Adewolu Abiodun, a doctoral student in the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry at Texas Tech University, is at the forefront of biomedical research, exploring how glycomics and proteomics can revolutionise disease detection and treatment. With a strong academic background spanning Nigeria and the United States, his work integrates advanced molecular analysis with phytochemical research to uncover new pathways for personalised medicine. In this exclusive interview with The Guardian’s IFEANYI IBEH, Abiodun discusses his journey from teaching to cutting-edge research, his contributions to precision medicine, and how his discoveries could shape the future of healthcare.
Ifeanyi Ibeh: Can you share insights into your academic journey and what inspired your focus on biomedical research?
Adewolu Abiodun: My journey started at the Federal University of Agriculture, where I pursued a Diploma in Foundation Science. Fascinated by biochemical reactions, I earned a BSc in Biochemistry, driven by a desire to understand how molecular interactions contribute to disease. This passion led me to a master’s degree at the College of Medicine, University of Lagos, where I studied the impact of high-fat diets on brain lipid profiles and acetylcholinesterase activity under the guidance of Professor Ebuehi O.A.
You spent years teaching before transitioning to advanced research. How did that experience influence your career?
Adewolu Abiodun: Teaching at institutions like Lagos State University and Crescent University refined my ability to communicate complex biochemical concepts. It deepened my appreciation for research, as I constantly sought new knowledge to enrich my students. That experience reinforced my belief that scientific discovery should be both impactful and accessible.
What motivated you to pursue a second master’s degree in Chemistry at Florida State University?
Adewolu Abiodun: While my background in biochemistry was strong, I wanted to bridge the gap between chemistry and biomedical applications. At Florida State University, I worked with Professor Biwu Ma on Organic-Metal Halide Hybrids for direct X-ray detectors, contributing to advances in material science. Some of our novel discoveries were published in ACS Energy Letter, 2024.
Your PhD research focuses on glycomics and proteomics. Why is this field so critical?
Adewolu Abiodun: Glycomics and proteomics are at the forefront of biomedical research, providing crucial insights into the molecular mechanisms underlying various diseases. These fields focus on studying glycans (complex carbohydrates attached to proteins and lipids) and proteins, which play fundamental roles in cell signaling, immune response, and disease progression.
Using liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS), I analyze glycoproteins and other biomolecules to uncover their involvement in diseases such as cancer, diabetes, and neurodegenerative disorders. Glycans, in particular, are often overlooked despite their significant influence on cell communication, immune modulation, and disease pathology. Changes in glycosylation patterns can serve as early biomarkers for diseases, allowing for earlier detection and intervention.
Additionally, proteomics enables us to map protein interactions and modifications, which is critical for understanding how diseases develop at the molecular level. For example, in cancer, altered glycosylation can promote tumor growth and metastasis, while in neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s, protein misfolding and aggregation are key pathological features. By identifying disease-specific glycoproteins and protein signatures, we can develop targeted therapies that are more effective and less invasive than conventional treatments.
Another key aspect of my research is investigating the therapeutic potential of phytochemicals—bioactive compounds derived from plants. Many natural compounds have shown promising effects in modulating glycoproteins and proteins associated with disease progression. By integrating glycomics and proteomics with phytochemical research, I aim to identify plant-based molecules that could serve as safer, more accessible alternatives to synthetic drugs.
Ultimately, my work aims to contribute to precision medicine, where treatments are tailored based on an individual’s unique glycomic and proteomic profile. By deepening our understanding of these molecular processes, we can revolutionize disease diagnostics, improve patient outcomes, and pave the way for more personalized and effective therapeutic strategies.
Ultimately, how do you see your research shaping the future of medicine?
Adewolu Abiodun: My goal is to advance precision medicine by identifying disease-specific biomarkers and developing targeted interventions. Understanding the role of glycomics and proteomics in disease progression allows for more effective treatments. Additionally, my research into phytochemicals has the potential to revolutionize drug discovery, offering natural alternatives that complement conventional therapies. Ultimately, I hope my work contributes to a future where medicine is more personalized, effective, and accessible.
Do you belong to any professional organizations?
Adewolu Abiodun: Absolutely. I’m a proud member of the American Chemical Society (ACS), American Society for Mass Spectrometry, and the National Organization for the Professional Advancement of Black Chemists and Chemical Engineers (NOBCChE). These organizations have been invaluable in connecting me with like-minded researchers and providing platforms to share my work.
What advice would you give to aspiring researchers in this field?
Adewolu Abiodun: Stay relentlessly curious and never stop learning. Biomedical research thrives at the intersection of disciplines, so don’t be afraid to venture beyond your comfort zone. Whether it’s biochemistry, chemistry, or data science, each skill you acquire opens new doors. Also, I would say collaboration is your greatest ally—some of my most profound insights have come from working alongside experts in fields I knew little about. And above all, let your passion for solving real-world problems drive you. The work we do isn’t just about publishing papers; it’s about changing lives. Every discovery, no matter how small, has the potential to rewrite the future of medicine. So dream big, work hard, and remember: the next breakthrough could be yours.
