The major research focus of the Fehrenbacher laboratory is to identify the mechanisms which mediate inflammatory pain and chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy. The target molecules that are examined in the laboratory are selected based on associations of single nucleotide polymorphisms with postoperative pain in patients presenting for laparoscopic cholecystectomy or with chemotherapy (paclitaxel)-induced neuropathy in breast cancer patients. Thus, the research undertaken in the laboratory is directed from data acquired from patients. In the laboratory, multiple biochemical, electrophysiological, and behavioral endpoints are measured to be able to definitively identify the role of the target molecules on neuronal sensitivity.
The current targets under study as potential contributors to the development of neuropathy are RWDD3, ATF3, HDAC8, and NCS1.
Post-doctoral Fellowship - University of Texas Healath Science Center, San Antonio, TX 2009
Ph.D. - Indiana University, Indianapolis, IN 2005
