Diana Cruz-Topete, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor
Ph.D., 2008, University of Notre Dame
Department of Molecular and Cellular Physiology
LSU Health Sciences Center
1501 Kings Highway
Shreveport, LA 71130
Phone: 318-675-5128
Fax: 318-675-6005
E-mail: dcruz2@lsuhsc.edu
Research summary
My Lab is interested in understanding the association between sex and stress hormones and heart disease. Heart failure is a leading cause of death in the United States. Events such as heart attacks are associated with a significant increase in the risk for sudden death and progression to heart failure. My research is focused on elucidating the link between stress and heart disease. Stress itself is considered a risk factor for cardiovascular disease. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying its effects are unknown.
Major areas of interest:
Major Research Areas
Nuclear receptors in cardiovascular disease, glucocorticoid receptor signaling in cardiomyocytes, estrogen receptors signaling crosstalk with GR in the heart, obesity and stress.