Bolaji Thomas - Featured Faculty 2014

Specifically, the research program is interested in how polymorphisms of complement regulatory genes, which was found to display interethnic diversity and functional significance, affect disease pathophysiology in sickle cell disease. The Thomas lab has shown that there are distinct and significant differences in the genotypic and allelic frequencies of these polymorphisms between sickle cell groups from Africa and the United States. Elucidating the role of these polymorphisms in disease and clinical implication is of interest to the Thomas group and others. The overarching goal of the project is to develop a new therapeutic approach for the treatment of sickle cell disease. The lab is also focused on deciphering how variations in individual’s genetic makeup affect susceptibility to disease co-morbidities among patients with sickle cell disease in Africa and other countries. In addition, the Thomas lab is also interested in elucidating the expression and kinetics of novel genes from persistent parasites in a disease called leishmaniasis.

The lab has forged a very enriching and fruitful collaboration with Drs Betty Pace, Georgia Regents University and Dapa Diallo, University of Bamako, Mali, working together on sickle cell disease project. In addition, the lab has an ongoing collaboration with Dr Ikhide Imumorin on the zoonoses project. These collaborations have led to 12 published peer-reviewed articles, with several more in press or in preparation.

The Thomas lab is also focused on student training, mentoring and capacity development. A variety of techniques and approaches are used in the lab encompassing multiple disciplines including molecular biology, immunology, parasitology, bioinformatics and immunogenetics amongst others to facilitate research, mentoring and teaching activities.

Dr Thomas is also involved in the scientific community as a member of the American Association for Immunologists and the Network of Minority Research Investigators, as a faculty mentor for the Federation of American Societies for Experimental Biology Maximizing Access to Research Careers (FASEB-MARC). In addition, Dr Thomas currently serves on the board for the RIT Upstate Louis Stokes Alliances for Minority Participation (ULSAMP) and has been in the forefront of recruiting, training and mentoring undergraduate students in his research program. Dr Thomas has also been involved as a PI or Co-PI on several grants funded by the National Institutes of Health and World Health Organization.