Image of Dr Femi Olorunniji

Dr Femi Olorunniji

Pharmacy and Biomolecular Sciences

Faculty of Science

Email: F.J.Olorunniji@ljmu.ac.uk

Telephone: 0151 231 2116

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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

Highlighted publications

Abioye J, Lawson-Williams M, Lecanda A, Calhoon B, McQue AL, Colloms SD, Stark WM, Olorunniji FJ. 2022. High fidelity one-pot DNA assembly using orthogonal serine integrases Biotechnology Journal, DOI Author Url Publisher Url Public Url

Olorunniji FJ, Lawson-Williams M, McPherson AL, Paget JE, Stark WM, Rosser SJ. 2019. Control of ϕC31 integrase-mediated site-specific recombination by protein trans-splicing Nucleic Acids Research, 47 :11452-11460 DOI Author Url Publisher Url Public Url

Olorunniji FJ, McPherson AL, Rosser SJ, Smith MCM, Colloms SD, Stark WM. 2017. Control of serine integrase recombination directionality by fusion with the directionality factor Nucleic Acids Research, 45 :8635-8645 DOI Author Url Publisher Url Public Url

preprint

Alsaleh A, Pena Reyes T, Baksh A, Taiwo-Aiyerin OT, Holland A, Pigli Y, Rice PA, Olorunniji FJ. 2024. Large serine integrases utilise scavenged phage proteins as directionality cofactors Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory DOI Publisher Url

MacDonald AI, Baksh A, Holland A, Shin H, Rice PA, Stark WM, Olorunniji FJ. 2024. Variable orthogonality of RDF - large serine integrase interactions within the ϕC31 family. DOI Author Url Publisher Url

Shin H, Holland A, Alsaleh A, Retiz A, Pigli Y, Taiwo-Aiyerin O, Reyes TP, Bello A, Olorunniji F, Rice P. 2024. Identification of cognate recombination directionality factors for large serine recombinases by virtual pulldown bioRxiv DOI Publisher Url

Aberuagba A, Joel E, Bello A, Igunnu A, Malomo S, Olorunniji F. 2023. Thermophilic PHP Protein Tyrosine Phosphatases (Cap8C and Wzb) from Mesophilic Bacteria Preprints.org DOI Publisher Url

Joel E, Aberuagba A, Bello A, Akanbi-Gada M, Igunnu A, Malomo SO, Olorunniji F. 2023. Role of the C-terminal β Sandwich of Thermoanaerobacter tengcongensis Thermophilic Esterase in Hydrolysis of Long Chain Acyl Substrates Preprints.org DOI Publisher Url

Olorunniji F, Lawson-Williams M, McPherson A, Paget J, Marshall Stark W, Rosser S. 2019. Control ofϕC31 integrase-mediated site-specific recombination by protein trans splicing bioRxiv DOI Publisher Url

Journal article

Joel EB, Aberuagba A, Bello AJ, Akanbi-Gada M, Igunnu A, Malomo SO, Olorunniji FJ. 2024. Role of the C-Terminal β Sandwich of Thermoanaerobacter tengcongensis Thermophilic Esterase in Hydrolysis of Long-Chain Acyl Substrates International Journal of Molecular Sciences, 25 :1272 DOI Author Url Publisher Url Public Url

Aberuagba A, Joel EB, Bello AJ, Igunnu A, Malomo SO, Olorunniji FJ. 2024. Thermophilic PHP Protein Tyrosine Phosphatases (Cap8C and Wzb) from Mesophilic Bacteria International Journal of Molecular Sciences, 25 :1262 DOI Author Url Publisher Url Public Url

Bello AJ, Popoola A, Okpuzor J, Ihekwaba-Ndibe AE, Olorunniji FJ. 2023. A Genetic Circuit Design for Targeted Viral RNA Degradation Bioengineering, 11 :22 DOI Author Url Publisher Url Public Url

Sulyman AO, Fulcher J, Crossley S, Fatokun AA, Olorunniji FJ. 2023. Shikonin and Juglone Inhibit Mycobacterium tuberculosis Low-Molecular-Weight Protein Tyrosine Phosphatase a (Mt-PTPa) BioTech, 12 :59-59 DOI Author Url Publisher Url Public Url

Abioye J, Lawson-Williams M, Lecanda A, Calhoon B, McQue AL, Colloms SD, Stark WM, Olorunniji FJ. 2022. High fidelity one-pot DNA assembly using orthogonal serine integrases Biotechnology Journal, DOI Author Url Publisher Url Public Url

Ashley JON, Potts IG, Olorunniji FJ. 2022. Applications of Terminal Deoxynucleotidyl Transferase Enzyme in Biotechnology ChemBioChem, DOI Author Url Publisher Url Public Url

