Employing institution: University of Medical Sciences, Ondo State
Host institution: Liverpool John Moores Univesity, UK
Project title:
Strengthening capacity in cell and molecular biology techniques for cancer drug discovery research.
Dr Ifeoluwa Oyeyemi has a background in cell Biology and genetics. Her interest is in drug discovery. She obtained her PhD from the University of Ibadan, Nigeria and is currently a senior lecturer at the University of Medical Sciences, Ondo, Nigeria. Her interest is in discovering drugs of non-communicable diseases which are the leading causes of death worldwide.
AREF Fellowship research project
Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC), a subset of breast cancer, is more common in women of West African descent. TNBC is notably resistant to most available therapies, prone to quick relapse, and capable of developing distant metastasis.
Dr Ifeoluwa’s research focuses on investigating the effects and mechanisms of a natural product, Narirutin on triple-negative breast cancer. Specifically, she will assess the cytotoxic impact of Narirutin on TNBC cell lines and explore its influence on apoptosis, metastasis, epithelial-mesenchymal transition, DNA damage, and autophagy. To achieve this, she will employ a range of cell and molecular biology techniques, such as flow cytometry, comet assay, real-time PCR and western blotting. This will equip her with the needed skills for non-communicable disease drug discovery. During this fellowship, she will work with Prof. Amos Fatokun and his research team, where I will acquire essential cell and molecular biology techniques to elucidate the molecular mechanisms of potential drug compounds.
Upon completing my fellowship, supported by my institution, she will enhance the molecular biology and drug discovery group at my institution and collaborate with existing drug discovery teams. This initiative will significantly contribute to the discovery and development of new, safe, and effective drugs for non-communicable diseases.
Quote
“Drug discovery is a worthwhile endeavour to reduce the enormous toll of the burden of diseases on the human race.”
Dr Ifeoluwa expects to start her fellowship in October 2024