معرفی
Graciela Lorca is a Professor in the Department of Microbiology & Cell Science at the University of Florida. Her research focuses on probiotic mechanisms, particularly Lactobacillus johnsonii N6.2, targeting Type 1 Diabetes treatment and gut immunity. The Lorca Lab conducts Phase II clinical trials for probiotic efficacy in pediatric and adult T1D patients. Key areas include extracellular vesicle biology, immune modulation, and microbiome interactions with diet and disease. Collaborative projects involve citrus greening pathogen research and neonatal microbiome studies. The lab engages in translational research bridging basic science and clinical applications.
- Primary affiliation: University of Florida, College of Agricultural and Life Sciences (implied)
- Lab location: UF Cancer and Genetics Research Complex, Gainesville, FL
- Key collaborations: Clinical Research Center (UF), IFAS Extension
Research interests emphasize probiotic-driven immunomodulation in autoimmune diseases, particularly T1D, leveraging interdisciplinary approaches including microbiology, immunology, and genetics. Ongoing projects include EV-mediated anti-viral mechanisms, bile-induced probiotic adaptations, and maternal milk microbiome dynamics. The lab actively publishes in high-impact journals and disseminates findings via social media (TikTok/Instagram) for public engagement.
Clinical trials focus on N6.2 probiotic safety and efficacy, with 52-week follow-up studies involving 8-45 year-old T1D patients. The lab also investigates citrus greening disease (Huanglongbing), contributing to agricultural microbiology solutions.
Grants and funding support include NIH/UF institutional programs, with projects addressing probiotic formulation, EV production optimization, and translational diabetes research. The lab trains undergraduate, graduate, and postdoctoral researchers in microbiology, immunology, and clinical trial methodologies.
Public engagement includes educational content production on lab social media platforms, emphasizing science communication and health literacy.
