Lillian Cruz-Orengo

Lillian Cruz-Orengo

Associate Professor

Anatomy, Physiology & Cell Biology

Office
1089 Veterinary Medicine Dr. 2019 VM3b, Davis, CA 95616

Licenses
UndocuAlly Program for Educators (UPE)
Education
2005, PhD, University of Puerto Rico, Medical Sciences Campus, San Juan, Puerto Rico
1988, B.S., University of Puerto Rico, Rio Piedras Campus, San Juan, Puerto Rico
2013, Washington University, School of Medicine, Saint Lous, MO
Research Focus
My research focuses on the neuro-immune interactions at the blood-brain barrier (BBB) as a relevant contributor to neuropathogenesis and neuroinflammation, towards finding non-immunosuppressive therapeutic targets. Secondly, I aim to elucidate if focal alterations to BBB homeostasis are a sufficient predisposition to neuropathology, as opposed to the notion of a global BBB disruption as triggering factor for neuroinflammation. Third, the assessment of non-genetic triggering factors, including environmental exposure, nutrition, stress, etc. that cause BBB disruption through epigenetic modification of the neurovascular unit.
Specialty Focus
Neuroimmunology, Neuroinflammation, Brain Barriers, Molecular Neuroscience, Autoimmunity