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Much of the work carried out by DTT is in support of the National Toxicology Program (NTP), an interagency partnership of the Food and Drug Administration, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, and NIEHS.

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Mechanistic Toxicology Branch

G J. Harry, Ph.D.
G J. Harry, Ph.D.
Staff Scientist
Tel 984-287-4183
[email protected]
P.O. Box 12233
Mail Drop E1-07
Durham, NC 27709

G. Jean Harry, Ph.D., is head of the Neurotoxicology Group. She obtained an M.S. in neuropharmacology from Virginia Commonwealth University with a research focus in drugs of abuse. Her Ph.D. was obtained from VCU in 1981, and bridged the fields of neuropharmacology and neurotoxicology with her research conducted at NIH. Postdoctoral work was conducted in an NIH Training Program in Neuropathology followed by an NIH independent fellowship award in the Biochemistry Department, University of North Carolina. Following a position within the Developmental Disorders Center at UNC, she joined NIEHS as head of Neurotoxicology Group in 1990.

Selected Publications

  1. Lawrence DA, Harry GJ. (2000) Environmental stressors and neuroimmunotoxicological processes. Brain, behavior, and immunity 14:231-238. [Abstract Lawrence DA, Harry GJ. (2000) Environmental stressors and neuroimmunotoxicological processes. Brain, behavior, and immunity 14:231-238.]
  2. Harry GJ, Lefebvre d’Hellencourt C, Bruccoleri A, Schmechel D. (2000) Age dependent cytokine responses: Trimethyltin hippocampal injury in wildtype, APOE knockout, and APOE4 mice. Brain, behavior, and immunity 14:288-304.  [Abstract Harry GJ, Lefebvre d’Hellencourt C, Bruccoleri A, Schmechel D. (2000) Age dependent cytokine responses: Trimethyltin hippocampal injury in wildtype, APOE knockout, and APOE4 mice. Brain, behavior, and immunity 14:288-304. ]
  3. Bruccoleri A, Harry GJ. (2000) Chemical-induced hippocampal neurodegeneration and elevations in TNF?, TNF?, IL-1?, IP-10 and MCP-1 mRNA in osteopetrotic (op/op) mice. J. Neuroscience Research 62:146-155. [Abstract Bruccoleri A, Harry GJ. (2000) Chemical-induced hippocampal neurodegeneration and elevations in TNF?, TNF?, IL-1?, IP-10 and MCP-1 mRNA in osteopetrotic (op/op) mice. J. Neuroscience Research 62:146-155.]
  4. Harry GJ, Lefebvre d’Hellencourt C. (2003) Dentate gyrus: alterations that occur with hippocampal injury. Neurotoxicology 24(3):343-356.  [Abstract Harry GJ, Lefebvre d’Hellencourt C. (2003) Dentate gyrus: alterations that occur with hippocampal injury. Neurotoxicology 24(3):343-356. ]
  5. McPherson CA, Kubik J, Wine RN, d’Hellencourt CL, Harry GJ. (2003) Alterations in cyclin A, B, and D1 in mouse dentate gyrus following TMT induced hippocampal damage. Neurotox Res. 5(5):339-354.  [Abstract McPherson CA, Kubik J, Wine RN, d’Hellencourt CL, Harry GJ. (2003) Alterations in cyclin A, B, and D1 in mouse dentate gyrus following TMT induced hippocampal damage. Neurotox Res. 5(5):339-354. ]
  6. Harry GJ, McPherson CA, Wine RN, Atkinson K, Lefebvre d’Hellencourt C. (2004) Trimethyltin-induced neurogenesis in the murine hippocampus. Neurotox Res. 5(8):623-627.  [Abstract Harry GJ, McPherson CA, Wine RN, Atkinson K, Lefebvre d’Hellencourt C. (2004) Trimethyltin-induced neurogenesis in the murine hippocampus. Neurotox Res. 5(8):623-627. ]
  7. Lefebvre d’Hellencourt C, Harry GJ. (2005) Molecular profiles of mRNA levels in laser capture microdissected murine hippocampal regions differentially responsive to TMT-induced cell death. J. Neurochem. 93, 206-220. [Abstract Lefebvre d’Hellencourt C, Harry GJ. (2005) Molecular profiles of mRNA levels in laser capture microdissected murine hippocampal regions differentially responsive to TMT-induced cell death. J. Neurochem. 93, 206-220.]
