Roy Zent

February 7, 2024

VUMC study finds molecular switch key to repair of kidney damage

Researchers at Vanderbilt University Medical Center have identified Rac1, a molecular switch that regulates the actin cytoskeleton of epithelial cells in the collecting ducts, as a driver of post-obstructive kidney repair.

By Bill Snyder
July 3, 2023

Vanderbilt investigators land Keck Foundation grant for groundbreaking genetic research

Vanderbilt scientists have received a $1.2 million award from the W. M. Keck Foundation for their groundbreaking project, “Genetic Intolerance Patterns as a Treasure Map to Genes that Define Us as Human.”

By VUMC News and Communications
January 13, 2022

The role of integrins in kidney “integrity”

Receptors called integrins play a critical role in maintaining the structure of the kidney, Vanderbilt researchers have discovered.

By Bill Snyder
Roy Zent, MBBCh, PhD, left, Fabian Bock, MD, PhD, and colleagues are studying the factors involved in the maintenance and integrity of the kidney collecting duct.
November 4, 2021

Harrison Society researcher discovers key regulator of kidney cell structure

New research from Vanderbilt could aid efforts to promote kidney regeneration after injury or to develop engineered organs.

By Leigh MacMillan
April 15, 2021

New insights into kidney development

Integrin-linked kinase, a central component of a complex that coordinates cell signaling involved in migration, proliferation and cell death, plays a role in kidney development and epithelial cell function.

By Bill Snyder
February 6, 2020

Team tracks integrin’s role in lung function

Beta-1 integrin, a critical component of epithelial extracellular matrix receptors, is essential for normal lung function in adulthood, researchers at VUMC have discovered.

By Bill Snyder
February 2, 2017

New Physician Science Doctoral Program graduates first student

As a fellow in pulmonary and critical care medicine at Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Bradley Richmond, M.D., saw a lot of patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), an inflammatory lung disease caused most often by long-term exposure to cigarette smoke.
By Bill Snyder
January 19, 2017

Surprising finding by VU team sheds light on fibrotic disease

Integrins are membrane proteins made up of combinations of different “alpha” and “beta” subunits that enable cells throughout the body to interact with their surroundings.
By Bill Snyder
January 8, 2015

Integrin discovery may lead to better lung treatments

Vanderbilt University researchers have made an important advance in understanding lung development, which one day could lead to improvements in treating lung disease in premature infants and adults.
By Bill Snyder
July 31, 2014

Photo: Summer research conference

Undergraduates from across the country attended a summer research conference at Vanderbilt this week sponsored by the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases.
By VUMC News and Communications
July 10, 2014

Molecular ‘chat’ holds kidney fibrosis clues

A novel molecular “conversation” regulates kidney fibrosis – the final result of end-stage chronic kidney disease – suggesting new treatment options for this currently irreversible process.
By Leigh MacMillan
March 21, 2013

New holders of endowed chairs honored

Seven Vanderbilt University faculty members named to endowed chairs were honored for outstanding academic achievements March 19 during a celebration at the Student Life Center.
By Bill Snyder