Dr. Amos O. ABOLAJI

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 Dr. Amos Olalekan ABOLAJI

Name:  Amos O. ABOLAJI
Designation: Reader/Associate Professor
Faculty: Basic Medical Sciences
Department: Biochemistry

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Brief Biography:

Dr Abolaji Amos Olalekan is a Reader/Associate Professor in the Department of Biochemistry (Molecular Drug Metabolism and Toxicology Unit), Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, College of Medicine, University of Ibadan. He obtained B.Sc., M.Sc.and Ph.D.degrees in Biochemistry from Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife (1998), University of Lagos, Lagos (2003) and University of Calabar, Calabar (2010) Nigeria, respectively.

Dr Abolaji is currently working on themechanisms by which certain environmental toxins contribute to female reproductive dysfunctions, neurodegenerative diseases and cancer using rodents and Drosophila melanogaster as model organisms. Accordingly, the focus of his research is to proactively detect health risks associated with these toxins and decode the mechanisms of pathogenesis. These would aid in the design of concepts for prevention and possible therapy.
In 2014, after a postdoctoral training at the Federal University of Santa Maria, Brazil, Dr Abolaji set up Drosophila laboratory at the University of Ibadan from the scratch https://twitter.com/DrosLabUI. The laboratory is currently well-equipped with state-of-the-art equipment and collaborates with scientists in UK, USA, Germany, Spain, and Brazil.

Dr Abolaji is a recipient of several awards including 2009 WHO/TDR Travel Fellowship to the Fifth MIM Pan-African Malaria Conference, Nairobi, Kenya; CNPq-TWAS Postdoctoral Fellowship Award at the Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Federal University of Santa Maria, Brazil (2013-2014); SOT/AstraZeneca/SOT Endowment Fund Travel Award (2015) and 2018 Africa-Oxford Visiting Fellow Award. He is also a recipient of 2018 CRP-ICGEB Grant, Cambridge-Africa ALBORADA Research Grant (2016, 2018) and International Society of Neurochemistry CAEN Grant (2016). He is a member of the Society of Toxicology, Society For Redox Biology and Medicine (SFRBM), European Teratology Society, Genetic Society of America and Neuroscience Society of Nigeria. Dr Abolaji has published seventy (70) papers in different peer-reviewed international journals.

Dr.Abolaji is a Team Lead at the Drosophila Research and Training Centre (DRTC, www.drosophilartc.org), Nigeria, a non-profit organization that facilitates the use of Drosophila melanogaster as a cost-effective, alternative animal model for biomedical research and training in sub–Saharan African countries.

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Research

Current Research and Capacity Building Projects including Grants

1. Title: Unravelling the molecular therapeutic mechanisms of resveratrol rescue-drivenin Drosophila melanogaster models of Parkinson’s Disease.

Funder: International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (ICGEB), Trieste Italy.
Brief Summary: The research commenced in 2018 following a 3-year grant from International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (ICGEB), Italy. The project is currently in the 4th year (no cost extension). A previous study on the ameliorative role of resveratrol in 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine-induced Parkinson’s disease in D. melanogaster was used as preliminary data to apply for the ICGEB grant. We hypothesized that resveratrol will serve as a therapeutic agent in different genetic models of Parkinson’s disease (PD, Pink-I, Parkin etc.) using Drosophila melanogaster as a model. We are asking the following questions in this research:

i. What are the effects of resveratrol on the survival, lifespan and locomotion of PD flies?
ii. What are the actions of resveratrol on oxidative stress and on biochemical features associated with Parkinson’s disease onset?
iii. How can we implement and optimize different biochemical and molecular techniques to validate potential therapy for Parkinson’s disease/symptoms?
iv. How can we monitor molecular changes associated with resveratrol treatment in PD flies?

We have published the following paper from the project: An assessment of the rescue action of resveratrol in parkin loss of function-induced oxidative stress in Drosophila melanogaster. Scientific Reports 12(1):3922. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35273283/

Role: Principal Investigator
Collaborators:Dr. Alexander Whitworth (M.R.C. Mitochondrial Biology Unit, University of Cambridge); Professor Ilan Davis and Dr Ennis Darragh (Department of Biochemistry, University of Oxford); Professor James Olopade (Neuroscience Unit, Department of Veterinary Anatomy, University of Ibadan, Nigeria; Flora Stephanie (Department of Zoology, University of Dar es Salaam, Tanzania); Dr. Fabian (Neurobiology Unit, ICGEB, Italy).

