Koffi N Konan ­ PhD. Research Associate Professor, Alabama A&M University Tel: 256 372 4168 Email: koffi.konan@aamu.edu; koffikon@gmail.com EMPLOYMENT HISTORY 08/07 to present – Research Associate Professor, Dept of Food & Animal Sciences, Normal, AL, USA 02/04 to 08/07 ‐ Research Assistant Professor, Dept of Food & Animal Sciences, Normal, AL, USA 07/00 to 02/04 ‐ Post doctorate, Dept of Food & Animal Sciences, Normal, AL, USA 05/99 to 7/00 – Post doctorate, The Donald Danforth Plant Science Center, Saint Louis, MO, USA 04/94 to 05/99 ‐ Post doctorate, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, CA, USA CURRENT RESEARCH ACTIVITIES (1) Development of a hypoallergenic peanut variety via RNA interference, and (2) Development and optimization of in vitro tissue culture techniques for yam (Dioscorea spp) genetic enhancement and production of yam seeds STUDENT MENTORSHIP AND ADVISORY COMMITTEES a. Students graduated • PhD (3) • MS (4) b. Current students • PhD (4) • MS (1) c. Short term training (students/high school teachers), > 100 d. Participation Thesis/dissertation Committees, 15 OTHER SERVICES • Associate Editor: Crop Science Journal 2009 – Present • Member “Expert Team” Society for In Vitro Biology PROFESSIONAL MEMBERSHIP • International Association of Plant Tissue Culture & Biotechnology (IAPTC&B) • The Society for In vitro Biology (SIVB) • American Peanut Research and Education Society (APRES) AWARDS • Outstanding Researcher, 2009 (School of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences; Alabama A
University) • Outstanding Researcher, 2006 (Alabama A&M University) • Outstanding Researcher of the month of September 2006 (Alabama A&M University) • Recipient of the Sepracor/AAAAI Research Excellence Award (2002); AAAAI: American Academy of Alle
Asthma and Immunology SELECTED RESSEARCH AND TEACHING GRANTS RECEIVED (PI/co­PI) •
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Nanotechnology Application in the Food Engineering Curriculum. USDA/NIFA 1890 Capacity Building (2012) $ 300,000 Genomic Approaches for Yam (Dioscorea spp) Quality Enhancement. Evans Allen 2010 (150,000) Genomic studies to improve the tuber crop yam (Dioscorea spp) production, industrial utilization, and food security AALGA, 2008 ($121,000) Enhancement of student participation and career development in nanobiotechnology. USDA/CSREES, Capacity Building Grant, 2008. $ 197,906.63 Development and Characterization of a Testicular cDNA Library in Goats, AALGA , Oct 2007, $25,000 Determination of inheritance patterns of the allergen silenced phenotype in transgenic peanut progenies. USDA/CSREES, Capacity Building Grant, 2006. $ 299,520 A transgenic hypoallergenic peanut via Agrobacterium‐mediated transformation. Application of biotechnology to improve heath and nutritive qualities of peanuts (in collaboration with Senegal) USDA/FAS, 2005. $35,000. Novel Protocols to optimize fertility, rooting and mass propagation in transgenic hypoallergenic peanut. USDA/CSREES, Capacity Building Grant, 2003. $298,420 Silencing Peanut allergens: A molecular strategy. USDA/CSREES, Capacity Building Grant 2001, $269,080 PATENTS ISSUED • USPTO: # 6,943,010. Down‐Regulation and Silencing of Allergen Genes in Transgenic Peanut Seeds • USPTO: # 8217228. Down‐Regulation and Silencing of Allergen Genes ln Transgenic Peanut Seeds. A divisionary pending Patent BOOKS/BOOK CHAPTERS 