CURRICULUM VITAE
NAME:
ADDRESS:
MGUTU, ALLAN JALEMBA
Department of Biochemistry and Biotechnology
Kenyatta University,
P. O. Box 43844 - 00100,
Nairobi, Kenya.
Work: +254-20-8711901-19 Ext 3708
E-mail: allanjalemba@gmail.com/mgutu.allan@ku.ac.ke
RESEARCH INTERESTS:
My main research interests revolve around crop improvement through genetic
engineering of tropical crops for better yields under various stresses;
1.
Tropical maize transformation via Agrobacterium tumefaciens and clean-gene
chemical transfer using immature zygotic embryos and cell suspension
cultures respectively.
2.
Harnessing genome editing tools of ZFNs, TALENs and CRISP-Cas to create
broad resistance against geminiviruses in tropical crops (maize, cassava,
sorghum)
3.
Developing salinity tolerant tropical maize germplasm suitable for massive
irrigation undertaking using SOS1+SOS2+SOS3+NHX1 genes related to
SALTOL-QTL in rice
4.
Synteny mapping of SALTOL-QTLs in maize leveraging on rice SALTOLQTL for molecular breeding initiatives to improve maize seed using ESTSNPs markers specific for the SALTOL-QTL.
EDUCATIONAL BACKGROUND:
2006-2011
Kenyatta University
Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D) degree in Plant Biotechnology
(Plant genetic engineering) in the Department of
Biochemistry and Biotechnology, Kenyatta University
2000-2004
Kenyatta University
Master of Science (MSc) degree in the Department of
Biochemistry and Biotechnology
1994-1998
Kenyatta University
Bachelor of Science degree course (BSc) in biochemistry and
attained Second Class Honours (Upper Division).
1989-1992
Kakamega High School
Sat for Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education
1981-1988
Senende Primary School
Sat for Kenya Certificate of Primary Education
TEACHING AND WORK EXPERIENCE:
1|A.J. Mgutu
March 2011 to Present:
2010 to February 2011:
2009 to 2010:
February 2003-2006:
Responsibilities:
Lecturer and Postgraduate internal examiner
Department of Biochemistry and Biotechnology, Kenyatta
University.
Tutorial Fellow, Kenyatta University
Department of Biochemistry and Biotechnology
Part Time Lecturer, Kenyatta University
Department of Biochemistry and Biotechnology
Research Assistant, Kenyatta University.
1. Managing the Plant Transformation Level II Bio-safety
laboratory.
2. Assisting graduate (PhD and MSc) students set up plant
transformation experiments.
3. Preparing and supervising course practical sessions in plant
tissue culture and molecular biology both for undergraduates
and postgraduate (MSc) students
4. Invigilating continuous assessment exams for students taking
plant biochemistry and molecular biology courses
5. Marking project reports for BSc and MSc students
undertaking practical courses in plant transformation and
molecular biology
APPOINTMENTS/COMMITTEES:
2nd - 22nd July 2014: Acting Chairman Department of Biochemistry and Biotechnology,
Kenyatta University
Responsibilities:
Undertaking all managerial duties of the chairman of the
department including Teaching unit allocation to staff members,
Chairing Postgraduate defense board meeting(1) Representing The
Dean School of Pure and Applied Sciences (SPAS) in University
Board meetings (1) and chairing departmental Examination Board
meeting.
2014 April:
Appointed by the Vice Chancellor in a committee to develop a
concept note to be submitted to ASERECA entitled “Capacity
Development for sustainable Plant genetic resources (PGRS)
utilization and conservation in eastern and central Africa”
2013 – Present:
Examination coordinator in the Department of Biochemistry and
Biotechnology, Kenyatta University
Responsibilities:
Processing of all examinations in the department
Ensuring timely setting and quality control of all examinations in
the department
Maintaining all examination records and accessible inventory
system
Authenticating and entry of marks in the Campus-Vue IT system
for the department
Time tabling for examinations in the Department
2|A.J. Mgutu
7th February 2013:
25th to 29th
Appointed to represent the Vice Chancellor, Kenyatta University in
a breakfast consultative meeting on biosafety of GMOs organized
by ministry of higher education, science and technology
September 2011: Appointed to represent Kenyatta University in a Kenya
Government contingency on a reconnaissance mission at The
Forensic Institute, The National Rabat University Khartoum, Sudan;
for establishment of an investigative Forensic Laboratory at the
Criminal Investigation Department (CID) Kenya.
RESEARCH EXPERIENCE AND EXPOSURE:
September 2007 to date:
Generating transgenic tropical maize and investigating for
transgene integration, segregation and disease bioassays in
the progeny.