Completed Research

1. Standardisation of Nigerian grown Artemisia annua using reversed
Phase High Performance Liquid Chromatography 2013

2. Reproductive and biochemical assessment studies on local
Artemisia annua in Wistar rats 2010

3. Contraceptive potential of Artemisia annua in female rats 2010

4. Reproductive toxicity assessment studies on artemisinin,
artemether-lumefantrine and artesunate-amodiaquine in rats 2011-2012

5. Reproductive toxicity study on 2,5-Hexanedione in rats 2012

6. Molecular and biochemical toxicity of ovotoxicant 4-vinylcyclohexene
and its diepoxide derivatives in Drosophila melanogaster 2013
vii. Possible chemopreventive effect of diphenyl diselenide on mercuric
chloride-induced reproductive toxicity in female Wistar rats 2014

7. Reproductive toxicity study on 4-vinylcyclohexene diepoxide
in male and female Wistar rats 2015

8. Reproductive toxicity studies on trichloroethyelene in female Wistar rats 2015

9. Chemopreventive potential of hesperidin against
trichloroethyelene-induced toxicity in Drosophila melanogaster 2016

10. Chemopreventive potential of Kolaviron against rotenone-induced
Parkinsonism in Drosophila melanogaster 2016

11. Ameliorative potential of hesperidin and hesperitin on
4-vinylcyclohexene-induced toxicity in female Wistar rats 2017

12. 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine (MPTP)-induced
Parkinsonism in D. melanogaster and the preventive role of resveratrol 2018

13. Protective role of resveratrol in NaF-induced toxicity in Drosophila 2018

14. Mechanistic and therapeutic roles of carotenoid astaxanthin in
parkin gain of functions- and rotenone-induced toxicity in Drosophila 2021

15. Role of hesperetin in alleviating oxidative stress and behavioural deficit
in Drosophila melanogaster model of ferrous sulphate-induced toxicity. 2021

16. Protective role of astaxanthin in a Drosophila melanogaster
model of 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine (MPTP)-
induced parkinsonism. 2021

17. Beneficial actions of esculentin-2CHa(1-30) on high sucrose-induced
oxidative stress in Drosophila melanogaster. 2021


 

Publications

 

SELECTED PUBLICATIONS

1. Akinade TC, Babatunde OO, Adedara AO, Adeyemi OE, Otenaike TA, Ashaolu OP, Johnson TO, Terriente-Felix A, Whitworth AJ, Abolaji AO. (2022). Protective capacity of carotenoid trans-astaxanthin in rotenone-induced toxicity in Drosophila melanogaster. Scientific Reports 12(1):4594. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35301354/

2. Adedara AO, Babalola AD, Stephano F, Awogbindin IO, Olopade JO, Rocha JBT, Whitworth AJ, Abolaji AO. (2022). An assessment of the rescue action of resveratrol in parkin loss of function-induced oxidative stress in Drosophila melanogaster. Scientific Reports 12(1):3922. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35273283/

3. Fasae KD, Abolaji AO. (2022). Interactions and toxicity of non-essential heavy metals (Cd, Pb and Hg): lessons from Drosophila melanogaster.Current Opinion Insect in Science 51:100900. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35272079/

4. John R, Abolaji AO,Adedara AO, Ajayi AM, Aderibigbe AO, Umukoro S. (2022). Jobelyn® extends the life span and improves motor function in Drosophila melanogaster exposed to lipopolysaccharide via augmentation of antioxidant status. Metabolic Brain Disease 37(4):1031-1040. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35156155/

5. Adesanoye OA, Farodoye OM, Adedara AO, Falobi AA, Abolaji AO,Ojo OO. (2021). Beneficial actions of esculentin-2CHa(GA30) on high sucrose-induced oxidative stress in Drosophila melanogaster. Food and Chemical Toxicology 157:112620. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34656695/

6. Oyebode OT, Abolaji AO,Faleke HO, Olorunsogo OO. (2021). Methanol fraction of Ficus mucoso (welw) prevents iron-induced oxidative damage and alters mitochondrial dysfunction in Drosophila melanogaster. Drug and Chemical Toxicology 30:1-9. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34592861/

