pathology microbiology and immunology Archives
An Argonaute’s voyage to cancer
Apr. 28, 2016—A genetic mutation that promotes cancer development blocks the normal sorting of a protein called “Argonaute 2.”
Immune defenses in asthma
Apr. 5, 2016—Vanderbilt researchers show that a certain factor negatively impacts the first-line responder cells in the lungs, providing one explanation for why patients with asthma are at greater risk for invasive bacterial disease.
Zutter takes part in cancer strategy meet at White House
Feb. 4, 2016—Vanderbilt physician/scientist Mary Zutter, M.D., Louise B. McGavock Professor of Pathology, Microbiology and Immunology and assistant vice chancellor for Integrative Diagnostics, can now add “White House guest” to her resume.
Study identifies new culprit in lung cancer development
Jan. 27, 2016—A microRNA — a small piece of RNA involved in regulating gene expression — functions as an oncogene to drive the development of lung cancer, Vanderbilt University investigators have discovered.
Crystal structure reveals secrets of virulent bacterium
Jan. 14, 2016—Researchers at Vanderbilt University Medical Center have obtained the crystal structure of a toxin from the bacterium Clostridium difficile (“C. diff”) — the leading cause of hospital-acquired diarrhea in the United States.
College of American Pathologists lauds Washington’s contributions
Jan. 7, 2016—Mary (Kay) Washington, M.D., Ph.D., professor of Pathology, Microbiology and Immunology, has received the Lifetime Achievement Award from the College of American Pathologists (CAP). Washington was one of eight physician members honored during the organization’s recent annual meeting.
Detect and defend against pathogens
Nov. 4, 2015—Understanding factors, such as the receptor TLR9, that detect and defend against pathogens may lead to therapeutic approaches that promote an effective immune response to treat infections.
Biomarker for intestinal tumors
Oct. 21, 2015—A new marker could be useful for diagnosing and treating neuroendocrine tumors of the small intestines.
Healing without scarring
Oct. 16, 2015—Drugs that inhibit the Wnt signaling pathway can regenerate injured skin and may be useful in treating fibromatosis, degenerative joint disease and cancer.
Tolerating a transplant
Oct. 1, 2015—A new genetic model has generated new strategies for promoting tolerance to transplants – and improving long-term transplant outcomes – in the background of autoimmune disease.
Keep your coat on, virus!
Sep. 22, 2015—A compound acting on serotonin receptors delays a critical step during reovirus cell entry, reducing viral infectivity.
Framework for studying cell responses
Aug. 26, 2015—Vanderbilt investigators have developed a framework for studying cellular responses that could be used to identify the agents driving a range of biological processes in health and disease.