  8. Weerasinghe GR, Coon SL, Bhattacharjee AK, Harry GJ, Bosetti F. (2006) Regional protein levels of cytosolic phospholipase A2 and cyclooxygenase-2 in monkey brain as a function of age. Brain Res Bull. 69, 614-621.  [Abstract Weerasinghe GR, Coon SL, Bhattacharjee AK, Harry GJ, Bosetti F. (2006) Regional protein levels of cytosolic phospholipase A2 and cyclooxygenase-2 in monkey brain as a function of age. Brain Res Bull. 69, 614-621. ]
  9. Brunssen SH, Harry GJ. (2007) Diffuse white matter injury and neurologic outcomes of infants born very preterm in the 1990's. Journal of obstetric, gynecologic, and neonatal nursing : JOGNN / NAACOG 4 (386-395). [Abstract Brunssen SH, Harry GJ. (2007) Diffuse white matter injury and neurologic outcomes of infants born very preterm in the 1990's. Journal of obstetric, gynecologic, and neonatal nursing : JOGNN / NAACOG 4 (386-395).]
  10. Chao SL, Moss JM, Harry GJ. (2007) Lead-induced alterations of apoptosis and neurotrophic factor mRNA in the developing rat cortex, hippocampus, and cerebellum. Journal of biochemical and molecular toxicology 5 (265-272). [Abstract Chao SL, Moss JM, Harry GJ. (2007) Lead-induced alterations of apoptosis and neurotrophic factor mRNA in the developing rat cortex, hippocampus, and cerebellum. Journal of biochemical and molecular toxicology 5 (265-272).]
  11. Krewski D, Yokel RA, Nieboer E, Borchelt D, Cohen J, Harry J, Kacew S, Lindsay J, Mahfouz AM, Rondeau V. (2007) Human health risk assessment for aluminum, aluminum oxide, and aluminum hydroxide. Journal of toxicology and environmental health. Supplement (10)(supp 1):1-269. [Abstract Krewski D, Yokel RA, Nieboer E, Borchelt D, Cohen J, Harry J, Kacew S, Lindsay J, Mahfouz AM, Rondeau V. (2007) Human health risk assessment for aluminum, aluminum oxide, and aluminum hydroxide. Journal of toxicology and environmental health. Supplement (10)(supp 1):1-269.]
  12. Wu J, Basha MR, Brock B, Cox DP, Cardozo-Pelaez F, McPherson CA, Harry GJ, Rice DC, Maloney B, Chen D, Lahiri DK, Zawia NH. (2008) Alzheimer's disease (AD) like pathology in aged monkeys following infantile exposure to environmental metal lead (Pb): Evidence for a developmental origin and environmental link for AD. The Journal of neuroscience : the official journal of the Society for Neuroscience 28(1):3-9. [Abstract Wu J, Basha MR, Brock B, Cox DP, Cardozo-Pelaez F, McPherson CA, Harry GJ, Rice DC, Maloney B, Chen D, Lahiri DK, Zawia NH. (2008) Alzheimer's disease (AD) like pathology in aged monkeys following infantile exposure to environmental metal lead (Pb): Evidence for a developmental origin and environmental link for AD. The Journal of neuroscience : the official journal of the Society for Neuroscience 28(1):3-9.]
  13. Berman RF, Pessah IN, Mouton PR, Mav D, Harry J. (2008) Low level neonatal thimerosal exposure: Further evaluation of altered neurotoxic potential in SJL mice. Toxicological sciences : an official journal of the Society of Toxicology 101(2):294-309. [Abstract Berman RF, Pessah IN, Mouton PR, Mav D, Harry J. (2008) Low level neonatal thimerosal exposure: Further evaluation of altered neurotoxic potential in SJL mice. Toxicological sciences : an official journal of the Society of Toxicology 101(2):294-309.]