1. Dodo Hortense and Koffi Konan (2010) Allergies: Food and Peanut Risk Reduction In “The Encyclopedia of Biotechnology in Agriculture and Food” ISBN: 978‐0‐8495027‐6 2. Konan K., Ananga A. and Dodo H. (2009) Reducing Peanut Allergy Risks Using Genetic Modification. In “Modification of Seed Composition to Promote Health and Nutrition”. H. Krishnan Ed. P289‐302 3. Dodo, H.W., Konan, N.K. Viquez, O.M., 2005 A genetically modified peanut plant as a solution to peanut allergy. In Food Biotechnology, Marcel & Dekcker publishers. Ch 2.17 p 971‐989 PUBLICATIONS, PERIODIC JOURNALS 1. Felicia N. Anike, Koffi Konan, Kouadio Olivier, Hortense Dodo (2012) Efficient shoot organogenesis in petioles of yam (Dioscorea spp). Plant Cell Tiss Organ Cult. DOI 10.1007/s11240‐012‐0195‐9 2. Kouadio A. Olivier, Koffi N. Konan, Felicia N. Anike, Georges N. Agbo, Hortense W. Dodo (2012) In vitro induction of minitubers in yam (Dioscorea cayenensis D. rotundata complex) Plant Cell Tiss Organ Cult. 109 (1): 179‐189 3. Weihua Wade Yang, Si‐Yin Chung, Olasumnbo Ajayi, Kathiravan Krishnamurthy, Koffi Konan, Renee Goodrich‐Schneider (2010). Use of Pulsed Ultraviolet Light to Reduce the Allergenic Potency of Soybean Extracts. International Journal of Food Engineering, 2010. Vol 6 (3): 13 ‐ 16 4. Dodo H, KN Konan, FC Chen, M Egnin, and O.M. Viquez 2008. Alleviating peanut allergy using genetic engineering: the silencing of the immunodominant allergen Ara h 2 leads to its significant reduction and a decrease in peanut allergenicity. Plant Biotechnology Journal 6 (2), 135–145 5. Anthony O. Ananga, Ernst Cebert, Khairy Soliman Ramesh Kantety, Koffi Konan, and Joel W. Ochieng (2008). Phylogenetic relationships within and among Brassica species from RAPD loci associated with blackleg resistance. African Journal of Biotechnology 7(9): 1287‐1293 6. Ananga A.O, E Cebert, K Soliman, R Kantety, RP Pacumbaba and K Konan (2006) RAPD markers associated with resistance to Blackleg disease in Brassica species. African Journal of Biotechnology 5 (22): 2041‐2048 7. Boateng J, Viquez O, Konan K and Dodo H, 2005. Screening of a Peanut (Arachis hypogaea L.) cDNA library to isolate a Bowman‐Birk trypsin inhibitor clone. J. Agric. Food Chem 53:2028‐2031 8. Dodo, H.W., Konan, N.K. Viquez, O.M., 2005. A Genetic Engineering Strategy to –Eliminate Peanut Allergy. Current Allergy and Asthma Reports, 5:67‐73 9. Hortense Dodo, Koffi Konan and Olga Viquez (2005) A genetic engineering strategy to eliminate peanut allergy Curr.Allergy Asthma Rep. 2005;5:67‐73 10. Viquez O, Konan K, and Dodo H. 2004 Genomic organization of a major allergen Ara h 3. Molecular Immunology 41(12), P 1235‐1240. 11. Konan NK, Viquez OM and Dodo H, 2004. Towards the development of a hypoallergenic peanut through genetic transformation. Applied Biotechnology, Food Science and Policy 1 (3):159­168 12. Konan NK, Viquez O and Dodo H, 2002. Down‐regulation of Ara h 2 a major peanut allergen in transgenic peanut. J Allergy and Clinical Immunology, 109:1:482 13. Viquez O, Konan K, and Dodo H. 2003. Structure and organization of the genomic clone of a major peanut allergen gene Ara h 1. Molecular Immunology 40(9):565­571. 