Projects per year
Personal profile
Summary of Research Interests
Godwin obtained a PhD in Infection and Immunity (focusing on Parasite Biochemistry and Pharmacology) from the Institute of Infection, Immunity and Inflammation, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow in 2017 through a PhD scholarship and a MacRobertson travel fellowship to enhance his PhD research at the laboratory of Prof Kita Kiyoshi at the University of Tokyo.
His PhD research was aimed at investigating molecular targets in protozoan parasites causing some of the neglected tropical diseases (NTDs), precisely the kinetoplastids Trypanosoma and Leishmania species. Consequently, his PhD dissertation, which was done under the supervision of Professor Harry de Koning focused on the molecular and pharmacological characterization of the inner mitochondrial membrane-bound trypanosome alternative oxidase (TAO) – a protein that is crucial for respiration in the bloodstream form of trypanosomes but completely absent in all mammalian hosts. He also researched the novel use of mitochondrion targeting-lipocations (MT-LCs) to efficiently deliver therapeutic doses of drugs across membranes of trypanosomes.
During this time, he successfully used this strategy to significantly improve the trypanocidal activities of two relatively poor inhibitors (Salicylhydroxamate (SHAM) and 2,4-dihydroxybenzoate (2,4-DHB)) of TAO and designed a SAR-based compound library by modifying moieties on the scaffold of the lead compound, including making them fluorescent to study the localization of the compound inside the parasite using fluorescent microscopy.
He also developed and established several high throughput assay protocols for screening compound libraries including oxygen consumption assay in trypanosomes; this was in addition to developing a novel protocol for cloning and purification of the physiological form of TAO (without its mitochondrial targeting signal, MTS) using a SUMO vector in haem deficient E. coli. This new protocol is currently used by other researchers for purifying membrane-bound proteins. Furthermore, He established some preliminary biochemical data to understand their mode of trypanocide action and confirmed that it was indeed via TAO inhibition. Finally, He obtained two (2) Patent rights from his PhD research.
Following his graduation in 2017, he worked briefly as a Research Associate at Strathclyde Institute of Pharmacy and Biomedical Sciences in the laboratory of Prof David Watson, where he researched the pathogens responsible for the bee colony collapse using Crithidia fasciculata as the model organism. He later moved to the Kyoto Institute of Technology (KIT) in the same year to accept a postdoctoral research fellowship from the Japan Society for the Promotion of Science (JSPS).
At KIT he worked as a postdoctoral research fellow in the laboratory of Prof S. Harada and Prof T. Shiba (2017-2019) before joining the Teesside University in October 2019.
His postdoctoral research fellowship focused on genetically manipulating bacteria to produce parasite proteins, he purified the proteins from genetically modified bacteria and resolved their structures using X-ray diffraction analyses, including computational approaches for in-silico drug discovery. He successfully characterized the three-dimensional structure of the TAO protein essential for survival, growth, and proliferation of trypanosomes, and studied their ligand-binding mode.
Godwin’s research background and training span the areas of Biochemistry, Molecular biology, Parasitology, Pharmacology, and Chemical pathology. His present research theme focused on identifying parasite-specific molecular targets for drug and vaccine development against neglected tropical diseases. These include various protozoan parasites such as Trypanosoma, Plasmodium, and Leishmania. On the side-line, he also conducts research on natural products for drug discovery; and bee health and pathogens.
Some of the techniques/skills employed in his research to date include cutting-edge molecular biology techniques needed for cloning target protein, protein isolation purification and chemistry, protein x-ray crystallography, bacterial engineering for protein overproduction, enzyme kinetics assays including biacore experiments, genetically modified trypanosomes expressing luciferase to monitor parasite localization in cerebrospinal fluids of mice model of neurological stage T. rhodesiense infection, including the use of light microscopes to study parasite growth; fluorescent microscopy to study GFP-linked proteins and ‘fluorescent drug’ localization in the mitochondrion; DNA configuration for cell cycle determination using FACS; live-cell imaging, and Transmission Electron microscopy for studying drug-induced changes in ultrastructure of cells. Other techniques include in vitro tissue culture techniques, in vivo animal handling and disease models, metabolomics, microbial culture techniques, phytochemistry, and Mass Spectrometry.
His pedagogic research interest focused on effective approaches for reducing the gap in achievement between disadvantaged and advantaged students. This research focuses on four domains of principal influence: instruction, curriculum interpretation, assessment, and community involvement.
Research Projects & External Funding
Current Research Projects
1. Investigating the molecular drivers of drug transport and resistance in Non-Tsetse Transmitted Animal Trypanosomes (NTTAT).
External Funding Body: The Royal Society, UK
2. Leishmania DNA replication and repair enzymes as drug targets for leishmaniasis treatment.
External Funding Body: Spanish National Research Council.
Academic Responsibilities
1. Course Leadership
Godwin is currently the course leader for BSc Pharmaceutical Science
2. Teaching and module leadership role
Godwin lead the following modules:
i) Clinical Biochemistry and Diagnostic Techniques (MSc Biomedical Science, MSc in cancer and molecular diagnostics, MSc Microbiology)
ii) Biochemistry and Chemical Science (BSc Biochemistry, level 4)
iii) Structural & Molecular Biochemistry (BSc Biochemistry, level 5)
iv) Medicinal Chemistry and drug discovery (BSc- Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chemistry, level 6)
v) Chemical Science and The Environment (Foundation year, School of Health and Life Sciences, level 3).