  14. Harry GJ, Funk JA, Lefebvre d'Hellencourt C, McPherson CA, Aoyama M. (2008) The type 1 Interleukin 1 receptor is not required for the death of hippocampal dentate granule cells and microglial activation. Brain research 1194:8-20. [Abstract Harry GJ, Funk JA, Lefebvre d'Hellencourt C, McPherson CA, Aoyama M. (2008) The type 1 Interleukin 1 receptor is not required for the death of hippocampal dentate granule cells and microglial activation. Brain research 1194:8-20.]
  15. Zhang D, Harry JG, Blackshear PJ, Zedlin DC. (2008) G-Protein Pathway Suppressor 2 (GPS2)interacts with the Regulatory Factor X4 variant 3 (RFX4_v3) and functions as a transcriptional co-activator. The Journal of biological chemistry 283(13):8580-8590. [Abstract Zhang D, Harry JG, Blackshear PJ, Zedlin DC. (2008) G-Protein Pathway Suppressor 2 (GPS2)interacts with the Regulatory Factor X4 variant 3 (RFX4_v3) and functions as a transcriptional co-activator. The Journal of biological chemistry 283(13):8580-8590.]
  16. Harry GJ, Lefebvre d'Hellencourt C, McPherson CA, Funk JA, Aoyama M, Wine RN. (2008) Tumor necrosis factor p55 and p75 receptors are involved in chemical-induced apoptosis of dentate granule neurons. Journal of neurochemistry 106(1):281-298. [Abstract Harry GJ, Lefebvre d'Hellencourt C, McPherson CA, Funk JA, Aoyama M, Wine RN. (2008) Tumor necrosis factor p55 and p75 receptors are involved in chemical-induced apoptosis of dentate granule neurons. Journal of neurochemistry 106(1):281-298.]
  17. Harry GJ, Kraft AD. (2008) Neuroinflammation and microglia: considerations and approaches for neurotoxicity assessment. Expert opinion on drug metabolism & toxicology 4(10):1265-1277. [Abstract Harry GJ, Kraft AD. (2008) Neuroinflammation and microglia: considerations and approaches for neurotoxicity assessment. Expert opinion on drug metabolism & toxicology 4(10):1265-1277.]
  18. Brock B, Basha MR, DiPalma K, Anderson A, Harry GJ, Rice DC, Maloney B, Lahiri DK, Zawia NH. (2008) Co-localization and distribution of cerebral APP and SP1 and its relationship to amyloidogenesis. Journal of Alzheimer's disease 13(1):71-80. [Abstract Brock B, Basha MR, DiPalma K, Anderson A, Harry GJ, Rice DC, Maloney B, Lahiri DK, Zawia NH. (2008) Co-localization and distribution of cerebral APP and SP1 and its relationship to amyloidogenesis. Journal of Alzheimer's disease 13(1):71-80.]
  19. Persaud-Sawin DA, Lightcap S, Harry GJ. Isolation of rafts from mouse brain tissue using a detergent-free method. J Lipid Res. (Epub Dec 6, 2008). [Abstract Persaud-Sawin DA, Lightcap S, Harry GJ. Isolation of rafts from mouse brain tissue using a detergent-free method. J Lipid Res. (Epub Dec 6, 2008).]
  20. Persaud-Sawin DA, Banach L, Harry GJ. (2009) Raft aggregation with specific receptor recruitment is required for microglial phagocytosis of Abeta42. Glia 57(3):320-335. [Abstract Persaud-Sawin DA, Banach L, Harry GJ. (2009) Raft aggregation with specific receptor recruitment is required for microglial phagocytosis of Abeta42. Glia 57(3):320-335.]
  21. Funk JA, Gohlke JM, Kraft AD, McPherson CA, Collins JB, Harry GJ. (2011) Voluntary exercise protects hippocampal neurons from trimethyltin injury: Possible role of interleukin-6 to modulate tumor necrosis factor receptor-mediated neurotoxicity. Brain, behavior, and immunity 25(6):1063-1077. [Abstract Funk JA, Gohlke JM, Kraft AD, McPherson CA, Collins JB, Harry GJ. (2011) Voluntary exercise protects hippocampal neurons from trimethyltin injury: Possible role of interleukin-6 to modulate tumor necrosis factor receptor-mediated neurotoxicity. Brain, behavior, and immunity 25(6):1063-1077.]