7. Oyibo A, Abolaji AO, Odunola OA. (2021). Carcinogen sodium arsenite disrupts antioxidant and redo homeostasis in Drosophila melanogaster. Journal of Basic Clinical Physiology and Pharmacologyhttps://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34348425/

8. Fasae KD, Abolaji AO,Faloye TR, Odunsi AY, Oyetayo BO, Enya JI, Rotimi JA, Akinyemi RO, Whitworth AJ, Aschner M. (2021). Metallobiology and therapeutic chelation of biometals (copper, zinc and iron) in Alzheimer's disease: Limitations, and current and future perspectives. Journal of Trace Element in Medicine and Biology. 67:126779. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34034029/

9. Johnson TO, Abolaji AO,Omale S, Longdet IY, Kutshik RJ, Oyetayo BO, Adegboyega AE, Sagay A. (2021). Benzo[ahttps://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33777703/

10. Abolaji AO,Fasae KD, Iwezor CE, Farombi EO. (2020). D-Penicillamine prolongs survival and lessens copper-induced toxicity in Drosophila melanogaster. Toxicology Research (Camb). 9(4):346-352. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32905187/

11. Adesanoye OA, Abolaji AO,Faloye TR, Olaoye HO, Adedara AO. (2020). Luteolin-Supplemented diets ameliorates Bisphenol A-Induced toxicity in Drosophila melanogaster. Food and Chemical Toxicology. 142:111478. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32504732/

12. Abolaji AO,Omozokpia MU, Oluwamuyide OJ, Akintola TE, Farombi EO. (2020). Rescue role of hesperidin in 4-vinylcyclohexene diepoxide-induced toxicity in the brain, ovary and uterus of Wistar rats. Journal of Basic Clinical Physiology and Pharmacology. 31(2): https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32160159/

13. Abolaji AO,Fasae KD, Iwezor CE, Aschner M, Farombi EO. (2020). Curcumin attenuates copper-induced oxidative stress and neurotoxicity in Drosophila melanogaster. Toxicology Reports. 7:261-268. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32025502/

14. Abolaji A.O., Ajala V.O., Adigun J.O., Adedara I.I., Kinyi H.W., Farombi E.O. (2019). Protective role of resveratrol, a natural polyphenol, in sodium fluoride-induced toxicity in Drosophila melanogaster.Exp Biol Med (Maywood). 244(18):1688-1694 https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31766888/

15. Nkpaa K.W., Awogbindin I.O., Amadi B.A., Abolaji A.O., Adedara I.A., Wegwu M.O., Farombi E.O. (2019). Ethanol exacerbates manganese-induced neurobehavioral Deficits, striatal oxidative stress, and apoptosis via regulation of p53, Caspase-3, and Bax/Bcl-2 ratio-dependent pathway. Biology Trace Element Research. 191(1):135-148. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30488170/

16. Abolaji A.O., Adedara A.O., Adie M.A., Vicente-Crespo M., Farombi E.O. (2018). Resveratrol prolongs lifespan and improves 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine-induced oxidative damage and behavioural deficits in Drosophila melanogaster. Biochemical and Biophysical Research Communications Vol. 503 No. 2,1042-1048. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29935183/

17. Farombi EO, Abolaji AO,Farombi TH, Oropo AS, Owoje OA, Awunah MT. (2018). Garcinia kola seed biflavonoid fraction (Kolaviron), increases longevity and attenuates rotenone-induced toxicity in Drosophila melanogaster. Pesticide Biochemistry and Physiology. Vol. 145, 39-45. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29482730/

18. Akinyemi AJ, Oboh G, Ogunsuyi O, Abolaji AO,Udofia A. (2018). Curcumin-supplemented diets improve antioxidant enzymes and alter acetylcholinesterase genes expression level in Drosophila melanogaster model. Metabolic Brain Disease. Vol. 33 No. 2, 369-375https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28849357/

19. Abolaji AO,Ojo M, Afolabi TT, Arowoogun MD, Nwawolor D, Farombi EO. (2017). Protective properties of 6-gingerol-rich fraction from Zingiber officinale (Ginger) on chlorpyrifos-induced oxidative damage and inflammation in the brain, ovary and uterus of rats. Chemico-Biological Interactions. Vol. 270, 15-23. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28373059/

