Reporter Sept 21 2012
Target acquired for aggressive tumor
Sep. 27, 2012—New therapeutic target for angiosarcoma – an aggressive, highly fatal tumor of the blood vessels – identified.
Cell entry ports for cold virus
Sep. 25, 2012—The respiratory virus HMPV uses its fusion (F) protein – which interacts with cellular receptors called integrins – to bind to and enter target cells.
VU, Bristol-Myers to collaborate on Parkinson’s therapies
Sep. 21, 2012—Vanderbilt University and Bristol-Myers Squibb have signed a collaboration agreement for the discovery, development and commercialization of novel therapies acting on the mGluR4 glutamate receptor, known as positive allosteric modulators, or PAMs, for the treatment of Parkinson’s disease.
HER2 may impact lung cancer therapy
Sep. 21, 2012—A protein associated with aggressive breast cancers may also influence resistance of lung cancer to targeted therapies.
Wellons named chief of Pediatric Neurosurgery
Sep. 20, 2012—The Department of Neurological Surgery has recruited John “Jay” Wellons III, M.D., MSPH, to serve as chief of Pediatric Neurosurgery.
Mchaourab to lead Chemical and Physical Biology program
Sep. 20, 2012—Hassane Mchaourab, Ph.D., professor of Molecular Physiology & Biophysics, Physics and Chemistry, has been named the new director of the Ph.D.-granting Chemical and Physical Biology (CPB) program at Vanderbilt University.
Cancer Wellness Program launches ‘Thrivership’ classes
Sep. 20, 2012—Adult cancer patients and survivors are invited to participate in Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center’s new Thrivership Program, which is designed to restore wellness through physical activity, enhanced nutrition, body awareness and emotional well-being.
Schaffner lauded for epidemiology contributions
Sep. 20, 2012—William Schaffner, M.D., professor and chair of Preventive Medicine, is the 2012 recipient of the American College of Epidemiology’s Abraham Lilienfeld Award, in recognition of his contributions and leadership in the discipline of epidemiology.
Discovery Lecture set to focus on mechanisms of fear
Sep. 20, 2012—Psychiatrist and fear researcher Kerry Ressler, M.D., Ph.D., will deliver the next Flexner Discovery Lecture on Thursday, Sept. 27.
Photo: Signing up
Sep. 20, 2012—LaManda Watson, left, receives a Team Vanderbilt T-shirt from Elizabeth Wilson for participating in the Fall Cancer Walks signup event held recently. Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center is sponsoring at least eight cancer walks this fall. For more information and to register online, visit www.viccfallwalks.org.
VUSM students land Heart Association scholarships
Sep. 20, 2012—Two Vanderbilt University School of Medicine students have been selected to receive the American Heart Association’s Student Scholarship in Cerebrovascular Disease and Stroke.
Transplant Center programs honored for strong outcomes
Sep. 20, 2012—Three Vanderbilt Transplant Center programs were recently recognized for having high-performing outcomes by the Donation and Transplantation Community of Practice of the Health Resources and Services Administration.