  22. Harry GJ, Kraft AD. (2012) Microglia in the developing brain: a potential target with lifetime effects. Neurotoxicology 33(2):191-206. [Abstract Harry GJ, Kraft AD. (2012) Microglia in the developing brain: a potential target with lifetime effects. Neurotoxicology 33(2):191-206.]
  23. Kraft AD, Harry GJ. (2011) Features of microglia and neuroinflammation relevant to environmental exposure and neurotoxicity. International journal of environmental research and public health 8(7):2980-3018. [Abstract Kraft AD, Harry GJ. (2011) Features of microglia and neuroinflammation relevant to environmental exposure and neurotoxicity. International journal of environmental research and public health 8(7):2980-3018.]
  24. Kraft AD, Kaltenbach LS, Lo DC, Harry GJ. (2012) Activated microglia proliferate at neurites of mutant huntingtin-expressing neurons. Neurobiology of aging 33(3):e17-e33. [Abstract Kraft AD, Kaltenbach LS, Lo DC, Harry GJ. (2012) Activated microglia proliferate at neurites of mutant huntingtin-expressing neurons. Neurobiology of aging 33(3):e17-e33.]
  25. Brunssen SH, Moy SS, Toews AD, McPherson CA, Harry GJ. (2013) Interleukin-6 (IL-6) receptor/IL-6 fusion protein (Hyper IL-6) effects on the neonatal mouse brain: Possible role for IL-6 trans-signaling in brain development and functional neurobehavioral outcomes. Brain, behavior, and immunity 27(1):42-53. [Abstract Brunssen SH, Moy SS, Toews AD, McPherson CA, Harry GJ. (2013) Interleukin-6 (IL-6) receptor/IL-6 fusion protein (Hyper IL-6) effects on the neonatal mouse brain: Possible role for IL-6 trans-signaling in brain development and functional neurobehavioral outcomes. Brain, behavior, and immunity 27(1):42-53.]
  26. Mocchetti I, Campbell LA, Harry GJ, Avdoshina V. When human immunodeficiency virus meets chemokines and microglia: neuroprotection or neurodegeneration? Journal of Neuroimmune Pharmacology 2013 Mar;8(1):118-31. [Abstract Mocchetti I, Campbell LA, Harry GJ, Avdoshina V. When human immunodeficiency virus meets chemokines and microglia: neuroprotection or neurodegeneration? Journal of Neuroimmune Pharmacology 2013 Mar;8(1):118-31.]
  27. Harry GJ. Microglia during development and aging. Pharmacology & Therapeutics 2013 Sep;139(3):313-26. [Abstract Harry GJ. Microglia during development and aging. Pharmacology & Therapeutics 2013 Sep;139(3):313-26.]
  28. Harry, GJ. (2012) Neuroinflammation: a need to understand microglia as resident cells of the developing brain. Neurotoxicology 33(3):558-9.  [Abstract Harry, GJ. (2012) Neuroinflammation: a need to understand microglia as resident cells of the developing brain. Neurotoxicology 33(3):558-9. ]
  29. Rider CV, Janardhan KS, Rao D, Morrison JP, McPherson CA, Harry GJ. (2012) Evaluation of N-butylbenzenesulfonamide (NBBS) neurotoxicity in Sprague-Dawley male rats following 27-day oral exposure. Neurotoxicology  33(6):1528-35. [Abstract Rider CV, Janardhan KS, Rao D, Morrison JP, McPherson CA, Harry GJ. (2012) Evaluation of N-butylbenzenesulfonamide (NBBS) neurotoxicity in Sprague-Dawley male rats following 27-day oral exposure. Neurotoxicology  33(6):1528-35.]
  30. McPherson CA, Merrick BA, Harry GJ. (2014) In vivo molecular markers for pro-inflammatory cytokine M1 stage and resident microglia in trimethyltin-induced hippocampal injury. Neurotoxicity research 25(1):45-56. [Abstract McPherson CA, Merrick BA, Harry GJ. (2014) In vivo molecular markers for pro-inflammatory cytokine M1 stage and resident microglia in trimethyltin-induced hippocampal injury. Neurotoxicity research 25(1):45-56.]
