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Dr Femi Olorunniji

Pharmacy and Biomolecular Sciences

Faculty of Science

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I am a Reader in Synthetic Biology with interest in protein engineering and their applications in Synthetic Biology. We aim to engineer novel protein functions for use as molecular tools/devices in metabolic pathway engineering, genome editing, genetic switches and memory devices.

Current research projects include:
1. Site-specific recombinases: Reaction mechanisms and applications in synthetic biology. With specific interest in serine integrases and their Recombinaton Directionality Factors (RDFs), we are exploring new ways of altering the target specificity of these recombinases as well as novel ways of controlling their activities for synthetic biology applications.
2. Development of novel transcriptional logic gates. We are adapting a natural transcription regulatory system associated with phage inducible pathogenicity islands (PICIs) to develop custom-built transcription factors that can serve as building blocks for genetic logic gates
3. Design and applications of catalytic DNA nanostructures. Using simple design approaches, we are investigating structural features that enhance the catalytic efficiencies of G-quadruplex-hemin complexes that display peroxidase activities. Our ultimate aim is to design better DNAzymes with biosensing applications.

We welcome new PhD applications in these areas.

Degrees

University of Glasgow, United Kingdom, PhD, Molecular Biology
University of Ilorin, Nigeria, BSc, Biochemistry

Academic appointments

Reader in Synthetic Biology, Liverpool John Moores University, 2023 - present
Senior Lecturer in Biotechnology, Liverpool John Moores University, Liverpool John Moores University, 2017 - present

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