20. Abolaji A.O.,Adedara I.A., Abajingin A.O., Fatunmibi O.J., Ladipo E.O., Farombi E.O. (2016). Evidence of oxidative damage and reproductive dysfunction accompanying 4-vinylcyclohexene diepoxide exposure in female Wistar rats. Reproductive Toxicology Vol. 66, 10-19. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27647594/

Supervision

SUPERVISION OF STUDENTS (Selected)

MastersLevel

1. Project Title: Protective action of Naringenin in 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine-induced model of Parkinson’s disease in Drosophila melanogaster.
Student’s Name: Okonta Clive (225535)

2. Project Title: Pink1 overexpression ameliorates iron-induced oxidative stress in Drosophila melanogaster
Students’ Name: Ogwo Anthony (v) and Sani Daniel (218864)

3. Project Title: Therapeutic action of Esculentin-2CHa on Cu2+ -induced model of neurotoxicity in Drosophila melanogaster.
Student’s Name: Udochukwu, Onyedika Loveth (218125)

4. Project Title: Protective role of diphenyl diselenide in Trimethylsilyl chloride-induced toxicity in Drosophila melanogaster
Student’s Name: Akpaneka, Emmanuel Ime (216283)

Current Doctoral (Co-Supervision)

1. Name of Student: Onaara Ashaolu
Title of Project: PhysiologicalChanges in the Gut of Oregon Strain ofDrosophila melanogasterFollowing Consumption f Diets-Containing Selected Heavy Metals.
Department and Institution: Department of Physiology, Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, University of Ibadan.
Year of Entry: 2018
Supervisors: Professor S.B. Olaleye and Dr Amos Abolaji

2. Name of Student: Zeniat Oyaluna
Title of Project:Therapeutic and Antimicrobial Evaluation Alliin-Rich Garlic Extract in Drosophila melanogaster Model of Sucrose-Induced Type 2 Diabetes.
Department and Institution: Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy,University of Ibadan
Year of Entry: 2018
Supervisors: Professor Peace Chinedum Babalola and Dr Amos Abolaji

3. Name of Student: Adeyemi Olugbenga Eyitayo
Title: Anticancer Activity of Ficus exasperataLeaf Extract in Drosophila melanogaster.
Department and Institution: Department of Biochemistry, University of Jos.
Year of Entry: 2018
Supervisors: Dr. Titilayo Johnson and Dr. Amos Abolaji

4. Name of Student: Jane Rose
Title of Project: Ameliorative Assessment Tapinanthusglobiferus (African Mistletoe) in Sodium Arsenite-induced toxicity in Drosophila melanogaster.
Year of Entry: 2018
Supervisors: Dr. Titilayo Johnson and Dr. Amos Abolaji

5. Name of Student: Zaynab Mohammed
Title: Neuroprotective properties of Bioactive Peptides from Selected Nigerian Medicinal Plants.
Department and Institution: Department of Pharmacognosy, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Ibadan.
Year of Entry: 2019
Supervisors: Dr. OmonikeOgbole and Dr. Amos Abolaji

6. Name ofStudent: AdeolaAdedara
Project Title: Effects of kaempferol hesperetin and hesperidin on MPTP- induced Parkinsonism:
Drosophila melanogaster as model organism.
Department and Institution: Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Federal University of Santa Maria, Brazil.
Year of Entry: 2020
Supervisors: Professor Nilda Berenice Barbosa and Dr. Amos Abolaji

7. Name of Student: Judith Madu
Project Title: Interactive actions of N-Methyl-N-Nitrosourea and Benzo[a]pyrene induced oxidative stress in Drosophila melanogaster (M.Phil).
Department and Institution: Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, College of Medicine, University of Ibadan.
Year of Entry: 2020
Supervisors: Professor O.A. Adaramoye and Dr. Amos Abolaji

PREVIOUS STUDENTS (Selected)

MastersLevel

Names of students

Registration No.

Title of Projects

1.      Fasae, Kehinde

201150

Curcumin attenuates oxidative damage, locomotor deficits and neurotoxicity in Drosophila melanogaster.

2.      Iwezor, Chism

203367

Rescue role of curcumin in copper-induced toxicity in Drosophila melanogaster.

