Alberto Parra Barrera, Ph.D.

Specialty: Cell–biomaterial interfaces, osteogenic signaling, and translational regenerative biotechnology

Dr. Alberto Parra Barrera is a researcher in cellular biotechnology with a Ph.D. in Chemical–Biological Sciences. His work integrates molecular biology with toxicological assessment of materials (e.g., titanium dioxide nanoparticles) and the regulation of osteogenic pathways (BMP2, SPARC/osteonectin, RUNX2) that support in-vitro bone regeneration. These contributions inform translational strategies for tissue repair and regenerative applications.

Over the past decade, he has published in Molecular & Cellular Toxicology, Scientific Reports, Neurotoxicology, and national indexed journals, advancing evidence in nanotoxicology, immunomodulation, and cell-based approaches relevant to regenerative medicine. He has also supervised and co-supervised graduate and undergraduate theses, fostering a rigorous, ethics-driven scientific culture aligned with IRM’s quality framework.

Research Lines & Scientific Contributions

• Osteogenic signaling and in-vitro bone regeneration: regulation of BMP2, SPARC, RUNX2
• Cell–biomaterial interfaces and nanotoxicology: internalization and cellular impact of TiO₂ nanoparticles; safe-by-design considerations
• Cellular immunology: macrophage modulation and endocrine–immune interactions (e.g., tibolone)
• Early tissue engineering: neoesophagus animal model with translational insights for wound and tissue repair

Education

• Ph.D. in Chemical–Biological Sciences — ENCB, Instituto Politécnico Nacional (degree awarded July 3, 2009)
• M.Sc. in Sciences (Immunology) — ENCB, Instituto Politécnico Nacional
• B.Sc. in Biology — FES Zaragoza, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México

Honors & Memberships

• Sistema Nacional de Investigadores (SNI) — Candidate (2017–2020)

Mentorship & Teaching

• Master’s thesis (co-supervision, 2016): in-vitro antitumor plant extracts
• Bachelor’s thesis (supervision, 2019): effects of TiO₂ nanoparticles on human endometrial mesenchymal cells

Highlighted Scientific Publications

1. Successful Creation of a Neoesophagus by Tissue Engineering in an Animal Model. Revista Mexicana de Cirugía Pediátrica 15(2) (2008).
2. Autologous Mesenchymal Stem Cells and Autologous Skin Graft for the Treatment of a Chronic Ulcer Secondary to Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus. Cirugía y Cirujanos 83(6) (2015).
3. Inhibition of the Na⁺/H⁺ Antiporter Induces Cell Death in TF-1 Erythroleukemia Cells Stimulated by Stem Cell Factor. Cytokine 75:142–150 (2015).
4. Internalization of Titanium Dioxide Nanoparticles by Glial Cells Is Rapid and Mainly Mediated by Actin Reorganization–Dependent Endocytosis. Neurotoxicology 51:27–37 (2015).
5. Effect of Dehydroepiandrosterone on the Expression of BMP2, SPARC and RUNX2 in Human Bone Marrow Mesenchymal Stem Cells. Revista Mexicana de Ingeniería Química 15(1) (2016).
6. Comparison of Mesenchymal Stem Cells Obtained from Bone Marrow, Adipose Tissue and Wharton’s Jelly Based on ISCT Criteria. Revista Mexicana de Ingeniería Biomédica 38(1):280–287 (2017).
7. Effect of the Conditioned Medium from H9C2 Cells Treated with Dehydroepiandrosterone and Exposed to Damage on the Motility of Bone-Marrow Mesenchymal Stem Cells. Revista Mexicana de Ingeniería Biomédica 38(1):256–263 (2017).
8. Effect of Dehydroepiandrosterone and Triamcinolone Acetonide on 3T3-L1 Cells. Revista Mexicana de Ingeniería Biomédica 38(1):288–296 (2017).
9. How Infectious Agents Are Involved in Childhood Leukemia. Archives of Medical Research 48:305–315 (2017).
10. Regenerative Medicine for Chronic Ulcers: Topical Application of Wharton’s Jelly Mesenchymal Stem Cells. Revista Mexicana de Ingeniería Biomédica 40(2):1–11 (2019).
11. Regulatory Effect of Tibolone on the Anti-Inflammatory Activity of Macrophages. Revista Mexicana de Ingeniería Biomédica 40(3):1–10 (2019). DOI: 10.17488/RMIB.40.3.1
12. Toxic Effect of Titanium Dioxide Nanoparticles on Human Mesenchymal Stem Cells. Molecular & Cellular Toxicology 16:321–330 (2020). DOI: 10.1007/s13273-020-00084-8
13. Chemical Characterization (LC-MS-ESI), Cytotoxic Activity and Intracellular Localization of PAMAM G4 in Leukemia Cells. Scientific Reports 11:8210 (2021). DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-87560-w
14. Antisclerotic Effect of Tibolone by Reducing Pro-Inflammatory Cytokine Expression, ROS Production and LDL-Ox Uptake in THP-1 Macrophages. Steroids 167:108779 (2021).
15. Phytochemical Properties of (−)-Epicatechin Promote Bone Regeneration by Inducing BMP2, SPARC and RUNX2 Expression in Mesenchymal Stem Cells In Vitro. Journal of Medicinal Food (2025). DOI: 10.1089/jmf.2024.0256