About

Manuel de J. Garcia serves as an assistant professor in the Department of Agricultural Economics and as an extension economist at Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service for District 12. In this role, he provides district leadership and coordination for Extension education programs. His focus is on delivering data-driven solutions to assist farmers, ranchers, and other industry clientele in making informed decisions to improve productivity, profitability, and sustainability in agriculture. His areas of expertise include farm and ranch management, production economics, consumer demand, marketing, resources, and policy. Garcia holds a B.Sc. in Environment and Rural Development from Zamorano University in Honduras, a M.Sc. and Ph.D. in Agricultural and Applied Economics from Texas Tech University, and a B.S. in Environment and Rural Development from Zamorano University. His professional background emphasizes supporting agricultural stakeholders through research and extension activities aimed at enhancing economic and sustainable practices.

Research topics

• Medicine
• Internal medicine
• Biology
• Cancer research
• Endocrinology
• Chemistry
• Computational biology
• Cell biology
• Bioinformatics
• Oncology
• Biotechnology
• Medical physics

Selected publications

• The ITCC-P4 PDX platform of pediatric cancers for preclinical testing

  bioRxiv (Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory) · 2026-02-09

  articleOpen access

  Abstract Cancer is the leading cause of disease-related deaths among children in high-income countries. Tumor heterogeneity and lack of mechanism-of-action-based therapeutic options are key challenges to overcome in order to improve pediatric cancer patients’ survival. Here, we report the EU-IMI-2 funded public-private partnership “ITCC-Pediatric Preclinical Proof-of-Concept Platform” (ITCC-P4), which has built a large repertoire of patient-derived xenograft (PDX) models, representing all major solid pediatric cancer types, for in vivo drug testing. Three-hundred-fifty-three PDX models from diagnostic and relapsed pediatric cancers have been established and molecularly characterized, together with matched germline/tumor samples. As proof-of-concept, we present in vivo drug screening data in neuroblastoma and rhabdomyosarcoma models. PDX data, accessible at http://r2platform.com/itcc-p4 , allow the selection of models based on oncogenic drivers and/or potential biomarkers for preclinical testing. Operated by a non-profit entity ( www.itccp4.com ), this sustainable platform aids academic and industrial researchers in developing and prioritizing innovative therapies for pediatric cancer. Graphical abstract

  PublisherOA PDFDOI

• Adiponectin Influences FGF2 in the Developing Porcine Corpus Luteum

  Veterinary Sciences · 2022 · 2 citations

  Senior authorCorresponding
  • Internal medicine
  • Endocrinology
  • Biology

  ≤ 0.05) FGF2, leptin, and AdipoR2 gene expression relative to the dose and day (D5 or D7). Collectively, the evidence supports the supposition that adiponectin influences angiogenic factors in the developing CL.

  PublisherOA PDFDOI

• INSP-15. ITCC-P4: A sustainable platform of molecularly well-characterized PDX models of pediatric cancers for high throughput<i>in vivo</i> testing

  Neuro-Oncology · 2022 · 2 citations

  • Medicine
  • Bioinformatics
  • Computational biology

  Abstract Thanks to state-of-the-art molecular profiling techniques we by now have a much better understanding of pediatric cancers and what is driving them. On the other hand, we have also realized that pediatric cancers are much more heterogeneous than previously thought. Many new types and subtypes of pediatric cancers have been identified with distinct molecular and clinical characteristics. However, for many if not most of these new types and subtypes there is no specific treatment available, yet. In order to develop specific treatment protocols and to increase survival rates for pediatric cancer patients further, both at diagnosis and relapse/metastasis, we need a large collection of well-characterized preclinical models representing all the different types and subtypes. These models can be used for preclinical drug testing to prioritize the pediatric development of anticancer drugs that would be best targeting pediatric tumor biology. The ITCC-P4 consortium, which is a collaboration between many academic centers across Europe, several companies involved in in vivo preclinical testing, and ten pharmaceutical companies, started in 2017 with the overall aim to establish a sustainable platform of &amp;gt;400 molecularly well-characterized PDX models of high-risk pediatric cancers and to use them for in vivo testing of novel mechanism-of-action based treatments. Currently, 340 models have been fully established, including 87 brain tumor models and 253 non-brain tumor models, together representing many different tumor types both from primary and relapsed/metastatic disease. Out of these 340 models, 252 have been fully molecularly characterized, most of them together with their matching original tumors, and almost of all these models are currently being subjected to in vivo testing using three standard of care drugs and six novel mechanism-of-action based drugs. In this presentation, an update on the current status of the ITCC-P4 platform and the data we collectively have generated thus far will be presented.

