Frank Duca

Frank Duca, PhD, is an Assistant Professor in the School of Animal & Comparative Biomedical Sciences at the University of Arizona, affiliated with the College of Agriculture, Life and Environmental Sciences. His research focuses on understanding how gut microbiota, nutrient sensing pathways, and dietary interventions regulate metabolic homeostasis and disease progression. Dr. Duca’s work explores the interplay between gastrointestinal signaling, bile acid metabolism, and microbial communities in conditions such as diabetes, obesity, and aging-related metabolic decline.

Key research themes include the role of prebiotics (e.g., oligofructose) in modulating gut microbiota to improve glucose regulation, the mechanisms linking caloric restriction to healthspan extension, and the impact of environmental factors (e.g., chlorinated water) on microbial communities. His studies employ rodent models to investigate metabolic pathways, nutrient signaling, and the gut-brain axis.

Notably, Dr. Duca investigates how intestinal hormones like glucagon and cholecystokinin influence energy balance and satiety. His recent work highlights the therapeutic potential of dietary fibers and microbiota-targeted interventions to mitigate metabolic disorders. While no awards are explicitly listed, his prolific publication record reflects significant contributions to metabolic and gastrointestinal research.

Advising and grants: No student advisees are listed in the provided materials. His research is supported through grants focused on metabolic physiology, with a particular emphasis on translational studies linking basic science to clinical applications.