Lizbeth de la Cruz, Ph.D.

Summary: The natural aging process can lead to significant alterations in glucose metabolism homeostasis, culminating in a heightened susceptibility to metabolic disorders such as type 2 diabetes. For example, the incidence of type 2 diabetes is 4% among individuals below 45, but it escalates to 27% among those aged 65 and above (CDC, 2020). But what mechanisms drive the impairment of glucose metabolism as we age? My research program focuses on unraveling the mechanisms behind glucose metabolism over the lifetime by studying the function of pancreatic beta-cells, the only cells in our body that synthesize and release insulin. Since pancreatic beta cells are excitable cells, our research goals include investigating the effects of aging on the electrical response associated with insulin release and its modulation by the autonomic nervous system.

Minimum Courses: N/A

Projects:
1-Investigation of the impact of aging on nervous system regulation in pancreatic islets. This study involves the measurement of neural innervation and muscarinic/adrenergic receptors within pancreatic islets in mice of varying ages. Our approach includes 3D high-resolution mapping using tissue-clearing techniques and immunohistochemistry.

2-Investigation of the influence of aging on the electrical response linked to insulin release. This research centers on measuring ion-channel function and expression in pancreatic beta-cells in mice of varying ages. Our approach includes the Patch-clamp technique, calcium measurements, and immunocytochemistry.