Research Focus & Activities
Dr. Barrero’s research interests are focused on utilizing molecular cell biology, proteomics and metabolomics to develop a better understanding of the pathophysiology of diseases resulting from altered post-translational modifications (PTM). His work in proteomics and metabolomics has contributed to a better understanding of the pathophysiology of diabetes, neurodegenerative diseases, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). This research additionally focuses on the identification of molecular transducers of chronic diseases with particular emphasis on COPD and the identification of biomarkers that can help in the early diagnosis and evaluation of treatment for this highly prevalent disease. Specifically, his lab’s proteomics results have identified new possible plasma biomarkers for COPD and elucidated that histone H3.3 protein is increased in COPD and plays a critical role in the progression of the disease.
Collaboration Opportunities:
Dr. Barrero is interested in exploring the ability of H3.3 to be used as an early marker and as a therapeutic target for COPD progression. He is interested in research projects involving proteomic and genomic characterizations of the molecular transducers triggered by cigarette smoke in lung cells and COPD.
Key Interests: COPD, H3.3 acetylation, proteomics, metabolomics
Select Publications
- Uddin S, Sanchez Machado M, Alshahrouri B, Echeverri JI, Rico MC, Rao AD, Ruchalski C, Barrero CA. Empowering Pharmacists in Type 2 Diabetes Care: Opportunities for Prevention, Counseling, and Therapeutic Optimization. J Clin Med. 2025 May 29;14(11):3822.
- Wang F, Barrero CA. Multi-Omics Analysis Identified Drug Repurposing Targets for Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease. Int J Mol Sci. 2024 Oct 16;25(20):11106.
- Quinn C, Rico MC, Merali C, Barrero CA, Perez-Leal O, Mischley V, Karanicolas J, Friedman SL, Merali S. Secreted folate receptor γ drives fibrogenesis in metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis by amplifying TGFβ signaling in hepatic stellate cells. Sci Transl Med. 2023 Sep 27;15(715):eade2966.
- Rico MC, Perez-Leal O, Barbe MF, Amin M, Colussi DJ, Florez ML, Olusajo V, Rios DS, Barrero CA. Extracellular Acetylated Histone 3.3 Induces Inflammation and Lung Tissue Damage. Biomolecules. 2023 Aug 31;13(9):1334.