  31. Awada R, Saulnier-Blache JS, Grès S, Bourdon E, Rondeau P, Parimisetty A, Orihuela R, Harry GJ, d'Hellencourt CL. (2014) Autotaxin downregulates LPS-induced microglia activation and pro-inflammatory cytokines production. Journal of cellular biochemistry 115(12):2123-32. [Abstract Awada R, Saulnier-Blache JS, Grès S, Bourdon E, Rondeau P, Parimisetty A, Orihuela R, Harry GJ, d'Hellencourt CL. (2014) Autotaxin downregulates LPS-induced microglia activation and pro-inflammatory cytokines production. Journal of cellular biochemistry 115(12):2123-32.]
  32. Harry GJ, Hooth MJ, Vallant M, Behl M, Travlos GS, Howard JL, Price CJ, McBride S, Mervis R, Mouton PR. (2014) Developmental Neurotoxicity of 3,3',4,4'-Tetrachloroazobenzene with Thyroxine Deficit: Sensitivity of Glia and Dentate Granule Neurons in the Absence of Behavioral Changes. Toxics 2(3):496-532. [Abstract Harry GJ, Hooth MJ, Vallant M, Behl M, Travlos GS, Howard JL, Price CJ, McBride S, Mervis R, Mouton PR. (2014) Developmental Neurotoxicity of 3,3',4,4'-Tetrachloroazobenzene with Thyroxine Deficit: Sensitivity of Glia and Dentate Granule Neurons in the Absence of Behavioral Changes. Toxics 2(3):496-532.]
  33. Szabo ST, Harry GJ, Hayden KM, Szabo DT, Birnbaum L. Comparison of Metal Levels between Postmortem Brain and Ventricular Fluid in Alzheimer's Disease and Nondemented Elderly Controls. Toxicological sciences: an official journal of the Society of Toxicology 2016 150(2):292-300. [Abstract Szabo ST, Harry GJ, Hayden KM, Szabo DT, Birnbaum L. Comparison of Metal Levels between Postmortem Brain and Ventricular Fluid in Alzheimer's Disease and Nondemented Elderly Controls. Toxicological sciences: an official journal of the Society of Toxicology 2016 150(2):292-300.]
  34. Kraft AK, McPherson CA, Harry GJ. Association Between Microglia, Inflammatory Factors, and Complement with Loss of Hippocampal Mossy Fiber Synapses Induced by Trimethyltin. Neurotoxicity Research 2016 30(1):53-66. [Abstract Kraft AK, McPherson CA, Harry GJ. Association Between Microglia, Inflammatory Factors, and Complement with Loss of Hippocampal Mossy Fiber Synapses Induced by Trimethyltin. Neurotoxicity Research 2016 30(1):53-66.]
  35. Orihuela R, McPherson CA, Harry GJ. Microglial M1/M2 polarization and metabolic states. British journal of pharmacology 2016 173(4):649-665. [Abstract Orihuela R, McPherson CA, Harry GJ. Microglial M1/M2 polarization and metabolic states. British journal of pharmacology 2016 173(4):649-665.]
  36. Goulding D, Kraft A, Mouton PR, McPherson CA, Avdoshina V, Mocchetti I, Harry GJ. Age-Related Decrease in Tyrosine Hydroxylase Immunoreactivity in the Substantia Nigra and Region-Specific Changes in Microglia Morphology in HIV-1 Tg Rats. Neurotoxicity Research 2019 ():-. [Abstract Goulding D, Kraft A, Mouton PR, McPherson CA, Avdoshina V, Mocchetti I, Harry GJ. Age-Related Decrease in Tyrosine Hydroxylase Immunoreactivity in the Substantia Nigra and Region-Specific Changes in Microglia Morphology in HIV-1 Tg Rats. Neurotoxicity Research 2019 ():-.]
