Maribel Okiye

Currently in the Life Sciences Institute (LSI), I work with the under the supervision of Dr David Sherman I use Mzmine 2 and Metabolanalyst to perform qualitative and quantitative analysis of MSMS data to characterize and isolate natural products with biological activity. Thus far, I have characterized and isolated over 4 dozen potentially bioactive secondary metabolites produced by oral microbes and elucidated their biosynthetic pathways and have identified several molecules that can serve as biomarkers for oral and systemic diseases.

In addition I have prepared fact sheets, tables and graphs to summarize research results for proposals and applications to external bodies for funding and contractual purposes.

Studied the oxidative modifications and/or degradation of viral RNA during waste water treatment and and water filtration.

Studied air sensitive light-absorbing proteins in chlorophyll, specifically radical SAM enzymes. During my research we were able determined the crystal structure of two light and oxygen sensitive proteins and determine the mechanism of action.

Conducted cancer research on the mutations of STK16 Clone 9 cells to reduce the secretion of MAL 2 protein known to be highly active in cancer.

During my NSF Intedisplinary Research Experience for Undergradaute (iREU) at the University of Michigan College of Pharmacy , I worked on elucidating the biosynthetic pathways of Nas A and Nas B, which are cyclodipeptide synthases upstream from a well studied cytocrome P450.

In my research I focused on manipulating Nas A and B's binding site to increase natural product diversity. In my role I gathered, arranged and corrected research data to create representative graphs and charts highlighting results for presentations and assessed data using scientific methods while following all important specifications.

Investigated bacterial interaction through the use of quorum sensors to understand microbial regulation. In addition to my research I recorded data and maintained source documentation following good documentation practices and gathered, prepared and evaluated or tested various biological samples.