  PublisherOA PDFDOI

• Fibroblast growth factor 2 differentially influences leptin gene expression in dispersed adipose tissue cell cultures

  The FASEB Journal · 2021 · 1 citations

  Senior authorCorresponding
  • Cell biology
  • Biology
  • Endocrinology

  Re‐establishing vasculature is an essential component to the wound healing process, as it is a mechanism for provision of substrates required for tissue repair. Due to the potent angiogenic properties of adipose tissue, the application of extract from ground subcutaneous fat has been utilized to facilitate angiogenesis to promote healing. Nearly all angiogenic processes are regulated through growth factors such as angiopoietin, vascular endothelial growth factor, and fibroblast growth factor (FGF). Fibroblast growth factor belongs to a family of 23 members that is involved in many physiological processes including cellular proliferation and morphological differentiation. Specifically, FGF2 facilitates vascular endothelial cell proliferation, migration, and differentiation required in vessel sprout formation. Interestingly, FGF2 is synthesized and secreted by adipocytes, a cell that also produces leptin, another potent angiogenic factor. Therefore, it is hypothesized that FGF2 stimulates leptin gene expression in adipose tissue cells. In exp 1, subcutaneous adipose tissue was collected from 4 prepubertal female pigs and enzymatically dispersed (collagenase type II) to separate mature adipocytes (MA) from all other cell types (AOC; vascular endothelial cells (VEC), preadipocytes, fibroblasts) in preparation for treatment. The MA and AOC cells were treated with porcine FGF2 (0, ‐11, ‐10, ‐9 M). In exp 2, subcutaneous adipose tissue was collected 6 prepubertal female pigs and processed as in exp. 1; however, following processing, MA and AOC were combined and treated with FGF2 (‐11M) or FGF2 polyclonal antibody (1:100 dilution). Real time PCR was used to measure the expression of target genes and SAS was utilized to determine the effect of treatment on gene expression. In exp 1, FGF2 augmented leptin gene expression in cultured MA (P=0.03). In contrast, FGF2 did not appear to influence leptin gene expression in MA and AOC co‐cultures, despite the detection of a significant decrease in the expression of FGF receptor 2 (P=0.05). In conclusion, FGF2 influences leptin gene expression in MA; however, this may be mitigated/altered through the interaction with different adipose tissue cells.

  PublisherDOI

• PSIX-35 Quebracho Tannin Influences Lipolytic Activity in Mature Porcine Adipocytes

  Journal of Animal Science · 2020-11-03

  articleOpen accessSenior author

  Abstract Fat deposition in pork enhances flavor of meat; however, too much fat is an undesirable commodity in a health-conscious society. Therefore, manipulating the nutritional components of a swine diet to aid in the deliberate deposition of fat for the purpose of flavor while avoiding overconditioning is an aim in production. Nutrient additives, such as condensed polyphenolic tannins, inhibit pre-adipocyte maturation, but the role on lipid metabolism in mature adipocytes (MA) remains unclear. Therefore, it is hypothesized that quebracho tannin will alter lipid metabolism in porcine MA. Subcutaneous adipose tissue was collected from 5 ± 0 month old (n = 3) barrows weighing 37.7 ± 1.84kg. Tissue was enzymatically dispersed (collagenase type II) to isolate lipid filled adipocytes. After enzymatic separation the cells were rinsed and divided into 2 groups for separate incubation periods plus tannin treatment: 1) 2 hr incubation time with/without tannin (Quebracho Schinopsis lorentzii; 0M, 0.1mg, 0.5mg, and 1mg) or 2) 24 hr incubation time with/without tannin (0M, 0.1mg, 0.5mg, and 1mg). Approximately 4x105 cells/well were cultured in triplicate/treatment dose at 37 °C with 5% CO2 in atmosphere. Upon termination of the culture period, media was processed for analysis of glycerol content to determine lipolytic activity using an enzymatic colorimetric assay. The MIXED procedure of SAS for factorial treatment design was utilized to determine the effect of time and tannin treatment on lipolytic activity in cultured MA. Glycerol content was significantly higher (P£0.001) in tannin treated cultures. Time tended (P = 0.1) to influence the magnitude of lipolytic activity. Hence, quebracho tannin appears to augment lipolytic activity in cultured porcine MA. Determining the effect of tannin on lipolytic regulators will support the supposition that tannins influence MA lipid metabolism.

