, which affects more than 2 million Americans.
New player in neuronal communication
May. 1, 2015—Vanderbilt researchers have discovered a novel mechanism for the development of dendritic spines – sites of nerve cell communication.
New tools to probe manganese biology
Nov. 26, 2014—Vanderbilt researchers have developed tools to probe the role of the essential metal manganese in neurons, and which offer a started point for developing therapeutic agents for manganese-related neurological disorders.
VU study points to central regulator of neuron development
Dec. 12, 2013—Developmental biologist Chin Chiang, Ph.D., and his colleagues have discovered that Purkinje neurons in the cerebellum act as central regulators of neuronal development.
Researchers track neuron branching’s genetic control switch
Aug. 15, 2013—In an effort to understand how neurons develop different “architectures,” Vanderbilt developmental biologists have discovered a genetic switch that controls one type of neuron branching in the nematode worm.
How ‘Jedi’ disposes of dead neurons
Sep. 19, 2012—The protein Syk is essential for clearing away neuron “corpses” in the developing peripheral nervous system.