Sean Davies

August 19, 2021

Potential protection from atherosclerosis

Vanderbilt researchers have discovered a potential way to reduce atherosclerosis: blocking the modification of an HDL-associated enzyme by reactive molecules called isolevuglandins.

By Bill Snyder
Cholesterol
January 21, 2021

NIH grant bolsters research on heart disease, cholesterol

Thanks to major funding from the National Institutes of Health (NIH), researchers at Vanderbilt University Medical Center have made major inroads in understanding how high-density lipoprotein (HDL), commonly known as good cholesterol, in some cases may actually contribute to the development of atherosclerosis.

By Bill Snyder
From left, Huan Tao, MD, PhD, Sean Davies, PhD, Jiansheng Huang, PhD, and MacRae Linton, MD, led the study that identified a potential new treatment for atherosclerosis.
August 20, 2020

‘Scavenger’ molecule may point to new atherosclerosis treatment

A small-molecule “scavenger” that reduces inflammation and formation of atherosclerotic plaque in blood vessels in mice potentially could lead to a new approach for treating atherosclerosis in humans, according to researchers at Vanderbilt University Medical Center.

By Bill Snyder
July 14, 2020

New tools to study bioactive lipids

Vanderbilt researchers have identified and characterized inhibitors of an enzyme that synthesizes lipid signaling molecules with roles in energy balance, inflammation and addiction.

By Leigh MacMillan
January 27, 2020

A new contributor to atherosclerosis

Sean Davies and colleagues are exploring lipid aldehydes produced during oxidative stress and their contribution to HDL dysfunction and atherosclerosis.

By Leigh MacMillan
yogurt
August 8, 2019

A probiotic treatment for obesity?

Engineered bacteria that produce beneficial compounds — and that could potentially be administered in foods like yogurt — may be a future treatment for obesity and other chronic diseases.

By Leigh MacMillan
June 29, 2018

Scavengers “protect” HDL

Jun. 29, 2018—Lipid molecules that bind to HDL can modify its function — and blocking that modification can protect HDL and potentially lower the risk of atherosclerosis and heart disease.
By Bill Snyder
September 15, 2017

Inhibiting obesity

An enzyme in the gut – NAPE-PLD – is required for the action of signaling molecules that reduce food intake and weight gain.
By Leigh MacMillan
May 26, 2016

Davies lands Pharmacology teaching award

Sean Davies, Ph.D., associate professor of Pharmacology, was recognized as Pharmacology “Teacher of the Year” during the 25th Annual Joel G. Hardman Student-Invited Pharmacology Forum in Light Hall.
By Bill Snyder
August 21, 2014

Major grant spurs deeper look into ‘good cholesterol’

In some cases, HDL, the "good cholesterol," may not function properly and may actually accelerate atherosclerosis.
By Bill Snyder
July 17, 2014

Study examines therapeutic bacteria’s ability to prevent obesity

Engineered bacteria that produce a therapeutic compound in the gut prevent obesity in mice, Vanderbilt University investigators have discovered.
By Leigh MacMillan