NAME: BODUNRIN OLASENI OTTU

POSITION: LECTURER II SPECIALISATION: CELL AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY

EDUCATION/TRAINING (Begin with Bachelor’s degree or other initial professional education, such as nursing, include postdoctoral training and residency training if applicable. Add/delete rows as necessary.)

Personal Statement

I am an early-career cell and molecular biologist with a strong interest in research that improves health outcomes, with a focus on neglected tropical diseases such as sickle cell disease (SCD). My work combines proteomics, gene expression analysis, natural product pharmacology, and bioinformatics to deepen the understanding of SCD and explore new treatment options. As a Lecturer in the Department of Cell Biology and Genetics at the University of Lagos, I teach foundational cell and molecular biology modules, supervise undergraduate research, and contribute to curriculum development. I am passionate about conducting research with tangible impact and remain committed to mentoring young scientists and fostering collaborative networks that advance healthcare in Africa and beyond.

Positions, Scientific Appointments, and Honours

• Otto Bayer Fellowship for Drug Discovery Sciences, University of Cologne, Germany (Oct. 2023 – Mar. 2024)
• ARTEMIS Fellowship, Max Planck Institute of Biochemistry, Germany (Sep. – Oct. 2023)
• NiReMaS PhD Research Stay, University of Cologne, Germany (Sep. – Nov. 2022)
• Summer School of Molecular Medicine, Jena University Hospital, Germany (Aug. – Sep. 2022)
• Chancellor’s International Scholarship, University of Sussex, United Kingdom (June 2015)
• Journal Reviewer (Annals of Human Biology)

Selected Most Recent Publications /Contributions to Knowledge

My research has significantly contributed to the understanding of the molecular mechanisms underlying sickle cell disease and to evaluating the therapeutic potential of plant-derived bioactives. I have employed molecular biology and stem cell technologies to investigate the anti-anaemic and cardioprotective effects of traditional Nigerian medicinal plants, while utilising proteomics to identify differentially expressed proteins associated with sickle cell disease.

Selected Publications (First or Second Author):

1. Ottu, B. O., Fagbayi, T., Imaga, N. A., Okwu, O. E., Okpuzor, J. (2024). Quantitative Analysis of γ-Globin Gene Expression in Human Erythroleukaemic K562 Cells Treated with Theobroma cacao Bark Ethanolic Extract. African Scientist Journal, 25(1): 95-101.
2. Oloyede, M. A., Ottu, B., Odunuga, A. A. (2023). Preliminary Investigation on the Genotoxic Remediating Potential of Ethanolic Extracts of Ficus platyphylla Bark on Nitrosomethylurea-Induced Mus musculus. FUW Trends in Science and Technology Journal, 8(3): 117-121.
3. Salisu, T. F., Ottu, B. O., Oloyo, A. K., Okpuzor, J. E., Jaja, S. I. (2022). Assessment of Wild African Vegetables on Cardiac Functions, Antioxidants and Blood Lipid Profile in a Rat Model of Myocardial Infarction. FUW Trends in Science and Technology Journal, 7(1): 70-82.

Collaborators/ Networks (International inclusive

1. Andreas Metousis and Prof. Matthias Mann- Max Planck Institute of Biochemistry, Munich, Germany.
2. Dr. Filomain Nguemo- Centre for Physiology and Pathophysiology, University of Cologne, Germany.

• Terry K. Smith- School of Biology, University of St. Andrews, Scotland, United Kingdom.