Clarissa Henry

Clarissa Henry is a Professor at the Graduate School of Biomedical Science and Engineering at the University of Maine. Her research focuses on the dynamic interactions between muscle cells and the extracellular matrix during musculoskeletal development, homeostasis, and disease. She leads an active research lab using zebrafish as a model organism to investigate mechanisms underlying myopathies, muscular dystrophy, and aging-related muscle degeneration.

• B.S. in Biology, University of Utah, 1995
• Ph.D., University of Washington, 2000

Her research is centered on cell-matrix signaling, particularly the role of NAD+ biosynthesis via the Nrk2b pathway in laminin polymerization and muscle integrity. Her lab investigates how disruptions in these pathways contribute to neuromuscular diseases and explores potential therapeutic interventions. Key areas include muscle morphogenesis, extracellular matrix remodeling, and the impact of metabolic pathways on muscle health.

The recent publications highlight a strong trend in using zebrafish models to study Duchenne muscular dystrophy, myopathies, and the therapeutic potential of NAD+ supplementation. Research spans molecular mechanisms of cell adhesion, metabolic regulation of development, and environmental impacts on muscle integrity. There is a clear emphasis on translational applications and mechanistic discovery in developmental and regenerative contexts.

Scientific recognition includes being recommended to Faculty of 1000 for her work in PLoS Biology. This honor highlights the impact and relevance of her research in the scientific community.

Dr. Henry advises several graduate students, including Ahmed Almaghasilah, Mary Astumian, Amanda Ignacz, and Kodey Silknitter, guiding their dissertation research in developmental and muscle biology. While specific grants are not listed in the provided text, her sustained publication record and active lab suggest ongoing funding support. Her work integrates biochemical, genetic, and imaging approaches to address fundamental questions in muscle biology.

The Henry Lab at the University of Maine is a research team dedicated to understanding skeletal muscle health through zebrafish models. The lab explores developmental, degenerative, and regenerative aspects of muscle, focusing on extracellular matrix dynamics and metabolic regulation. It serves as a training ground for graduate students and contributes to the broader mission of the Graduate School of Biomedical Science and Engineering.