The series about the scientific achievements by our INVITE fellows continues with Bankole Molakun.

My scientific research involves the combined use of two epigenetic drugs, resveratrol and valproate, as a possible treatment for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis also known as ALS, a disease of central nervous system that has no cure.

Searching for a therapy for ALS

Using animal models to study this disease, I could obtain interesting results showing that these combined drugs are able to significantly slow down the progression of the disease and improve life span.

This research is of great importance because ALS is said to be the most common form of motor neuron disease affecting people worldwide for which no effect therapy exists.

While further studies still need to be carried out, the use of these two drugs in combination may be a promising therapeutic intervention for this disease in the future.

International connections matter

During my final year, I was able to spend a few months abroad at the Hotchkiss Brain Institute of the University of Calgary, Canada, where I made positive connections with other people in my field of study.

I received the FENS-IBRO/PERC travel grant for the upcoming FENS Forum 2022, ENCODS travel grant 2022  and the travel award for the Joint ICGEB – ALS Society of Canada Symposium on Inflammation & Proteinopathy in ALS/FTD Spectrum Disorder 2022.

Bankole Molakun

Hoping to continue my research on neurodegenerative diseases

My INVITE experience has been very good. I learnt a lot of new techniques during my PhD and made new friends both within and outside the INVITE program.

In the future, I hope to continue my research along the line of studying neurodegenerative diseases.