  37. Bowen C, Childers G, Perry C, Martin N, McPherson CA, Lauten T, Santos J, Harry GJ. Mitochondrial-related Effects of Pentabromophenol, Tetrabromobisphenol A, and Triphenyl Phosphate on Murine BV-2 Microglia Cells. Chemosphere 2020 doi: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2020.126919 [Online 30 April 2020]. [Abstract Bowen C, Childers G, Perry C, Martin N, McPherson CA, Lauten T, Santos J, Harry GJ. Mitochondrial-related Effects of Pentabromophenol, Tetrabromobisphenol A, and Triphenyl Phosphate on Murine BV-2 Microglia Cells. Chemosphere 2020 doi: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2020.126919 [Online 30 April 2020].]
  38. Dobi A, Rosanaly S, Devin A, Baret P, Meilhac O, Harry GJ, d'Hellencourt CL, Rondeau P. Advanced glycation end-products disrupt brain microvascular endothelial cell barrier: The role of mitochondria and oxidative stress. Microvasc Res 2021 133:104098. [Abstract Dobi A, Rosanaly S, Devin A, Baret P, Meilhac O, Harry GJ, d'Hellencourt CL, Rondeau P. Advanced glycation end-products disrupt brain microvascular endothelial cell barrier: The role of mitochondria and oxidative stress. Microvasc Res 2021 133:104098.]
  39. Childers GM, Perry CA, Blachut B, Martin N, Bortner CD, Sieber S, Li JL, Fessler MB, Harry GJ. 2021. Assessing the association of mitochondrial function and inflammasome activation in murine macrophages exposed to select mitotoxic tri-organotin compounds. Environ Health Perspect 129(4):47015. [Abstract Childers GM, Perry CA, Blachut B, Martin N, Bortner CD, Sieber S, Li JL, Fessler MB, Harry GJ. 2021. Assessing the association of mitochondrial function and inflammasome activation in murine macrophages exposed to select mitotoxic tri-organotin compounds. Environ Health Perspect 129(4):47015.]
  40. Harry GJ. 2021. Microglia in neurodegenerative events-an initiator or a significant other? Int J Mol Sci. 22(11):5818. [Abstract Harry GJ. 2021. Microglia in neurodegenerative events-an initiator or a significant other? Int J Mol Sci. 22(11):5818.]
  41. Malecki KMC, Andersen JK, Geller AM, et al. Integrating environment and aging research: Opportunities for synergy and acceleration. Front Aging Neurosci. 2022;14:824921. doi:10.3389/fnagi.2022.824921. [Abstract Malecki KMC, Andersen JK, Geller AM, et al. Integrating environment and aging research: Opportunities for synergy and acceleration. Front Aging Neurosci. 2022;14:824921. doi:10.3389/fnagi.2022.824921.]
  42. Harry GJ, McBride S, Witchey SK, Mhaouty-Kodja S, Trembleau A, Bridge M, Bencsik A. Roadbumps at the crossroads of integrating behavioral and in vitro approaches for neurotoxicity assessment. Front Toxicol. 2022;4:812863. doi: 10.3389/ftox.2022.812863. [Abstract Harry GJ, McBride S, Witchey SK, Mhaouty-Kodja S, Trembleau A, Bridge M, Bencsik A. Roadbumps at the crossroads of integrating behavioral and in vitro approaches for neurotoxicity assessment. Front Toxicol. 2022;4:812863. doi: 10.3389/ftox.2022.812863.]
  43. Petroff RL, Williams C, Li JL, MacDonald JW, Bammler TK, Richards T, English CN, Baldessari A, Shum S, Jing J, Isoherranen N, Crouthamel B, McKain N, Grant KS, Burbacher TM, Harry GJ. Prolonged, low-level exposure to the marine toxin, domoic acid, and measures of neurotoxicity in nonhuman primates. Environ Health Perspect. 2022;130(9):97003. doi:10.1289/EHP10923 [Abstract Petroff RL, Williams C, Li JL, MacDonald JW, Bammler TK, Richards T, English CN, Baldessari A, Shum S, Jing J, Isoherranen N, Crouthamel B, McKain N, Grant KS, Burbacher TM, Harry GJ. Prolonged, low-level exposure to the marine toxin, domoic acid, and measures of neurotoxicity in nonhuman primates. Environ Health Perspect. 2022;130(9):97003. doi:10.1289/EHP10923]