Microbiologist, Michael Olawale Akintubosun, leads research in Anticancer, antibacterial drug development

Michael Olawale Akintubosun, a distinguished microbiologist from Nigeria, is gaining international recognition for his research in the development of novel anticancer and antibacterial drugs. A first-class graduate of Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, Akintubosun’s academic excellence has earned him several prestigious awards, including the Ignacy Lukasiewicz Scholarship and a fully funded PhD scholarship at the University of Alabama.

Akintubosun’s research focuses on leveraging computational, biochemical, and analytical approaches to discover new bioactive compounds with the potential to combat cancer and bacterial resistance. One of his most notable studies has identified compounds from *Mangifera indica* (mango) that may be effective in treating breast cancer, the second leading cause of death among women globally. His work on these natural inhibitors of HER2, a protein linked to aggressive forms of cancer, offers hope for new therapeutic avenues in oncology.

“I was inspired to pursue microbiology because of the alarming rise in antimicrobial resistance. Understanding how microorganisms resist drugs and developing solutions to minimize this threat became my passion,” said Akintubosun. His research has already garnered over 170 citations in top peer-reviewed journals, reflecting the global significance of his work.

In addition to his cutting-edge research, Akintubosun is a dedicated peer reviewer for high-impact journals, helping to ensure the integrity and quality of published scientific work. His role as a peer reviewer has enhanced his analytical skills, and through his volunteer work, he has also made a meaningful impact on his community. Akintubosun actively supports cancer registries helping to find matches for patients in need of donors, thus giving them a second chance at life. He has served as a mentor to high school students.

Akintubosun’s latest research project, supported by the National Institute of Health, explores the biochemical activities of a unique biosynthetic enzyme in hygromycin A, with the potential to expand the global antibiotics pipeline. With antimicrobial resistance becoming a growing concern worldwide, this work could be pivotal in developing new drugs with unique mechanisms to combat drug-resistant bacteria.

Speaking about the future of his research, Akintubosun expressed his excitement to explore new frontiers: “Developing drugs with unique mechanisms can significantly improve global public health by overcoming drug resistance. I hope to continue exploring the genetic resources of microorganisms to produce innovative drugs using advanced synthetic, bioinformatic, and molecular biology tools.”

As the scientific community continues to grapple with the challenges of bacterial resistance, Michael Olawale Akintubosun’s work stands out as a beacon of hope. His commitment to scientific advancement, education, and community service underscores the vital role of research in improving public health outcomes globally.