Experts offer research techniques to advance Biochemical research through groundbreaking workshop

Onome Amuge

Biochemistry experts and researchers from the Federal University of Technology Akure and Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba-Akoko (AAUA), recently joined forces to host a 4-day intensive workshop aimed at providing attendees with the latest research skills in molecular biology, Drosophila research, and computational modeling. 

The intensive four-day workshop enabled participants to interact directly with renowned experts in the fields of molecular biology, Drosophila research, and computational modeling.  keynote speakers included Dr Olusola Elekofehinti of the Department of Biochemistry, Federal University of Technology Akure, Ondo State, and  Dr. Alex Omoboyowa of the Department of Biochemistry, Adekunle Ajasin University.

The workshop, held between August 5th and 9th at the Teady Bioscience Laboratory in Plural Garden Estate, Ilara-Mokin, Ondo State, was centered around equipping participants with in-depth knowledge and practical skills in fundamental molecular biology techniques, including RNA extraction, PCR analysis, and electrophoresis. 

The lectures and hands-on exercises facilitated by Dr. Elekofehinti and Dr. D.A Omoboyowa enabled attendees to gain a comprehensive understanding of these techniques, which are critical for modern research in biochemistry and related fields.

In addition, participants were introduced to Drosophila melanogaster as a powerful research model in biochemical studies, allowing them to understand how to harness its potential in their own research endeavours.

Participants of the workshop received several valuable takeaways to enrich their biochemistry research experience. These included a free installation of Schrödinger and AutoDock Vina software, a complimentary vial of Drosophila melanogaster for further experimentation, and a certification to attest to their participation and completion of the intensive workshop.

In the foundational portion of the workshop dedicated to molecular biology, attendees gained in-depth knowledge about the structure and function of nucleic acids (DNA and RNA) as well as proteins. 

Furthermore, they were introduced to the essential biological processes of transcription and translation. To solidify this understanding, participants engaged in practical demonstrations of DNA extraction, PCR amplification, and gel electrophoresis, enabling them to gain hands-on experience with key techniques used in modern biochemistry research.

To deepen the participants’ knowledge of docking, the workshop focused on key concepts such as ligand preparation, target selection, and scoring functions employed in assessing binding affinity.

The practical sessions allowed attendees to gain hands-on experience in conducting a guided molecular docking experiment using a variety of software tools. The session was designed to equip participants with the skills to prepare ligands and target proteins, run docking simulations, and analyze results to pinpoint potential binding sites and affinities.

The workshop also touched upon the various advantages that make Drosophila melanogaster, or the fruit fly, an ideal model organism in both genetics and biochemistry. 

As part of the workshop’s fruit fly segment, participants gained hands-on experience with Drosophila melanogaster in a laboratory setting. These activities included setting up genetic crosses, which allow researchers to track the inheritance of specific traits; observing phenotypic traits, such as color, size, and behaviour, to understand the impact of genetic variations on observable characteristics; and discussing the broader implications of these experiments in terms of studying gene function and metabolic pathways. 

The presentations, lectures and practical skills at the workshop  are expected to empower participants to apply the learnt techniques to their own research endeavours and further advance their understanding of biochemistry.