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Janusz Franco-Barraza, PhD
Assistant Research Professor, Fox Chase Cancer Center - Temple Health Postdoc (2009 - 2017), Fox Chase Cancer Center - Temple Health Panelist for 'Living and Working in Philadelphia' Dr. Janusz Franco-Barraza started his academic career in Mexico in 1995. In 2010, he received his PhD from the Center for Research and Advanced Studies of the National Polytechnic Institute (CINVESTAV-IPN), mentored by Prof. Isaura Meza and Prof. Luis Benitez at the department of Molecular Biomedicine. His doctoral thesis focused on the implications of inflammatory molecules from the tumor microenvironment, specifically IL-1β, on the onset of invasive behavior of cancer cells. In 2009, Janusz moved to Philadelphia and joined Prof. Edna Cukierman’s laboratory at Fox Chase Cancer Center as a post-doctoral trainee, where he devoted his research to understand, within the context of tumor progression, the complexity of carcinoma-associated stromal cells’ (e.g., fibroblasts) interactions with their surrounding extracellular matrix (ECM). |
Under the guidance of Prof. Cukierman’s, Janusz advanced diverse tumor microenvironment studies, developing a humanized 3D in vitro models based on human carcinoma-associated fibroblasts (CAF)-derived ECM, which led him to discover fine regulatory mechanisms of CAF activation via ECM receptors (e.g. integrins), which in turn, could impact carcinoma progression. After transitioning to a research associate position in 2017, Janusz re-focused his research aiming to render his discoveries into more translational applications. During this period, Janusz developed a sophisticated approach based on multiplexed immunofluorescence techniques, which helped him to interrogate several stroma/cancer interaction molecules in tumor tissue microarrays. Working closely with several research groups at Fox Chase Cancer Center (FCCC), Janusz has actively aimed to channel in vitro-relevant targets into applicable biomarkers for the clinic.
Recently, Dr. Franco-Barraza joined the faculty staff of FCCC as young investigator, and his research focus has continued being the identification of means to understand, classify, and study the interrelation of distinctive players in the tumor microenvironment. In addition, as a manager of a newly consolidated FCCC’s facility, Dr. Franco-Barraza has been dedicated to his major goal, the translation of his and others’ research efforts into real-world clinic. Here, Dr. Franco-Barraza has been studying the tumor microenvironment (TME) of patients enrolled in diverse clinical trials at FCCC, allowing him to decode patients’ tissue information for the evaluation of treatment responses, disease progression and disease-free survival related to the presence of novel biomarkers in the TME.
For the past 10 years ago, Janusz has lived in downtown Philadelphia (colloquially called Center City). As a newly adopted Philadelphian, he currently lives with his partner in the Parkway Museums District where he regularly enjoys visiting the Philadelphia Museum of Art, the Rodin Museum’s garden, as well as Philadelphia’s favorite science museum, The Franklin Institute, where he has served as invited lecturer for the STEM scholars program. Janusz and his partner frequently enjoy the plethora of cultural and artistic opportunities that the city offers, from afternoon strolls surrounded by colorful mural art to music recitals at the Curtis Institute of Music. In Janusz’s words, “I have truly found my place in Philadelphia and its research community, in which I have made true friends."
Recently, Dr. Franco-Barraza joined the faculty staff of FCCC as young investigator, and his research focus has continued being the identification of means to understand, classify, and study the interrelation of distinctive players in the tumor microenvironment. In addition, as a manager of a newly consolidated FCCC’s facility, Dr. Franco-Barraza has been dedicated to his major goal, the translation of his and others’ research efforts into real-world clinic. Here, Dr. Franco-Barraza has been studying the tumor microenvironment (TME) of patients enrolled in diverse clinical trials at FCCC, allowing him to decode patients’ tissue information for the evaluation of treatment responses, disease progression and disease-free survival related to the presence of novel biomarkers in the TME.
For the past 10 years ago, Janusz has lived in downtown Philadelphia (colloquially called Center City). As a newly adopted Philadelphian, he currently lives with his partner in the Parkway Museums District where he regularly enjoys visiting the Philadelphia Museum of Art, the Rodin Museum’s garden, as well as Philadelphia’s favorite science museum, The Franklin Institute, where he has served as invited lecturer for the STEM scholars program. Janusz and his partner frequently enjoy the plethora of cultural and artistic opportunities that the city offers, from afternoon strolls surrounded by colorful mural art to music recitals at the Curtis Institute of Music. In Janusz’s words, “I have truly found my place in Philadelphia and its research community, in which I have made true friends."
