Research:

My current research is focused on (1) understanding the genetic basis for a variety of life-limiting human clinical conditions through genetic association studies, (2) developing technological tools for more sensitive and precise measurement of biologically relevant molecules for both research and clinical applications, and (3) evaluating the use of family health history and genetics to identify patients with an elevated risk for diseases such as cancer and diabetes, with a focus on disease prevention.

The research is being conducted in collaboration with faculty members at UNCG, the Joint School of Nanosciences and Nanoengineering (JSNN), and Duke University. Our recent efforts have led to the identification of specific single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the human genome associated with susceptibility to noise-induced hearing loss in young adults and with susceptibility to noncontact knee injuries in young female athletes. We have also initiated studies to evaluate various genetic variants for their effects on maternal-infant bonding and recovery from traumatic brain injury, as well as the effects of exercise on cognition in individuals who are genetically susceptible to Alzheimer's disease. For all of these conditions, we are particularly interested in the interplay of environmental factors and genetic variation as they affect human conditions. We are also working with faculty members at the JSNN to develop tools with improved sensitivity and specificity for detecting DNA, RNA, and biomarker proteins for both research and clinical purposes. Interestingly, some of these variants involve the genes that encode nuclear receptors, an area of research focus which has continued in my laboratory for many years.

Recent Publications:

Henrich, VC, JM Beatty ,H Ruff, J Callender, M Grebe, and M Spindler-Barth (2009). The multidimensional partnership of EcR and USP. In: Ecdysone: Structures and Functions. Ed. by Guy Smagghe. Springer Science, pp 361-375.

Nakagawa, Y, and VC Henrich (2009). Arthropod nuclear receptors and their role in molting. FEBS J, 276, 6128-6157.

Phillips, SL, VC Henrich, and ST Mace (2010.) Prevalence of noise-induced hearing loss in student musicians. Int. J. Audiol., 49: 309-316.

Christianson, C, KL Powell, SE Hahn, D Bartz, T Roxbury, S Blanton, J Vance, M Pericak-Vance, J Telfair, and VC Henrich (2010). Findings from a community education needs assessment to facilitate the integration of genomic medicine into primary care. Genet. In Medicine, 12: 587-593.

TS Schauer, JL Callender, VC Henrich and Margarethe Spindler-Barth (2011). The N-terminus of ecdysteroid receptor isoforms and ultraspiracle interacts with different ecdysteroid response elements in a sequence specific manner to modulate transcriptional activity. J Steroid Biochem and Mol Biol, 124, 84-92.

Orlando, LA, E. R. Hauser, C. Christianson, K P Powell, A H Buchanan, A B Agbaje, V C Henrich and G Ginsburg (2011). Protocol for Implementation of Family Health History Collection and Decision Support into Primary Care using a Computerized Family Health History System. BMC Health Services Research, 11, 264 (DOI: 10.1186/1472-6963-11-264).

Powell K.P., Cogswell WA., Christianson CA., Dave G., Verma A., Eubanks S., Henrich VC., (2012). North Carolina Primary Care Physicians Awareness, Experience and Opinions of Direct-to-Consumer Genetic Testing. J Genet Counsel., 21, 113-126.

Powell K.P., Christianson CA., Cogswell WA., Dave G., Verma A., Eubanks S., Henrich VC., (2012). Educational Needs of Primary Care Physicians Regarding Direct-to-Consumer Genetic Testing. J Genet Counsel, 21, 469-478.

Christianson, CA, Powell KP, Hahn, SE, Blanton, SH, Bogacik, J, VC Henrich and the Genomedical Connection (2012). The use of a family history risk assessment tool within a community health care system: Views of primary care providers. J Genet. Counsel, DOI 10.1007/s10897-011-9479-1.

Bell, RD, SJ Shultz, L Wideman and VC Henrich. (2012). Collagen gene risk are also associated with joint laxity. J. Sports Health, 4, 312-318.

G. Jones, P. Teal; V. Henrich; A. Krzywonos, A. Sapa, M. Wozniak, J. Smolka, and D Jones. (2012). Ligand Binding Pocket Function of Drosophila USP is Necessary for Metamorphosis. Gen. Comp. Endocrinol., in press.

Classes:

Genetics (BIO 392)
Genetics Lab (BIO 393)
Undergraduate Research (BIO 499)

Contact:

211 Eberhart Building
(336)334-4775