Maria De Luca

Maria De Luca is an Associate Professor in the Department of Nutrition Sciences within the School of Health Professions at the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB), where she has held her current position since October 2008. Her academic journey includes previous appointments as Assistant Professor in Nutrition Sciences (July 2005-September 2008) and as a Research-track fellow in the Department of Environmental Health Sciences in the School of Public Health (November 2002-August 2005).

Dr. De Luca obtained her Ph.D. from the University of Calabria (Italy) studying human genetic variation using high variable DNA markers. Her research career includes a European Union Mobility Program fellowship at the Imperial Cancer Research Fund in London working with Dr. Julia Bodmer, postdoctoral training at the Italian National Center on Aging, and research at North Carolina State University with Dr. Trudy Mackay. She has maintained multiple concurrent scientific appointments at UAB, including positions in the Center for Cardiovascular Biology, Comprehensive Diabetes Center, and Nutrition Obesity Research Center.

Her research focuses on identifying conserved genetic pathways that regulate metabolic homeostasis and lifespan, with particular emphasis on Syndecan-4 as a key regulator of metabolic processes. Dr. De Luca's work bridges genetics, nutrition, and aging research, examining how genetic variations influence obesity, metabolic syndrome, and age-related diseases using both mammalian and Drosophila models.

Analysis of her recent publications reveals a strong research trajectory centered on Syndecan-4's role in metabolic regulation, cardiovascular health, and aging processes. Her work spans multiple disciplines including genetics, nutrition science, cardiovascular medicine, and aging biology, with particular attention to sex-specific effects and translational applications for human health.

Scientific Awards and Recognition:

• European Union Mobility Program fellowship

Dr. De Luca actively contributes to academic service through journal reviewing, grant review panels (including NIH study sections), and committee work including the Department Review Committee and Faculty Affairs Committee. She has mentored numerous students through dissertation committees and research rotations, with David R Bryan serving as one documented doctoral advisee.

Her laboratory work involves sophisticated genetic approaches to study metabolic regulation, with a current emphasis on Syndecan-4's role in metabolic homeostasis. She collaborates extensively across UAB's research centers, particularly those focused on aging, diabetes, and cardiovascular health, reflecting the interdisciplinary nature of her research program.