Polrot A, Kirby JR, Olorunniji FJ, Birkett JW, Sharples GP. 2022. iChip increases the success of cultivation of TBT-resistant and TBT-degrading bacteria from estuarine sediment World Journal of Microbiology and Biotechnology, 38 DOI Author Url Publisher Url Public Url

Olorunniji FJ, Lawson-Williams M, McPherson AL, Paget JE, Stark WM, Rosser SJ. 2019. Control of ϕC31 integrase-mediated site-specific recombination by protein trans-splicing Nucleic Acids Research, 47 :11452-11460 DOI Author Url Publisher Url Public Url

Adeoye RI, Osalaye DS, Ralebitso-Senior TK, Boddis A, Reid AJ, Fatokun AA, Powell AK, Malomo SO, Olorunniji FJ. 2019. Catalytic Activities of Multimeric G-Quadruplex DNAzymes Catalysts, 9 DOI Author Url Publisher Url Public Url

Olorunniji FJ, McPherson AL, Rosser SJ, Smith MCM, Colloms SD, Stark WM. 2017. Control of serine integrase recombination directionality by fusion with the directionality factor Nucleic Acids Research, 45 :8635-8645 DOI Author Url Publisher Url Public Url

Olorunniji FJ, Rosser SJ, Stark WM. 2016. Site-specific recombinases: molecular machines for the Genetic Revolution BIOCHEMICAL JOURNAL, 473 :673-684 DOI Author Url Publisher Url

Olorunniji FJ, McPherson AL, Pavlou HJ, McIlwraith MJ, Brazier JA, Cosstick R, Stark WM. 2015. Nicked-site substrates for a serine recombinase reveal enzyme-DNA communications and an essential tethering role of covalent enzyme-DNA linkages Nucleic Acids Research, 43 :6134-6143 DOI Author Url Publisher Url Public Url

Yakubu MT, Sunmonu TO, Lewu FB, Ashafa AOT, Olorunniji FJ, Eddouks A. 2015. Medicinal Plants Used in the Management of Diabetes Mellitus 2015 EVIDENCE-BASED COMPLEMENTARY AND ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE, 2015 DOI Author Url Publisher Url

Colloms SD, Merrick CA, Olorunniji FJ, Stark WM, Smith MCM, Osbourn A, Keasling JD, Rosser SJ. 2014. Rapid metabolic pathway assembly and modification using serine integrase site-specific recombination Nucleic Acids Research, 42 DOI Author Url Publisher Url Public Url

Olorunniji FJ, Buck DE, Colloms SD, McEwan AR, Smith MCM, Stark WM, Rosser SJ. 2012. Gated rotation mechanism of site-specific recombination by phi C31 integrase PROCEEDINGS OF THE NATIONAL ACADEMY OF SCIENCES OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, 109 :19661-19666 DOI Author Url Publisher Url

Igunnu A, Osalaye DS, Olorunsogo OO, Malomo SO, Olorunniji FJ. 2011. Distinct metal ion requirements for the phosphomonoesterase and phosphodiesterase activities of calf intestinal alkaline phosphatase Open Biochemistry Journal, 5 :67-72 DOI Author Url Publisher Url

Prorocic MM, Dong W, Olorunniji FJ, Akopian A, Schloetel J-G, Hannigan A, McPherson AL, Stark WM. 2011. Zinc-finger recombinase activities in vitro NUCLEIC ACIDS RESEARCH, 39 :9316-9328 DOI Author Url Publisher Url

Stark WM, Boocock MR, Olorunniji FJ, Rowland S-J. 2011. Intermediates in serine recombinase-mediated site-specific recombination BIOCHEMICAL SOCIETY TRANSACTIONS, 39 :617-622 DOI Author Url Publisher Url

Olorunniji FJ, Stark WM. 2010. Catalysis of site-specific recombination by Tn3 resolvase BIOCHEMICAL SOCIETY TRANSACTIONS, 38 :417-421 DOI Author Url Publisher Url

Olorunniji FJ, Stark WM. 2009. The catalytic residues of Tn3 resolvase Nucleic Acids Research, 37 :7590-7602 DOI Author Url Publisher Url Public Url

Olorunniji FJ, Iniaghe MO, Adebayo JO, Malomo SO, Adediran SA. 2009. Mechanism-Based Inhibition of Myeloperoxidase by Hydrogen Peroxide: Enhancement of Inactivation Rate by Organic Donor Substrates The Open Enzyme Inhibition Journal, 2 :28-35 DOI Publisher Url

Olorunniji FJ, He J, Wenwieser SVCT, Boocock MR, Stark WM. 2008. Synapsis and catalysis by activated Tn3 resolvase mutants Nucleic Acids Research, 36 :7181-7191 DOI Author Url Publisher Url Public Url

