NIDDK Archives

Digestive Disease Research Center lands major grant

Jan. 19, 2017—The Vanderbilt Digestive Disease Research Center (VDDRC) celebrates its 15th anniversary this year with a third consecutive five-year renewal of its federal research grant.

Midgut neuroendocrine tumor prognosis

Jan. 6, 2017—Vanderbilt investigators recommend that the presence of tumor deposits in the abdomen be included when staging midgut neuroendocrine tumors.

Protecting the blood-brain barrier

Dec. 9, 2016—Vanderbilt investigators have discovered how a promising cancer immunotherapy causes brain swelling, findings that could lead to ways to protect brain function while fighting cancers.

Making human beta cells reproduce

Dec. 8, 2016—A new method developed at Vanderbilt will speed the search for potential therapeutics for diabetes: compounds that stimulate the replication of insulin-producing beta cells.

Plasmin prevents muscle ‘hardening’ after injury: study

Dec. 8, 2016—Vanderbilt researchers have made the surprising discovery that the protease plasmin, known for its clot-busting role in the blood, protects soft tissue from turning to bone after severe injuries and certain orthopaedic surgeries.

Building the basement membrane

Nov. 21, 2016—Vanderbilt researchers have discovered steps in the regulation of a key enzyme that builds the basement membrane, a structure that undergirds nearly all animal tissues.

Stem cells promote tolerance

Nov. 17, 2016—Blood-forming stem cells play a role in immune tolerance and acceptance of organ transplants, Vanderbilt researchers have discovered.

Study tracks diabetes management via text messaging

Nov. 10, 2016—The REACH study is offering Vanderbilt University Medical Center (VUMC) primary care patients with type 2 diabetes an opportunity to more easily track medication adherence, monitor A1C results, and make healthy lifestyle choices via text messaging.