3.      Adeyeye, Peter

211059

Ameliorative effect of curcumin-resveratrol combination on aluminium chloride-induced alterations in the brain, uterus and ovary of Wistar rats.

4.      Popoola, Samuel Taiwo

202021

Repro-protective effect of curcumin-resveratrol co-administration on aluminium chloride-induced toxicity in female Wistar rats

5.      Ikotu-Otumu Christian

202629

Recovery role of curcumin-resveratrol combination in aluminium chloride-triggered reproductive toxicity in female Wistar rats.

6.      OtenaikeTitilayomi Ayomide

210522

Therapeutic effect of selected phytochemicals on chemical- and genetic- induced models of Parkinson's disease in Drosophila Melanogaster.

7.      Babatunde OreOluwa

210444

Rescue role of trans-astaxanthin in rotenone-induced Parkinson's disease in Drosophila melanogaster.

8.      OmotayoTolulope Mercy

210404

Protective role of trans-astaxanthin in a Drosophila melanogaster model of MPTP- induced Parkinsonism.

9.      AkinadeTemitope  Christinah

183544

Therapeutic role of trans-astaxanthin in rotenone-induced Parkinson’s disease model in Drosophila melanogaster.

 

Doctoral level (Co-supervision)

1. Name: Opeyemi Balogun (Ph.D.)
Title of Thesis:A Study of the Chemistry and some Biological Activities of Three Varieties of Plectranthus esculentus (N.E.Br) Tubers and Leaves.
Department and Institution: Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, University of Jos.
Year of Ph.D. Completion: 2021
Supervisors: Professor Alemika Taiwo; Dr. Amos Abolaji

 

2. Name:Aghogho Oyibo (Ph.D.)
Title of Thesis:Cytoremediative Potentials of Vitellaria paradoxa (Gaertn. C.F) in Arsenic-induced Toxicity in Wistar Rat, Harwich Fruit Fly and itsAntiproliferative Activity in MCF-7 Cells.
Department and Institution:Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, College of Medicine, University of Ibadan.
Year of Ph.D. Completion: 2021
Supervisors: Professor OyeronkeOdunola and Dr. Amos Abolaji

Grants

Current Grant Funding

1. Toxicological mechanisms of toxicity of ovotoxicant and carcinogen 7, 12- dimethylbenz(a)anthracene (DMBA) in Drosophila melanogaster(2015).
Funder: The Thomas-Basir Biomedical Foundation Grant Award
Role: Principal Investigator

2. Biochemical mechanisms of toxicity of ovotoxic carcinogen 7,12-dimethylbenz[a]anthracene in a Drosophila melanogaster model: An ongoing Project (2016).
Funder: AXA MANSARD INSURANCE-PIUTA IBADAN CENTRE MINI FELLOWSHIPS (2016).
Role: Principal Investigator

3. Building capacity for developmental biology research through the analysis of the ovotoxicity effects of 4-vinylcyclohexene (VCH) and its metabolites in the egg chamber of Drosophila melanogaster (2016).
Funder: Cambridge-Africa ALBORADA Research Funds, UK.
Role: Co-Principal Investigator
Collaborator: Dr. Weil T.T., Department of Zoology, University of Cambridge

4. Possible chemopreventive mechanism of xanthophyll carotenoid astaxanthin against neurotoxin 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine-induced Parkinsonism in Drosophila melanogaster(2017).
Funder:Category 1B: Research Supplies for use in the applicant’s home laboratory) to the Committee for Aid and Education in Neurochemistry (2017).
Role:Principal Investigator

5. Drosophila melanogaster in Biomedical Research: Low-cost and profitable: A DrosAfrica-ICGEB Course.
Venue: University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Oyo Sate, Nigeria. Dates: From 18/07/2017 to 29/07/2017.
Funder: International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (ICGEB) Workshop Grants
Role: Co-Principal Investigator
Collaborators: DrosAfrica, UK, Professor S.B. Olaleye, Department of Zoology, University of Ibadan.

6. Unravelling the molecular therapeutic mechanisms of resveratrol rescue-driven in Drosophila melanogaster models of Parkinson’s Disease (2019-2021).
Funder:International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (ICGEB), Trieste Italy.
Funder:Principal Investigator

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