External Roles and Professional Activities
MEMBERSHIPS OF PEER REVIEW COLLEGES, REVIEWING RESPONSIBILITIES FOR JOURNALS AND FUNDING BODIES
1. Review Panel Member for Japan Society for the Promotion of Science (JSPS) London Short Term Pre/Postdoctoral Fellowships award. Appointment effective April 2021 – date.
2. Reviewer Board member, International Journal of Molecular Sciences, IJMS, IF = 5.92), 2021-date.
3. Associate Editor for Nigerian Journal of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology.
4. Guest Editor for Pathogens, from September 2021.
Summary of Research Interests
The following research are available for students in Dr Ebiloma's lab 1. Climate change-induced Emerging Parasitic Diseases in Europe
2. Biotechnology & x-ray crystallography
3. Malaria vaccine development
4. Mechanisms of disease progression, drug action, transport and resistance
5.Natural Product Drug Discovery
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Education/Academic qualification
PhD, University of Glasgow
1 Oct 2013 → 5 Apr 2017
Award Date: 5 Apr 2017
External positions
Visiting Research Scientist, Durham University
13 Sep 2021 → …
Research Affiliate, University of Glasgow
1 Sep 2018 → …
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Network
Projects
- 2 Active
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Investigating the molecular drivers of drug transport and resistance in Non-Tsetse Transmitted Animal Trypanosomes (NTTAT)
17/10/22 → 16/09/23
Project: Research
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Investigating the molecular drivers of drug transport and resistance in Non-Tsetse Transmitted Animal Trypanosomes (NTTAT)
1/10/22 → 30/09/23
Project: Research
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The Activity of Red Nigerian Propolis and Some of Its Components against Trypanosoma brucei and Trypanosoma congolense
Ebiloma, G., 7 Jan 2023, In: Molecules. 28, 2, 12 p., 622.Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review
Open AccessFile1 Downloads (Pure) -
Biochemical investigations revealed the inhibitory mechanisms of novel inhibitors of Trypanosome Alternative Oxidase active against human and animal African trypanosomiasis
Ebiloma, G., De Koning, H. P. & Dardonville, C., 23 Mar 2022, BSP 2022 York Spring Meeting. British Society for ParasitologyResearch output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceeding › Conference contribution
Open Access -
Imidazoline- and Benzamidine-Based Trypanosome Alternative Oxidase Inhibitors: Synthesis and Structure–Activity Relationship Studies
Cisneros, D., Cueto-Díaz, E. J., Medina-Gil, T., Chevillard, R., Bernal-Fraile, T., López-Sastre, R., Aldfer, M. M., Ungogo, M. A., Elati, H. A. A., Arai, N., Otani, M., Matsushiro, S., Kojima, C., Ebiloma, G., Shiba, T., De Koning, H. P. & Dardonville, C., 28 Jan 2022, In: ACS Medicinal Chemistry Letters. 13, 2, p. 312-318Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review
Open Access -
The Antiprotozoal Activity of Papua New Guinea Propolis and Its Triterpenes
Alenezi, S., Alenezi, N. D., Ebiloma, G., Natto, M. J., Ungogo, M. A., Igoli, J. O., Ferro, V. A., Gray, A. I., Fearnley, J., De Koning, H. P. & Watson, D. G., 1 Mar 2022, In: Molecules. 27, 5, 1622.Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review
Open AccessFile16 Downloads (Pure) -
Activity of Compounds from Temperate Propolis against Trypanosoma brucei and Leishmania mexicana
Alotaibi, A., Ebiloma, G., Williams, R., Alfayez, I. A., Natto, M. J., Alenezi, S., Siheri, W., AlQarni, M., Igoli, J. O., Fearnley, J., De Koning, H. P. & Watson, D. G., 26 Jun 2021, In: Molecules. 26, 13Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review
Open AccessFile47 Downloads (Pure)
Datasets
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Genetic polymorphisms in malaria vaccine candidate Plasmodium falciparum reticulocyte-binding protein homologue-5 among populations in Lagos, Nigeria
Ajibaye, O. (Contributor), Osuntoki, A. A. (Contributor), Balogun, E. O. (Creator), Olukosi, Y. A. (Contributor), Iwalokun, B. A. (Contributor), Oyebola, K. M. (Contributor), Hikosaka, K. (Creator), Watanabe, Y. (Contributor), Ebiloma, G. (Creator), Kita, K. (Creator) & Amambua-Ngwa, A. (Creator), figshare, 1 Jan 2020
DOI: https://doi.org/10.6084/m9.figshare.c.4806747.v1, https://doi.org/10.6084%2Fm9.figshare.c.4806747.v1
Dataset
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MOESM1 of Genetic polymorphisms in malaria vaccine candidate Plasmodium falciparum reticulocyte-binding protein homologue-5 among populations in Lagos, Nigeria
Ajibaye, O. (Creator), Osuntoki, A. (Creator), Balogun, E. (Creator), Olukosi, Y. (Creator), Iwalokun, B. (Creator), Oyebola, K. (Creator), Hikosaka, K. (Creator), Watanabe, Y. (Creator), Ebiloma, G. (Contributor), Kita, K. (Creator) & Amambua-Ngwa, A. (Creator), figshare, 1 Jan 2020
DOI: 10.6084/m9.figshare.11530866.v1, https://springernature.figshare.com/articles/MOESM1_of_Genetic_polymorphisms_in_malaria_vaccine_candidate_Plasmodium_falciparum_reticulocyte-binding_protein_homologue-5_among_populations_in_Lagos_Nigeria/11530866/1
Dataset