Olorunniji F, Igunnu A, Adebayo J, Arise R, Malomo S. 2007. Cofactor interactions in the activation of tissue non-specific alkaline phosphatase: synergistic effects of Zn2+ and Mg2+ ions. Biokemistri, 19 :43-48

Malomo S, Adebayo J, Arise R, Olorunniji F, Egwim E. 2006. Effects of Boungainvillea spectabilis leaves on some liver and kidney function indices in rats. Recent Progress in Medicinal Plants, 17 :261-272

Arise R, Bolaji F, Jimoh O, Adebayo J, Olorunniji F, Malomo S. 2005. Regulatory effect of divalent cations on rat liver alkaline phosphatase activity: How Mg2+ activates (and inhibits) the hydrolysis of p-nitrophenylphosphate. Biokemistri, 17 :129-136

Malomo S, Olorunniji F, Arise R, Adebayo J, Adedosu O, Odutuga A. 2003. Synergistic interaction between two linear inhibitors on a single enzyme: Vanadate and L-phenylalanine inhibition of rat liver alkaline phosphatase. Biokemistri, 13 :23-30

Malomo S, Adebayo J, Olorunniji F. 2001. Decrease in activities of cation ATPases and alkaline phosphatate in kidney and liver of artemether treatead rats. NISEB Journal, 1 :175-182

Olorunniji FJ, Malomo SO, Adediran SA, Odutuga AA. 2000. Promethazine oxidation by redox mediation in peroxidase reactions ARCHIVES OF BIOCHEMISTRY AND BIOPHYSICS, 380 :251-256 DOI Author Url Publisher Url

Malomo SO, Olorunniji FJ. 1999. Inhibition of myeloperoxidase by acetylsalicylic acid: Alternative anti-inflammatory mechanism BIOMEDICAL LETTERS, 60 :13-17 Author Url

Malomo S, Adeoye R, Babatune L, Saheed I, Iniaghe M, Olorunniji F. Suicide inactivation of horseradish peroxidase by excess hydrogen peroxide: The effects of reaction pH, buffer ion concentration, and redox mediation. Biokemistri, 23 :67-72

Olorunniji F, Malomo S. A kinetic analysis of inhibition and mechanism-based enzyme inactivation: Evaluation of myeloperoxidase inhibition by indomethacin and acetylsalicylic acid. Biokemistri, 10 :133-141

Birkett J, Polrot A, Kirby J, Sharples G, Olorunniji F. Cultivation and characterisation of TBT-resistant and TBT-degrading bacteria isolated from estuarine sediment using the iChip Applied Microbiology and Biotechnology,

Chapters

Olorunniji FJ. 2021. Recombination Encyclopedia of Biological Chemistry: Third Edition 4 :170-180 DOI Publisher Url

Olorunniji FJ, Merrick C, Rosser SJ, Smith MCM, Stark WM, Colloms SD. 2017. Multipart DNA assembly using site-specific recombinases from the large serine integrase family Methods in Molecular Biology: Site-Specific Recombinases 1642 :303-323 Springer 978-1-4939-7167-1 DOI Author Url Publisher Url Public Url

Olorunniji FJ, Rosser SJ, Marshall Stark W. 2017. Purification and in vitro characterization of zinc finger recombinases Methods in Molecular Biology 1642 :229-245 DOI Author Url Publisher Url

Editorial/letter to the editor

Yakubu MT, Sunmonu TO, Lewu FB, Ashafa AOT, Olorunniji FJ, Eddouks M. 2014. Efficacy and Safety of Medicinal Plants Used in the Management of Diabetes Mellitus EVIDENCE-BASED COMPLEMENTARY AND ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE, 2014 DOI Author Url Publisher Url

Conference publication

Abioye J, Olorunniji F, Cooper J, Stark M. Are we there yet? A site-specific recombinase to excise the HIV-1 provirus. DNA Transactions: Physical and Molecular Biology of Chromosomes Workshop

Rice P, Olorunniji F, Rowland S-J, Boocock M, Stark M. Regulation of serine integrases large and small. Workshop on Transposable Elements,

External collaboration:

Build-a-Cell Research Coordination Network, https://www.buildacell.org/. 2022

https://voices.uchicago.edu/phoebericelab/staff-directory/, University of Chicago, Prof Phoebe Rice. 2020

Research Grants Awarded:

BBSRC/NSF, 21-BBSRC/NSF-BIO: Developing large serine integrases as tools for constructing and manipulating synthetic replicons., Grant value (£): £850,219, Duration of research project: 48 months. 2022

The Royal Society, Probing protein-protein interactions that control Large Serine Integrase (LSI) recombination directionality and specificity, Grant value (£): £17,115, Duration of research project: 15 months. 2022

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