  PublisherOA PDFDOI

• Mature Adipocytes and FGF2 Influence Angiogenic Processes

  The FASEB Journal · 2020-04-01

  articleSenior author

  The process of wound healing requires the transportation of substrates needed for the rebuilding of tissue through appropriate vessel formation; angiogenesis. Adipose tissue extract is often used to facilitate the wound healing process, which is attributed to its potent angiogenic properties. Most angiogenic process are regulated through growth factors such as vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), angiopoietin, and fibroblast growth factor (FGF). Fibroblast growth factor has been utilized to facilitate wound healing in the biomedical community, which is one of the growth factors synthesized and secreted by adipocytes. Therefore, it was hypothesized that mature adipocytes augment angiogenic processes in dispersed adipose tissue in the presence of FGF2 (basic). Adipose tissue was collected from 4 prepubertal female pigs (gilts) and enzymatically dispersed (collagenase type II). Cells were separated into 2 groups 1) mature lipid‐filled adipocytes (MA) and 2) all other cell types (OC) i.e., vascular endothelial cells (VEC), preadipocytes, and fibroblasts. The OC were incubated for 24 hr in cell culture media with 10% fetal bovine serum (FBS) to promote attachment and angiogenic processes. After the first 24 hr incubation period, media was removed and replaced with 2% FBS and MA were added with or without FGF2 (10 − 11 M) or rabbit polyclonal anti‐FGF2 (1:100 dilution) and incubated for an additional 24 hr. The MIXED procedure of SAS was utilized to determine the effect of treatment on in vitro angiogenic cellular processes. The addition of MA alone augmented cellular angiogenic processes including elongation, sprouting, formation of nascent tubes, and vessel tube formation (P &lt; 0.05). However, vessel tube formation in the FGF2 treatment group was lower than MA alone (P &lt; 0.05), which was ameliorated, in part, with FGF2 antibody treatment. Mature adipocytes appear to augment angiogenic processes; however, FGF2 may diminish or impair the progression of vessel tube formation. Support or Funding Information USDA LEADERS 2 Award #2017‐38422‐27298

  PublisherDOI

• PSX-38 Reproductive performance of Dorper ewes with varying days post-partum to ram introduction in the non-breeding season

  Journal of Animal Science · 2019-12-01

  articleOpen access

  Abstract With the decrease of a wool favored market, hair type sheep have become increasingly popular for lamb markets. In Texas, the most popular hair type breed of sheep is the Dorper. Various breed characteristics make the Dorper sheep an excellent candidate for an accelerated lambing system. Reproductive performance of Dorper ewes with various lengths of post-partum interval, during the traditional non-breeding season, was determined. During May (13L:11D), 2+ yr-old multiparous ewes (n = 28) were joined with a fertile ram for 30 d. Weekly blood samples were taken for progesterone analysis. Ewes were blocked according to length of post-partum interval (lamb to ram): short (SPP; n = 10, 100 ± 2.7 d), mid (MPP; n = 11, 130 ± 0.68 d) and long (LPP; n = 7, &amp;gt;200 d). Weaning age of lamb(s) from previous parturition was similar for SPP (62 ± 3.2 d) and MPP (67 ± 0.6 d). Interestingly, 11% of the ewes had a functional CL at initiation of the study (P4 &amp;gt; 1.5 ng/mL). Mean body condition score for SPP, MPP, and LPP ewes were 2.8 ± 0.08, 3.1 ± 0.09, and 3.7 ± 0.08, respectively. Pregnancy rates were similar between MPP (100%), LPP (100%) and SPP (60%). Overall, pregnancy rate was 87% and a lamb crop (lambs per ewe exposed) was 1.3 ± 0.09. Twinning rate for SPP, MPP, and LPP was 20%, 73%, and 43%, respectively. Pregnancy rate in SPP ewes may indicate carryover of the suppressive effects of lactation and suckling. Results suggest a lamb to ram interval of &amp;gt;100 d is sufficient for response to the ram effect and resumption of estrous cycles in a majority of ewes during photoperiod of 13L:11D. We conclude Dorper sheep have the reproductive capacity to successfully meet the production goals of accelerated lambing systems and thus, the potential for optimized lamb production.