14. Viquez O, Konan NK and Dodo H, 2002. Characterization of Ara h 1 a major peanut allergen. J Allergy and Clinical Immunology, 109:1:395 15. Dodo H, Viquez O, Maleki S and Konan K. 2004. cDNA clone of a putative peanut (Arachis hypogaea L) trypsin inhibitor has homology with peanut allergen genes Ara h 3 and Ara h 4 J. Agric Food Chem, 52 (5):1404­1409 16. B. Verdaguer, N.K. Konan, A. De Kochko, R.N. Beachy and C.M. Fauquet (1997) The cassava vein mosaic virus promoter: A new promoter for cassava genetic engineering. African Journal of Root and Tuber Crops 2: 204­208 17. N.K. Konan, C. Schopke, R. Cárcamo, R.N. Beachy and C.M. Fauquet (1997) An efficient mass propagation system for cassava (Manihot esculenta Crantz) based on nodal explants and axillary bud‐
derived meristems. Plant Cell Reports 16: 444­449 18. C. Schopke, N. Taylor, R. Cárcamo, N.K. Konan, P. Marmey, G.G. Henshaw, R.N. Beachy and C.M. Fauquet (1996) Stable Transformation of cassava by microbombardment of embryogenic suspensions Nature Biotechnol 14:731­735. 19. N.K. Konan, R.S. Sangwan, B.S. Sangwan Norreel (1994) Micropropagation of cassava and perspective for its Agrobacterium‐mediated genetic transformation. Revue de cytologie et de Biologie Vegetales le Botaniste 17:105­112 20.N.K. Konan, R.S. Sangwan, B.S. Sangwan Norreel (1994) Somatic embryogenesis from cultured mature cotyledons of cassava (Manihot esculenta Crantz) ‐ Identification of parameters influencing the frequency of embryogenesis. Plant Cell Tissue and Organ Culture 37: 91­102. 21. N.K. Konan, R.S. Sangwan, B.S. Sangwan Norreel (1994) Efficient in vitro‐shoot regeneration system in cassava (Manihot esculenta Crantz). Plant Breeding 113: 227­236 COMMUNICATIONS/POSTERS 1. Konan, K., F. Okafor, M. Edwards and H. Dodo. Enhancement of student’s participation and career development in nano‐biotechnology. USDA’s NIFA competitive programs grantsmanship workshop. Arlington, VA. Nov 30 – Dec 1, 2010. 2. Diby N.A.S, K Konan and H Dodo. Idntification of parameters influencing Agrobacterium‐mediated transformation of peanut. The Society for In Vitro Biology (SIVB) Meeting Charleston, SC, USA, June 6 ‐10, 2009 3. Anthony Ananga, Koffi Konan, H Dodo. Hypoallergenic transgenic peanut is transmitted to the progeny. The Society for In Vitro Biology (SIVB) Meeting Charleston, SC, USA, June 6 ‐10, 2009 4. Kouadio O.A., Konan K., and H. Dodo. Production of yam (Dioscorea spp) minitubers using In vitro culture techniques. The Society for In Vitro Biology (SIVB) Meeting Charleston, SC, USA, June 6 ‐10, 2009 5. Ogunkunle F.N., Konan K. N. Dodo H.W and M Egnin. Development of a rapid Agrobacterium‐mediated genetic transformation for yam. The Society for In Vitro Biology (SIVB) Meeting Charleston, SC, USA, June 6 ‐10, 2009 6. Ogunkunle F.N., Konan K. N. and Dodo H.W. Organogenesis from cultured petiole of Yam (Dioscorea rotundata). The Society for In Vitro Biology (SIVB) Meeting Tucson, Arizona, USA, June 14 ‐18, 2008 7. Kouadio O.A., Dodo H., Konan K., and N.G. Agbo. Effect of Jasmonic Acid on in vitro Tuberization of two yam (Dioscorea spp) cultivars. The Society for In Vitro Biology (SIVB) Meeting Tucson, Arizona, USA June 14 ‐18, 2008 8. Anthony Ananga, Koffi Konan, Hortense Dodo Elimination of the three Major Allergens in Transgenic Peanut (Arachis hypogea L). The Society for In Vitro Biology (SIVB) Meeting Tucson, Arizona, USA, June 14‐18, 2008 9. Anthony Ananga, Koffi Konan, Fur C. Chen, and Hortense Dodo Suppression of the three Major Allergens in Transgenic Peanut (Arachis hypogea L). Association of Research Directors (ARD) meeting, Memphis , TN, USA, June 8‐11 10. Athony Ananga, Koffi Konan, Hortense Dodo, Silencing of Major Allergens in Transgenic Peanut (Arachis hypogea L). The American Peanut Research & Educational Society; Tucson, Arizona, USA, June 14‐18, 2008 11. Hill L.B., T.D. Tsegaye, E. Moss and K Konan. Bacterial source tracketing for In‐stream water samples. Association of Research Directors (ARD) meeting, Atlanta, GA, USA, March 28‐ April 1, 2009 12. Athony Ananga, Koffi Konan, Hortense Dodo. Downregulation of the three major allergens in peanut seeds. Association of Research Directors (ARD) meeting, Atlanta, GA, USA, March 28‐ April 1, 2009 13. Ogunkunle F.N., Konan K. N. and Dodo H.W. Efficient In vitro shoot regeneration method in edible yam (Dioscorea spp). Association of Research Directors (ARD) meeting, Atlanta, GA, USA, March 28‐ April 1, 2009 14. Ananga A.O, E Cebert, K Soliman, R Kantety, RP Pacumbaba and K Konan Association mapping of resistance to blackleg disease (Leptoshaeria maculans) in canola. ASA‐CSSA‐SSSA annual meeting. New Orleans Louisiana, Nov 4‐8, 2007 15. Ajayi, O, H. Dodo and K Konan Allergens and trypsin inhibitors in commercial peanut (Arachis hypogaea L.): quantification and evaluation of their cross reactivity Institute of Food Technology, Chicago, IL – USA, 2006 16. K.N. Konan, H W. Dodo and A Ananga: Reducing peanut allergy risks using genetic modification. ASA‐
CSSA‐SSSA International annual meetings. Nov 4‐8‐New Orleans, LA 17. A Ananga, E Cebert, K Soliman, R Kantety, K Konan, R Boerma: Phylogenic relationships among Brassica species from RAPD markers Associated with Blackleg resistance. ASA‐CSSA‐SSSA International annual meetings. Nov 4‐8‐New Orleans, LA , USA 18. K.N. Konan, O.M. Viquez and H W. Dodo RNA interference‐based (RNAi) suppression of Ara h 2, a step towards alleviating peanut allergy through genetic engineering. International Association of Plant Tissue Culture and Biotechnology (IAPTC&B) Beijing, China, August 2006 19. K.N. Konan, O.M. Viquez and H W. Dodo The Immunodominant Allergen Ara h 2 Is Silenced In Transgenic Peanut Via The RNA Interference (RNAi) Strategy. The Society for In Vitro Biology (SIVB) Meeting Minneapolis, Mn, USA, June 3 to 7, 2006 20. K.N. Konan, O.M. Viquez and H W. Dodo1 The Major Peanut Allergen Ara h 2 Is Silenced In Transgenic Peanut. Association of Research Directors (ARD) meeting, Atlanta (GA) April 2006 21. K.N. Konan1, O.M. Viquez2 and H W. Dodo1 (2006). The major peanut Allergen Ara h2 Is Silenced In Transgenic Peanut. The American Academy of Allergy Asthma and Immunology (AAAAI) Miami (FL). March 2004 22. Dodo H, and Konan K. 2003. A Genetic engineering strategy to silence peanut allergens, The American Academy of Allergy Asthma and Immunology (AAAAI) Denver CO, Special Seminar Series. March 2003. 23. Konan NK, Viquez O and Dodo H, 2003. Silencing the three major allergen genes for the production of an hypoallergenic peanut. The American Academy of Allergy Asthma and Immunology (AAAAI), Denver CO, March 2003. 24. KN Konan, OM Viquez, and HW Dodo A Genetic engineering approach to silencing Allergens in Peanut (Arachis hypogaea L). 10th IAPTC & B Congress 2002, p 112‐A 25. Viquez O, Konan NK and Dodo H, 2002. Characterization of Ara h1 a major peanut allergen. J Allergy and Clinical Immunology, 109:1:395, S 163. 