Jonathan Barra

Background

About Jonathan Barra

Cell Biologist | Translational Cancer Researcher Dedicated to understanding basic cancer cell biology and cancer-microenvironment crosstalk through organoid models, omics, and advanced imaging. As a postdoc at Mount Sinai, I focus on how cancer cells influence neuronal and lung epithelial plasticity, with the goal of identifying therapeutic targets. My prior work at Albany Medical College revealed iron-dependent mechanisms in breast cancer metastasis, supported by NIH-NCI funding. I value collaborative science, rigorous mentorship, and bridging molecular discovery with clinical insights. Interested in further developing different areas of tumor cell biology, including neuro-metastatic niches, and participating in the training of future scientists in integrative cancer cell biology. Education & Training Ph.D. in Medical Sciences (Summa Cum Laude) Pontifical Catholic University of Chile | 2014–2019 Thesis: Protein kinase A substrates in EGFR endocytic trafficking and cancer relevance (Advisor: Dr. Alfonso González)-Identified D-Propranolol as a driver of proteasome-dependent degradation of oncogenic mutant p53, revealing its preclinical antitumor potential-First author publication in Cancers and contributed to a related study published in Traffic; findings supported by CONICYT PhD Scholarship (ANID, Chile). Postdoctoral Experience 1. Albany Medical College, NY | Dr. Margarida Barroso Lab | 2020–2023 -Investigated endosome-mitochondria interactions in breast cancer under NIH-NCI R01 CA233188-Applied CRISPR/Cas9 (DMT1 knockout), live-cell imaging, Seahorse metabolic profiling, and RNA-seq to uncover iron-dependent mechanisms influencing metastasis-First-author publication in Oncogene; contributed to studies in iScience and Redox Biology. Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, NY | Dr. Bravo-Cordero Lab | 2023–Present -Study cancer-neuron crosstalk using iPSC-derived neurons, miBrain organoids, and cancer-lung crosstalk using human AT2 organoids-Combine multi-electrode array (MEA) electrophysiology, single-nuclei multiomics, and confocal/SIM microscopy to define how cancer cells alter neuronal activity-Mentor junior researchers in organoid co-cultures, advanced imaging, and omics data analysis-Preparing manuscripts for high-impact journals and working on applying for early-career grant proposals. Awards & Honors -Post-Doctoral Trainee Award, The Histochemical Society (2022)-CONICYT PhD Scholarship (ANID Chile, 2014–2019)-Top Graduate Award (DVM and Bachelor's in Veterinary Medicine), Universidad de las Américas (2012).