Experience:
1. Optimizing tropical maize Agrobacterium mediated
transformation
2. Screening transgenic maize
using PCR, RT-PCR,
immunoblotting and Southern blotting
3. Maize streak virus bio-assays in tropical maize tissues both in
vitro and in vivo
2006 to 2007:
North Carolina State University in the USA at the Viral
Genomics Research Group, Department of Biochemistry in
Prof. Linda Hanley-Bowdoin Laboratory
Experience:
1. General cloning and DNA analytical techniques
2. Cloning of maize streak virus genome, replication proteins
of maize streak virus and peptide aptamer genes into yeast
plasmids.
3. Testing protein -protein interaction using yeast two hybrid
assays
4. Construction of plant expression vectors for maize
transformation bearing peptide aptamer genes
February 2003-July 2006:
Research Assistant in the Plant Transformation Bio-safety
Level II Laboratory, Kenyatta University
Experience:
1. Establishing in vitro tissue cultures and regeneration of local
(Kenyan) maize lines
2. Transformation of the maize tissues using Agrobacterium
tumefaciens.
3. Analysis of transgene expression in putative transgenic
maize using GUS /BAR reporter genes and PCR
3|A.J. Mgutu
May 2001 to July 2002:
Weizmann Institute of Science, Israel in the Department of
Plant Science working on MSc thesis project under the
supervision of Prof. Jonathan Gressel.
Experience:
1. Use of anti-metabolites to study plant metabolic pathways
sites using spectroscopy detection methods
2. Establishing parasitic weeds tissue cultures
3. Enzyme purification and activity assays in plant tissues
4. Metabolites
accumulation
and/or
depression
determinations in plants tissues.
5. Determination of inhibitory concentration IC50 value for
plant tissues.
August to December 1999:
Kenya Trypanosomosis Research Institute (KETRI)
Biochemistry Division under training collaboration
program.
SCHOLARSHIPS:
 Government of Kenya Scholarship to study for Bachelor of Science Degree at Kenyatta
University from 1994 to 1998.
 Rockefeller Foundation Academic scholarship to ascertain metabolic sites that can be
inhibitory targets in parasitic weeds. MSc project from 2000-2004
 Rockefeller Foundation academic scholarship to develop maize resistant to maize
streak virus disease (MSD). Doctorate degree from 2007-2011
RESEARCH GRANTS:
1. Regional Universities Forum for Capacity Building in Agriculture (RUFORUM),
Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda. CGS Grant number RU/CGS/GRG/30/03/14
(US$ 65,000.00) for developing maize tolerant to Striga hermonthica through
engineered lignification in the roots.
2. Ministry of Higher of Education and Science and Technology, National Commission
for Science, Technology and Innovation multi-institutional innovation joint Grant
Number NCST/5/003/3rdSTI CALL/189 (KSh 6,000,000.00) for developing drought
tolerant maize through genetic engineering with Ami-RNA sequences that silence
maize PARP genes resulting in enhanced energy use efficiency during drought stress.
3. Ministry of Higher of Education and Science and Technology, National Commission
for Science, Technology and Innovation Post-Doctoral Grant Number
NCST/5/003/005/68 (KSh 1,000,000.00) for “Mitigating the effects of MSV disease by
accelerating tropical maize transformation with peptide aptamers using cell
suspension and protoplast culture systems”.
POSTGRADUATE STUDENT SUPERVISION:
INTERNAL (KENYATTA UNIVERSITY)
PhD Graduated
4|A.J. Mgutu
1) Mbinda Wilton Mwema: Ph.D Thesis (2014) Department of Biochemistry and
Biotechnology, Kenyatta University; Improvement of drought tolerance in
sweetpotato by expressing Xerophyta viscosa genes.
MSc Graduated
2) Olive Fridah Sande: MSc Thesis (2013) Yeast Extract Peptone (YEP) media
promotes Agrobacterium infectivity in recalcitrant tropical maize inbred lines.
3) Sylviah Odinda Nawiri: MSc Thesis (2014) Genetic Engineering of sweet potatoes
(Ipomea batata (L) LAM) using isopentenyl transferase (ipt) gene for enhanced drought
tolerance.
