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UF Health University of Florida
College of Dentistry UNIVERSITY of FLORIDA
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Luis R Martinez

Luis R Martinez, PhD, MS, MBA

Associate Professor

Department: DN-ORAL BIOLOGY
Business Phone: (352) 273-8135
Business Email: lmartinez@dental.ufl.edu

On This Page

About Luis R Martinez

I was born and raised in Puerto Rico. I am an associate professor in the Department of Oral Biology at the University of Florida College of Dentistry. My research focuses on elucidating the mechanisms of fungal brain invasion and colonization in immunocompromised individuals.

Related Links:
Martinez Laboratory

Accomplishments

Teaching Profile

Courses Taught

  1. GMS6040 – Host-Pathogen Interactions

    College of Medicine

  2. GMS6162 – Oral Microbiology and Immunology

    College of Medicine

  3. DEN5127 – Infectious Diseases

    College of Dentistry

  4. DEN6128 – Host Defense

    College of Dentistry

  5. DEN6681 – Craniofacial Pathobiology

    College of Dentistry

  6. GMS6121 – Infectious Diseases

    College of Medicine

  7. DEN6508C – Essentials of Clinical Care

    College of Dentistry

Research Profile

The encapsulated fungus Cryptococcus neoformans is the most common cause of fungal meningitis, with the highest rate of disease in patients with AIDS. This microbe has developed its virulence factors by interacting with other organisms in the environment. It enters into the human body via the respiratory tract and the infection is controlled in the lungs of people with normal immunity. When a person’s immune system is defective, C. neoformans moves into the bloodstream and the fungus disseminates with a particular propensity to infect the brain. We are interested in elucidating the mechanisms of central nervous system (CNS) invasion by C. neoformans and the interactions of the fungus with cells of the CNS including microglia, astrocytes, and neurons.

Areas of Interest

  • Central nervous system fungal infections
  • Fungal biofilms
  • Fungal pathogenesis and immunology

Publications

Academic Articles

Grants

  1. Mechanisms underlying Cryptococcus neoformans-induced meningoencephalitis and neurotoxicity in a CD4 T cell-deficient mouse

    Active

    Role:
    Principal Investigator
    Funding:
    NATL INST OF HLTH NIAID

  2. Unraveling Cryptococcus neoformans mechanisms of brain invasion and colonization

    Role:
    Principal Investigator
    Funding:
    NATL INST OF HLTH NIAID

Education

  1. PhD in Microbiology and Immunology

    Albert Einstein College of Medicine

Contact Details

Phones:
Business:
(352) 273-8135
Emails:
Business:
lmartinez@dental.ufl.edu
Addresses:
Business Mailing:
PO Box 100424
 GAINESVILLE FL 32611