Yenisel Cruz-Almeida

Research topics

Matched from this investigator's NIH project titles and abstracts.

• Pain and Nociception
• Cognitive Aging
• Developmental Cognitive Neuroscience

Active NIH awards

• Biopsychosocial pain predictors of mobility decline in aging

  5R01AG076082-04

  NIA · FY 2025 · $564K

  Project Summary/Abstract. Mobility disability impacts approximately 30% of individuals aged 60-69, 40% of individuals aged 70-79, and 55% of individuals age 80 or older. Emerging cross-sectional evidence suggests that self-reported musculoskeletal pain may be one of the major drivers of age-related mobility decline. Despite this evidence, significant knowledge gaps remain because the relationships among chronic musculoskeletal pain, aging, mobility, psychosocial function, and the brain have not been studied longitudinally in the same older individuals. Our prospective study design will provide novel information on the role of pain-related brain changes as predictive factors of age-related mobility decline. The proposed work will allow us to determine whether pain as well as brain structure and function predict mobility decline longitudinally (Aim 1) and whether brain measures mediate the pain-mobility association prospectively (Aim 2). Findings may support the value of incorporating pain’s impact on the brain into treatments that target mobility decline in aging. The proposed work integrates multiple fields of study within a biopsychosocial approach to study pain and mobility in the older population.

• University of Florida Partnerships Across Interdisciplinary Networks: Training through Engineering, epidemiology & Addiction Medicine (UF PAIN TEAM)

  5R90AR085802-02

  NIAMS · FY 2025 · $348K

  In response to RFA-NS-24-015, we propose the University of Florida Partnerships Across Interdisciplinary Networks: Training through Engineering, epidemiology & Addiction Medicine (UF PAIN TEAM) - a T90/R90 interdisciplinary postdoctoral program designed to train the next generation of independent clinical pain researchers. Our UF PAIN TEAM training program is built on the unique strengths of our existing CTSI-developed team training model, adding a pain science emphasis to clinical pain research training and integrating traditional and non-traditional areas of pain research. We will also emphasize collaboration across the research continuum and further expand the scope of interdisciplinary clinical pain research to include disciplines not traditionally represented in pain research. We will create a unique cohort experience by embedding authentic, collaborative and interdisciplinary experiences in team science into each trainee’s research, preparing them to conduct team science clinical pain research locally and across the broader HEAL PAIN Cohort Program. The proposed team training approach for clinical pain research combines authentic didactic and experiential training in team science; interdisciplinary mentoring that crosses academic barriers; scientific training across the entire biopsychosocial model of pain; and career development mentoring that crosses academic disciplines. We will provide extensive breadth and depth in training to i) 4 post-doctoral scientists (T90; PhD, Dual degree-PhD), and ii) 1 non-citizen, non-permanent resident clinically-trained PhD holder (R90), that are seeking advanced post-doctoral training in scientific areas designated as high priority by HEAL. These areas are nonpharmacological interventions for pain, non-opioid pharmacological treatments for pain, as well as effective interventions for pain and co-morbidities. To accomplish our goals, expert program faculty will provide extensive team training experiences. Postdoctoral trainees will receive an initial commitment for appointments of two years, where 2 teams of trainees will work together and develop their own collaborative projects involving disciplines traditionally and not traditionally represented in clinical pain research. By implementing an integrated team training program, including didactic, research, and professional development activities, we will equip trainees with new skills, knowledge, and expertise to apply these skills in collaborative teams. We will also create a culture of responsible research conduct and professional excellence to ensure that trainees aspire to the high standards of scientific integrity and quality, which will set the tone for their future careers in clinical pain research. Finally, we will disseminate elements of our team training model regionally and nationally via interdisciplinary communities of traditional and non-traditional pain disciplines including the Annual HEAL PURPOSE Network. Collectively, these programs will produce highly skilled, collaborative, and interactive scientists who can engage in team science to generate new knowledge and translate discoveries to tangible advances in the prevention, treatment, and cure of chronic pain.*

• Metabolism and Translational Science Core

  5P30AG028740-19

  NIA · FY 2025 · $116K

  Summary The University of Florida (UF) Older Americans Independence Center (OAIC) supports the overall theme of “promotion of mobility and independence.” The Metabolism and Translational Science Core (RC2), in collaboration with our other UF OAIC cores, supports biochemical analyses for preclinical, human interventional, or observational clinical studies. By measuring a selected set of biomarkers, we can determine how targeted interventions influence the rate of aging, as well as loss of mobility and independence. This core thereby provides the support for the Research Education Core (REC) Scholars and pilot study investigators. Aging and disease feature progressive deterioration of various physiological and metabolic processes. This is associated with altered functions or contents of protein, RNA, and DNA, which provide biomarkers to monitor aging. Multiple pathways and domains have been associated with aging, such as genomic instability (including telomere attrition, mutations, and deletions); epigenetic alterations; loss of proteostasis (including dysfunctional autophagy); deregulated nutrient sensing; mitochondrial (Mt) dysfunction; inflammation and cellular senescence; stem cell exhaustion, disrupted circadian clock rhythms; and dysfunctional nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD+) homeostasis. The specific analyses of protein, RNA, and DNA biomarkers that this core will provide are related to major biological and metabolic pathways known to regulate aging and focus on: (i) Mt function; (ii) inflammation and senescence; (iii) autophagy; (iv) circadian clock biology; and (v) NAD+ homeostasis. We use innovative analytical tools and standard high-throughput analysis to determine the fundamental biological mechanisms of aging. The Metabolism and Translational Science Core (RC2) supports the overarching hypothesis that knowledge of specific protein, RNA, and DNA biomarkers, as well as measurements of metabolism of isolated mitochondria and white blood cells (WBCs), are critical for understanding the trajectory of healthy aging and the underlying biological causes of mobility loss. We will support extraction of proteins, RNA, and DNA; analysis of biomarkers; isolation of cells (WBCs) and organelles (mitochondria); and assessments of Mt function. RC2 will provide investigators across the OAIC Cores and REC Scholars with established methodologies; scientific data; infrastructure; highly qualified personnel; and consultative and collaborative expertise. We have a rich history of completing studies for REC Scholars and senior investigators at UF, as well as scientists around the country. RC2 pursues the following aims: Aim 1: To support protein, RNA, and DNA isolation and analysis of specific biomarkers of aging. Aim 2: To support analysis of Mt respiration, Mt enzyme activities, and NAD coenzymes. Aim 3: To facilitate and provide consultation on analyses and sample storage, and collaborate synergistically with the other OAIC cores to pursue the common OAIC theme of promotion of mobility and independence.