PhD on going
4) Lydiah Wamalwa: Ph.D Thesis (2010) Department of Biochemistry and
Biotechnology, Kenyatta University; “In Agrobacterium tumefaciens transformation of
sweet potato with Bt genes for insect-weevil resistance”. Thesis submitted for
examination
5) Joshua Mugendi Njiru: Ph.D Thesis (2012) Department of Biochemistry and
Biotechnology, Kenyatta University; “Transformation of African cassava for resistance
to CBD and CMV diseases”. On going
6) Mburu Kenneth Njuguna: Ph.D Thesis (2010) Department of Biochemistry and
Biotechnology, Kenyatta University; “An integrated approach for the control and
management of the Banana xanthomonas wilt disease”. On going
MSc on going
7) Joseck Akoyi: M.Sc Thesis (2011) Department of Biochemistry and Biotechnology,
Kenyatta University entitled “Establishment of an efficient regeneration and
transformation protocol for tropical maize inbred lines using immature zygotic
embryos. Thesis under Departmental Review
8) Morris Muthini: M.Sc Thesis (2013) Department of Biochemistry and Biotechnology,
Kenyatta University entitled “Genetic and Morphological assessment of rhizobia that
nodulate Phaseolus vulgaris in water hyacinth compost testing fields in Lake Victoria
basin”. Thesis submitted for examination
9) Christopher Mutai Kiplangat: M.Sc Thesis (2013) Department of Biochemistry and
Biotechnology, Kenyatta University entitled “Quantitative trait loci (QTL) mapping of
catechins using pseudo testcross of tea”. On going
10) Bilhah Moemi: M.Sc Thesis (2014) Department of Biochemistry and Biotechnology
Kenyatta University; “Tropical maize transformation through cell suspension and
protoplast culture systems”. Proposal accepted
11) Muchemi Kariuki Peterson: MSc Thesis (2011) Department of Biochemistry and
Biotechnology, Kenyatta University; “Somatic embryogenesis and regeneration of
maize genotypes adapted to arid, semi-arid and coastal ecosystems of Kenya” Thesis
submitted for examination
12) Laban Mwadime Mwashigadi: MSc Thesis (2012) Department of Biochemistry and
Biotechnology, Kenyatta University; “Somatic embryogenesis of PH4 and DK8031
5|A.J. Mgutu
coastal maize genotypes using immature embryos”. Thesis submitted for
examination
13) Khakasa Musungu Kathleen: MSc Thesis (2014). Department of Biochemistry and
Biotechnology, Kenyatta University; “Identification and characterization of Kenyan
marine microalgae strains towards biofuel production”. Proposal accepted
14) Munyao Mary Ndunge: MSc Thesis (2013) Department of Biochemistry and
Biotechnology, Kenyatta University; “Evaluation of agronomic traits among tropical
maize under salt stress and identification of responsible salt tolerance QTL”. On going
15) Dennis Nyachae Mose: MSc Thesis (2011). Department of Biochemistry and
Biotechnology, Kenyatta University. “Isolation, identification and charactersation of
microbial contaminants in selected biosafety laboratories in Kenya” Thesis submitted
for examination
16) James Mwangi Mureithi: MSc Thesis (2013). In-vitro colchiploidy in diploid purple
passion plants targeting to increase the fruit size and pulp content” on going.
EXTERNAL
JOMO KENYATTA UNIVERSITY OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
1. Imbo Mary Akoth: MSc Thesis (2013) “Competence to agrobacterium-mediated
transformation and expression analysis of NUDX gene in eight selected farmerpreferred sweet potatoes genotypes” Proposal accepted; on going
2. Muli Joshua Kiilu: MSc Thesis (2013) “In vitro oxidative stress response in
tropical maize genotypes and characterization of transgenic lines over- expressing
PARP hairpin construct for drought stress tolerance” on going.
WORKSHOP ORGANIZED:
1.
22nd to 29th June 2012: Successful organization of the Participatory Plant Breeding
(PPB) workshop under the Capacitate East Africa project
held at Kenyatta University Conference Centre, Kenyatta
University.
2. 4th to 8th October 2004:
Environmental Microbiology workshop at Kenyatta
University Department of Biochemistry and Biotechnology,
sponsored by the Kenya Society of Microbiology.
SEMINARS PARTICIPATED:
1. 22nd August 2012: Participated in a Biosafety sensitization workshop organized by
KUIBC held at Kenyatta University
2. 17th to 21st September 2012: Participated in scientific writing course training organized
by Uganda Martyrs University supported ACP-EU/S&T programme Unit held at Mt
Zion Hotel, Kampala Uganda.
3. September 22nd -26th 2008. All Africa congress on biotechnology held at Grand
Regency Hotel, Nairobi, Kenya.
6|A.J. Mgutu
4. July 2007: Botany and Plant Biology Joint Congress Chicago, USA. Sponsored by the
American society of plant biologists, American society of plant taxonomists American
fern society and botany society of America.
5. September 2006: Triangle Plant Molecular Biology meeting in Wilmington, North
Carolina USA. Sponsored by the Triangle Research Consortium (North Carolina State
University, Duke University and National Biotechnology Research Center)
6. December 29th- 3rd 2004. 12th Post graduate seminar of Kenyatta University, Nairobi
Kenya.
