VBS 210
Lincoln, NE 68583-0905
(402) 472-8547
Professor
The Franco lab aims to understand the signaling mechanisms by which cellular metabolism, redox homeostasis and signaling regulate cellular fate. Mitochondrial dysfunction, alterations in protein quality control mechanisms and the activation/impairment of cell death pathways (apoptosis, necrosis and autophagy) have been associated with the etiology of human diseases. Energy failure and oxidative stress have been implicated in the induction of cell death, but the molecular mechanisms that link redox homeostasis and cellular metabolism to the activation of cell death pathways remain elusive. We strive to identify those mechanisms and provide and insight into potential therapeutic approaches. Our primary focus are neurotoxicity associated with environmental exposures, neurodegeneration, brain ischemia and cancer.Education
2004-2009 |
Postdoctoral Fellow, Laboratory of Signal Transduction, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, NIH. |
2000-2004 |
PhD in Sciences (Biomedical sciences). Cell Physiology Institute. National University of Mexico (UNAM) |
1996-2000 |
B.S. in Biology. School of Sciences. National University of Mexico (UNAM) |
Professsional Experience
July 2017 – present |
Associate Professor |
April 2011 – June 2017 |
Assistant Professor |
Jan 2013 – present |
Courtesy appointments in School of Biological Sciences, UNL |
July 2011 – present |
Courtesy appointments in Food Science and Technology, UNL |
Courses Taught
BIOC 964 |
Redox Biochemistry |
VBMS 964 |
Signal Transduction |
VBMS 410 |
General Pharmacology and Toxicology |
Publications
PubMed |
Google Scholar |
Honors
2015 |
IANR's Junior Faculty for Excellence in Research Award |
2015 |
IANR Dinsdale Family Faculty Award |
2015 |
American Society of Animal Science Early Career Achievement Award |
2008 |
Oklahoma State University Research Excellence Award for outstanding research contribution in Biological Sciences |
2008 |
Phoenix Award for exemplary achievement in leadership, scholarship, professional involvement and university and community service at Oklahoma State University |
2008 |
Outstanding Ph.D. Student in the Department of Animal Science |