Sean Davies Archives
Potential protection from atherosclerosis
Aug. 19, 2021—Vanderbilt researchers have discovered a potential way to reduce atherosclerosis: blocking the modification of an HDL-associated enzyme by reactive molecules called isolevuglandins.
NIH grant bolsters research on heart disease, cholesterol
Jan. 21, 2021—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.
‘Scavenger’ molecule may point to new atherosclerosis treatment
Aug. 20, 2020—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.
New tools to study bioactive lipids
Jul. 14, 2020—Vanderbilt researchers have identified and characterized inhibitors of an enzyme that synthesizes lipid signaling molecules with roles in energy balance, inflammation and addiction.
A new contributor to atherosclerosis
Jan. 27, 2020—Sean Davies and colleagues are exploring lipid aldehydes produced during oxidative stress and their contribution to HDL dysfunction and atherosclerosis.
A probiotic treatment for obesity?
Aug. 8, 2019—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.
Scavengers “protect” HDL
Jun. 29, 2018—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.
Inhibiting obesity
Sep. 15, 2017—An enzyme in the gut – NAPE-PLD – is required for the action of signaling molecules that reduce food intake and weight gain.
Davies lands Pharmacology teaching award
May. 26, 2016—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.
Major grant spurs deeper look into ‘good cholesterol’
Aug. 21, 2014—In some cases, HDL, the "good cholesterol," may not function properly and may actually accelerate atherosclerosis.
Study examines therapeutic bacteria’s ability to prevent obesity
Jul. 17, 2014—Engineered bacteria that produce a therapeutic compound in the gut prevent obesity in mice, Vanderbilt University investigators have discovered.