  PublisherOA PDFDOI

• PSI-16 Sow parity structure and body condition measurements throughout lactation and relationship to piglet growth

  Journal of Animal Science · 2019-07-01

  articleOpen access

  Abstract Energy demands during lactation can greatly influence sow body condition and piglet performance. Therfore, it was hypothesized that primiparous sows would have reduced sow body condition measurements and piglet growth. Eight weekly farrowing seasons (N=157 dams) were used to evaluate sow body condition (Post Farrowing; PF to Weaning; WN) and piglet growth. Final number of white composite sows within parity were as follows: Parity 1(P1), 62; P2, 50; P3, 30; and P4, 15. Body condition was measured at PF and WN using sow calipers (last rib and hip) and 10th rib ultrasound. Sows were categorized as thin, moderate, or fat by caliper. Piglets were weighed at Day 0 PF (D0), D10, WN, and D45. All data were analyzed using mixed models and reported as LSM ± SE. Fat sows at WN (last rib or hip) had the lightest (P &lt; 0.05; Table 1) piglets at D10 and WN. However at D45, piglets from fat sows were heavier than piglets from moderate and thin sows(P &lt; 0.05; Table 1). At WN, piglets from P1 sows weighed the least (P &lt; 0.05; Table 1). Parity 4 sows had greater hip caliper measurement compared to P1 sows(P &lt; 0.05; 15.5 ± 0.389 vs 13.92 ± 0.215). Sows had similiar (P &gt; 0.10) PF last rib caliper measurements but at WN, P1 sows had the smallest caliper measurements compared to other parities (P &lt; 0.05). Paraties 1, 2, and 3 sows had similiar (P &gt; 0.10) loin eye area at PF; however, at WN P1 sows had the smallest loin eye area (P &lt; 0.05; 38.2 ± 0.63 cm2). Parity 1 sows had the greatest (P &lt; 0.05) reduction of backfat and loin eye area over the lactation period (-2.9 ± 0.31 mm and -2.6 ± 0.49 cm2, respectively). In conclusion, fat sows, had similar or smaller piglets throughout lactation, but by D45 piglet weights surpassed moderate and thin caliper groups.

  PublisherOA PDFDOI

• Leptin Contributes to the Development of the Corpus Luteum

  Cell & Developmental Biology · 2017-01-01 · 5 citations

  letterOpen access1st authorCorresponding

  The mechanistic events of female infertility have been investigated for over 50 years and despite progress many causes of infertility remain elusive. However, over half of idiopathic infertility issues have been attributed to a defective ovarian tissue responsible for the maintenance of a conceptus, the corpus luteum (CL). Many CL defects are attributed, in part, to abnormal vascularization (angiogenesis), which occurs primarily during the developmental stage of the luteal lifespan. A few well-established angiogenic growth promotants have been implicated in luteal angiogenic processes but the mechanisms of the process are still under investigation. Recent evidence supports a role for the adipokine hormone leptin as a probable component in the angiogenic and developmental processes of a CL. Leptin expression is present during the developmental and maturation stages of the luteal lifespan and stimulates the expression of angiogenic hormones in the CL. Induced leptin deficient CL have a higher occurrence of abnormal, underdeveloped gross morphology and an increase in the number of large diameter vessels and large luteal cells. Leptin replacement therapy in leptin deficient CL accelerates tissue development, increasing overall tissue mass and forming a structure that resembled a mature CL during the early stages of development. Collectively, the evidence supports the supposition that leptin is involved in the angiogenic and developmental processes of luteal tissue.

  PublisherOA PDFDOI

• Oh wait, what did you say?

  Scholarly Commons - Baptist Health South Florida (Baptist Health South Florida) · 2017-01-01

  articleSenior author
  Publisher

Recent grants

• NIH Grant S06GM008107

  NIH · $9.3M · 2011

Frequent coauthors

• R. L. Stanko

  Texas A&M University – Kingsville

  35 shared

• D. H. Keisler

  University of Missouri

  26 shared

• Chad O’Gorman

  University of Missouri

  20 shared

• Elizabeth Gonzáles

  Laguna State Polytechnic University

  15 shared

• Jaimie Laurenz

  Lubbock Christian University

  9 shared

• Jeffery Carroll

  9 shared

• Matthew L. Eaton

  9 shared

• Paige L. Williams

  Harvard University

  9 shared

Education

• B.S., Environment and Rural Development

  Zamorano University

  2015

• M.S., Agricultural and Applied Economics

  Texas Tech University

• Ph.D., Agricultural and Applied Economics

  Texas Tech University

  2024