A Nigerian researcher, Ayomide Peter Akomolafe, has added another remarkable chapter to his academic and scientific journey with a compelling presentation at the prestigious 110th Annual Symposium of the Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Nebraska Medical Center (UNMC), United States, where he is currently a PhD student.
Akomolafe presented his poster titled “Role of Histamine 1 Receptor Signaling in Glioblastoma Progression”, unveiling research findings that could potentially reshape the treatment landscape for glioblastoma (GBM), the most aggressive and deadly form of brain cancer.
In his presentation, he explained how histamine signaling through the Histamine 1 receptor (HRH1) influences the growth and progression of glioblastoma cells. Backed by experimental data from his laboratory studies, he revealed that Dexbrompheniramine (Dexbrom), a first-generation antihistamine that is already FDA-approved for allergies, was able to significantly suppress the growth of glioblastoma cells. Importantly, the drug proved effective in both Temozolomide (TMZ)-resistant and TMZ-sensitive cell lines, addressing one of the greatest challenges in current glioblastoma therapy.
Even more striking were the results of combining Dexbrom with Temozolomide, the standard chemotherapy for GBM. Akomolafe’s findings showed that this combination not only induced apoptosis, the controlled death of cancer cells, but also stimulated pyroptosis and autophagy, two additional cell-death mechanisms that enhance cancer suppression. The implication, according to him, is that Dexbrom could be repurposed as a novel therapeutic strategy for glioblastoma, offering hope to patients whose options are currently very limited.
“Our results showed that Dexbrom selectively targeted glioblastoma cells while sparing normal human astrocytes. This makes the drug particularly promising for translation into clinical care,” Akomolafe told fellow researchers and scholars at the symposium. His presentation generated strong interest, with colleagues offering new perspectives, meaningful criticisms, and thought-provoking questions that further enriched the research discussion.
The success of the presentation was not only a professional achievement for the young scientist but also a powerful statement about the global contributions of Nigerian researchers. Attendees at the symposium noted that his work fits into the broader international conversation on drug repurposing and immunomodulation in cancer therapy, fields that are gaining momentum as scientists look for innovative solutions to long-standing health challenges.
This latest milestone builds on the foundation of his earlier research, which attracted national attention in 2024 when his work on glioblastoma was profiled in Nigerian media. At the time, Akomolafe’s research was hailed for its promise in identifying new therapeutic pathways for treating this devastating disease. His progress since then demonstrates not only continuity in his scientific vision but also growth and refinement in his approach, with yesterday’s presentation marking a significant leap forward.
For Akomolafe, who hails from Ekiti State, the journey has been both challenging and fulfilling. Now fully immersed in his PhD studies at UNMC, he continues to balance rigorous research with a deep sense of purpose. He expressed gratitude to his principal investigator, his mentors, his colleagues in the laboratory, and his family and friends, acknowledging their invaluable support in helping him reach this stage of his career.
“The symposium was not only an opportunity to communicate our findings but also a chance to test our ideas in the wider scientific community and receive feedback that will strengthen our work,” he said. “I am motivated to keep pushing forward, not just as a scientific pursuit, but as a mission to bring hope to patients battling one of the deadliest cancers.”
Glioblastoma remains a formidable medical challenge, with poor survival outcomes and limited treatment options despite decades of research. The significance of Akomolafe’s findings lies in the fact that the drug under study is not an experimental compound but an existing, approved medication with known safety profiles. This raises the possibility of speeding up its translation from the laboratory to clinical trials, potentially giving patients access to a new treatment strategy much sooner than traditional drug development pathways would allow.
As his research progresses, Akomolafe’s work continues to inspire. His story resonates not only as a tale of scientific achievement but also as an example of how Nigerian scholars are contributing meaningfully to the advancement of global health. From his beginnings in Ikere-Ekiti to his current role as a PhD researcher at one of America’s leading medical centers, he represents the resilience, brilliance, and global impact of a new generation of African scientists.
The presentation at UNMC was more than an academic exercise; it was a reminder that groundbreaking ideas can emerge from unexpected places, and that the fight against diseases like glioblastoma can be strengthened by the courage and dedication of young researchers determined to make a difference.
