structural biology Archives

Assembling cell power plant machinery

Sep. 3, 2020—Tina Iverson and colleagues provide a structural view into the assembly of a protein machine essential for cellular energy production.

A key to calcium signaling

Feb. 11, 2020—Erkan Karakas and colleagues used cryo-electron microscopy to determine structural details of a calcium channel protein that has numerous cell signaling roles.

Structural views of a C. diff toxin

Jan. 10, 2020—D. Borden Lacy and colleagues used cryo-electron microscopy to define the structure of a C. diff toxin, providing a framework for the design of novel therapeutics.

Blueprint for treating epilepsy

Nov. 14, 2019—Structural details of a protein that is essential to normal brain function could improve treatments for epilepsy and other seizure disorders.

Study details regulation of a multi-drug transporter

May. 29, 2019—P-glycoprotein distinguishes between chemicals that it will expel from a cell and inhibitors that block its action.

A new antibiotic’s mechanism of action

Apr. 25, 2019—Vanderbilt investigators have characterized how a new first-in-class antibacterial drug works, which will guide the development of additional compounds that overcome antibacterial resistance.

Cellular stress defense

Oct. 12, 2018—The modular architecture of small heat-shock proteins contributes to the ability of these proteins to aid cells in responding to stress.

Fueling the MATE transporter

Jul. 19, 2018—Vanderbilt researchers used spectroscopy to understand how a drug transporter pumps drugs out of cells, findings that are important for developing novel anti-cancer and anti-bacterial drugs that can overcome drug resistance.

Long QT syndrome – revealed

Mar. 12, 2018—Vanderbilt investigators have used sophisticated cell biological and structural techniques to “classify” mutations in potassium channels, studies that could lead to personalized treatment of heart rhythm disorders.

Protein structure may aid in treating Alzheimer’s disease

Apr. 27, 2017—A new protein structure may guide the development of Alzheimer's therapeutics.

Fighting fungal infections

Apr. 3, 2017—A detailed structural and functional analysis of the yeast protein that is the main target of antifungal drugs will help direct efforts to develop better treatments.