Ongoing Research
1. Anti-infective compounds from Basidiomycota
Microbial drug resistance is a global threat, causing increased morbidity, mortality, and healthcare costs. New drugs with novel modes of action are urgently needed. Fungi, particularly Basidiomycota, are a potential source of new drug leads, due to their wide biological and chemical diversity. The majority of fungi, however, are still largely unexplored and represent a rich source of bioactive compounds. This project aims to characterize bioactive secondary metabolites from mycelial cultures of Kenyan Basidiomycota. This phylum has great species diversity and it’s a prolific producer of new compounds. The success of this project will contribute to the discovery of new drug leads with novel modes of action to combat the global threat of microbial drug resistance.
2. Investigating the potential of Vepris and Vernonia species secondary metabolites as antiprotozoal agents
Protozoan infections, such as malaria, leishmaniasis, trypanosomiasis, and Chagas disease, represent a significant health burden, especially in developing countries. The lack of effective and affordable treatments for these diseases highlights the urgent need for the development of new antiprotozoal drugs. To address this need, this research project focuses on exploring the antiprotozoal potential of secondary metabolites isolated from medicinal plants of the genera Vepris and Vernonia. By evaluating the antiprotozoal activity of the compounds derived from medicinal plants in these genera against various protozoan parasites, we aim to identify potential new antiprotozoal agents that can contribute to the development of more effective treatments for these diseases.
3. Unlocking the secondary metabolic potential of fungal symbionts associated with xylophagous and organic waste Beetles
The rise of antibiotic resistance in bacteria has necessitated the continuous search for novel antimicrobial agents. One underexplored source is the gut symbiotic microbiome of edible insects, which has been found to contribute significantly to the host's adaptability to extreme environments. Insects, particularly class Insecta, have been successful in adapting to various environments, making their defense mechanisms and gut microbiome potential sources of novel molecules. This current study aims to investigate gut-culturable fungal symbionts of xylophagous and dung beetles and the secondary metabolites they produce, with the prospect of finding novel antibacterial compounds to combat multi-drug resistant pathogens.
4. Insilco studies for the identification of novel inhibitors for the management of postprandial hyperglycemia.
Diabetes has become one of the most challenging metabolic illnesses to treat. In many nations around the world, the prevalence of diabetes is on the rise. Sedentary lifestyles are significant contributors to the development of diabetes. Administration of drugs that lower blood glucose by inhibiting the action of key digestive enzymes such as α-glucosidase and α-amylase has been the key strategy to manage the disease. Thus, the project aims to leverage computational methods to discover new molecules for the treatment of postprandial hyperglycemia, a condition characterized by high blood sugar levels after meals. Through extensive in-silico studies and analyses, the project seeks to identify promising compounds that can be developed into effective drugs to manage this metabolic disorder, with potential implications for improving the lives of millions of people worldwide who suffer from diabetes and related complications.
These projects address multiple targets under SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being. For example, they target 3.3, which aims to end the epidemics of malaria, neglected tropical diseases, and other communicable diseases, and 3.4, which aims to reduce by one-third premature mortality from non-communicable diseases through prevention and treatment and promote mental health and well-being. In addition, the projects align with SDG 15: Life on Land and SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure, including target 9.5, which aims to enhance scientific research, upgrade technological capabilities in all countries' industrial sectors, and promote innovation. The projects also support AU 2063 Goal 1, which seeks to eliminate preventable diseases and promote good health and well-being for all.