26. Konan NK, Viquez O and Dodo H, 2002. Down‐regulation of Ara h2 a major peanut allergen in transgenic peanut. J Allergy and Clinical Immunology, 109:1:482, S 136. 27. Dodo H and Konan NK 2002. Silencing peanut allergens: A molecular strategy. The American Academy of Allergy Asthma and Immunology; Special Seminar Series, P40‐43. 28. Dodo H, Konan K and Viquez O. 2002. A Genetically modified Plant: The case of peanut. The American Peanut Research & Educational Society; S90:19. 29. Konan N, Viquez O and Dodo H. 2002. Knocking down the major peanut allergen Ara h2 in transgenic peanut plants. The American Peanut Research & Educational Society; S93:19. 30. KN Konan, OM Viquez, and HW Dodo. Genomic characterization and silencing of Arah2, a major peanut allergen. Proceedings American Peanut Research and Education Society (APRES) 2001, 33: 56 31. Viquez OM, Konan N and Dodo H. 2002. Genomic Characterization of the third major peanut allergen gene Ara h3/4. The American Peanut Research & Educational Society; S94:19. 32. Dodo H, Viquez O, and Konan K. 2002. Toward the engineering of an Allergen‐reduced peanut plant. Proceedings of the 2002 Institute of Food Technologists (IFT) Annual meeting, Anaheim CA, June 2002. 33. K.N. Konan, O.M. Viquez, and H.W. Dodo. 2002. Silencing allergen genes in peanut: the case of the major allergen Arah 2. Proceedings of the Institute of Food Technologists (IFT) Annual meeting, Anaheim CA, June 2002. 34. Viquez O. M., N. K. Konan and H. W. Dodo. 2002. The genomic sequence of Ara h 1 is interrupted by introns. Proceedings of the 2002 Institute of Food Technologists (IFT) Annual meeting , Anaheim CA, June 2002. 35. Konan N, Viquez O and Dodo H. 2002. A genetic engineering approach to silencing allergens in peanut (Arachis hypogaea L.). Proceedings of the 10th International Association for Plant Tissue Culture & Biotechnology (IAPTC&B) Congress; P1314:112‐A. 36. Viquez O M, Konan N and Dodo H. 2002. The Genomic sequence and the gene copy number of the peanut allergen Ara h2 confirm it as a doublet. Proceedings of the 10th International Association for Plant Tissue Culture & Biotechnology Congress;P1219:89‐A. 37. Dodo H, Viquez O, and Konan K. 2001. Discovery of Naturally Occurring Hypoallergenic Peanut Germplasm. Proceedings of the 33rd American Peanut Research & Educational Society Annual Meeting; p28. 38. Dodo H, Viquez, O, Konan, K. 2001. A Putative peanut trypsin inhibitor gene reveals homology with peanut allergens. Proceedings of the American Peanut Research and education Society (APRES) 33rd Annual Meeting 2001;p61. 39. NK Konan, C. Schopke, R. Cárcamo, R.N. Beachy and C.M. Fauquet, (1996) Optimization of plant regeneration from embryogenic suspension cultures of cassava. Word Congress on In vitro Biology, San Francisco, CA 40. NK Konan, R.S. Sangwan, B.S. Sangwan Norreel (1994) Nodal axillary meristem as target tissue for shoot production and genetic transformation in cassava (Manihot esculenta Crantz). Proceeding of the Second International Meeting of Cassava Biotechnology Network (CBN II), 276 ‐ 288. Bogor, Indonesia 41. NK Konan, R.S. Sangwan, B.S. Sangwan Norreel (1994) Efficient in vitro regeneration systems in cassava (Manihot esculenta Crantz). VIII international Congress of Plant Tissue culture. Firenze, Italia 42. NK Konan, R.S. Sangwan, B.S. Sangwan Norreel (1989) Plant regeneration from cultured mature cotyledons of cassava. The Impact of Biotechnology in Agriculture. Amiens, France