7. July 2004. Attended the Kenya Biochemical Society Annual Conference on
Biotechnology and Bio-informatics, Egerton University, Njoro Kenya.
PUBLICATIONS:
1.
Sande F. Olive, Fredrick M. Njoka, Allan J. Mgutu and Sylvester E. Anami (2014)
Screening for Water Deficit Tolerance, Relative Growth Analysis and
Agrobacterium-Infectivity in Tropical Maize [Zea Mays L.] Inbred Lines in Nairobi,
Kenya. International Journal of Life Sciences Research ISSN 2348-3148 (online) Vol.
2, Issue 4, 218-224.
2.
Morris Muthini, John M. Maingi, John O. Muoma, Alice Amoding, Dative
Mukaminega, Newton Osoro, Allan Jalemba Mgutu and Omwoyo Ombori
(2014). Morphological Assessment and Effectiveness of Indigenous
Rhizobia Isolates that Nodulate P. vulgaris in Water Hyacinth Compost
Testing Field in Lake Victoria Basin. British Journal of Applied Science &
Technology 4(5): 718-738.
3.
Ngugi M Piero, Njagi J Murugi, Oduor R Okoth, Mgutu A Jalemba, Ngeranwa NJ
Joseph and Njagi EN Mwaniki (2013). Prevention of Type I Diabetes Mellitus: The
Role of Immune Interventions. Journal of Clinical and Cellular Immunology S2:005.
doi:10.4172/2155-9899.S2-005
4.
Joseck Akoyi, Allan J. Mgutu, Jesse Machuka, Mieke van Lijsebettens,
Catherine Taracha and Sylvester E. Anami (2013). “Dicamba Growth
Regulator Promotes Genotype Independent Somatic Embryogenesis from
Immature Zygotic Embryos. Accepted for Publication in Journal of Life
Sciences, 7:677-689.
5.
Joseck Akoyi, Olive Sande, Jesse Machuka, Mieke Van Lijsebettens, Catherine
Taracha, Allan J. Mgutu, and Sylvester E. Anami (2012). Embryogenic Callus
Induction, Plant Regeneration and Incompetence of Immature Embryos to
Agrobacterium Attachment in tropical maize inbred lines. NCST 1st National
Science, Technology and Innovation week. 7th – 11th May Nairobi, Kenya. Abstract
pp40.
Mgutu A.J., (2011). Development of Maize streak virus disease resistance in
tropical maize using peptide aptamers. Doctor of Philosophy (PhD.) Thesis
submitted to School of Pure and Applied Sciences, Kenyatta University.
Mgutu A.J., Nash T., Hanley-Bowdoin L. and Machuka J. (2011). Towards
developing tropical maize resistant to maize streak virus (MSV) disease using
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peptide aptamers. Keystone Symposium on Plant Abiotic Stress Tolerance
Mechanisms, Water and Global Agriculture, Keystone Colorado, USA January 1722, 2011. Abstract No. 211
Anami E.S. Mgutu A.J., Taracha C., Coussens G., Karimi M., Hilson P.,
Lijsebettens M.-V., and Machuka J. (2010). Somatic embryogenesis and plant
regeneration of tropical maize genotypes. Plant Cell and Tissue Organ Culture.
Volume 102, Number 3, pp. 285-295.
Anami E.S., Mgutu A.J., Hanley-Bowdoin L., Rasha A.O., Nelisen H, Inze D., Van
Lijsebettens M. and Machuka J. (2008). Progress in transformation and
regeneration of tropical inbred line maize lines in Kenya. Maize Genetic Coop
Newsletter 82:22-23.
Mgutu A.J., Lopez-Ochoa L., Machuka J. and Hanley-Bowdoin L. (2008). Battling
maize streak virus (MSV) disease with biotechnology: Progress via genetic
engineering using peptide aptamers.1st All Africa Congress on Biotechnology
Nairobi, Kenya. Abstract pp57.
Mgutu A.J., Lopez-Ochoa L., Machuka J. and Hanley-Bowdoin L. (2007).
Development of resistance to maize streak virus disease using peptide aptamers.
Proceeding of the 2007 Botany and Plant Biology Joint Congress Chicago, USA.
Abstract No. P45027.
Mgutu A.J., (2004). Ascertaining metabolic pathway sites in Orobanche aegyptiaca
that can be inhibited using anti-metabolites in vitro. In Proceedings of the 12th
postgraduate seminar Kenyatta University Nairobi. Pp38.
Mgutu A.J., (2004). Ascertaining metabolic pathway sites in Orobanche aegyptiaca
that can be inhibited using anti-metabolites in vitro. Master of Science Thesis
submitted to Kenyatta University.
8|A.J. Mgutu