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John- Patrick
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- Cellular biology
Unlock the Secrets of the Cell – Expert Cell Biology Tutoring That Clicks
- Cellular biology
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About John- Patrick
Hello everyone!
I'm Dr. John Patrick Alao (you can call me Dr. Alao or John-Patrick), and I'm thrilled to be your lecturer for the Level 4 Introduction to Biochemistry and Molecular Biology module here at the University of East London.
A bit about my journey so far (as of early 2025/2026):
I actually did my own BSc in Biochemistry (Honours, 2:1) right here at UEL back in the late 1990s — so in a way, I'm coming full circle and super excited to be teaching in the same department that helped launch my career!
After that, I went on to complete a PhD in Investigative Medicine at Imperial College London (in collaboration with the National Institutes of Health in the USA), where I studied a novel protein involved in cancer-related genetics.
My research has taken me across Europe: postdoctoral work in Sweden at Gothenburg University (with EMBO and other fellowships), then back to the UK with roles at Imperial, UEL, ZEAB Therapeutics (diagnostics during the pandemic), and most recently as a Senior Research Officer / Postdoc at the University of Essex and Queen Mary University of London in the Rallis Lab.
My main passion is cell biology, especially how cells make decisions about growth, stress, ageing, and survival. I've used fission yeast (Schizosaccharomyces pombe — a tiny "mini-human" model organism) to uncover cool things like:
How caffeine (yes, your morning coffee!) interacts with ancient pathways to potentially slow cellular ageing, override cell cycle checkpoints, influence DNA damage responses, and even extend lifespan in yeast models.
The crosstalk between TOR (growth/signalling) and AMPK (energy stress) pathways in autophagy (cellular recycling) and longevity.
How cells balance metabolism, DNA repair, and ageing — findings that link to human health, cancer therapy resistance, and healthy ageing.
My work has been published in journals like Microbial Cell, Cells, Molecular Microbiology, and others, with over 2,500–2,600 citations and an h-index around 23 (Google Scholar). I've reviewed for top journals (Oncogene, BMC Cancer, etc.) and supervised MSc/PhD projects along the way.
Beyond research, I'm a Fellow of the Higher Education Academy (FHEA), Chartered Scientist (CSci), and member of the Royal Society of Biology. I love designing and running practical lab sessions, lecturing on cell biology/drug development topics, and helping students see how "boring" textbook stuff connects to real discoveries (like why understanding yeast checkpoints might one day improve cancer treatments!).
In the lab, I've worked with everything from mammalian cell cultures and siRNA to yeast genetics, PCR, western blots, immunofluorescence, and even SARS-CoV-2 diagnostics during the pandemic.
Outside science, I'm motivated by curiosity, collaboration, and the belief that small molecules (even caffeine!) can reveal big secrets about life. I'm German-nationality (but very international background — Nigeria roots, UK education, Sweden postdoc years), and I bring that global perspective to teaching.
My goal for this module: Make biochemistry and molecular biology feel alive, relevant, and fun — not just memorisation. Ask questions, challenge ideas, come to office hours — I'm here to help you build confidence in the lab and in thinking like a scientist.
Looking forward to a great semester with you all! What's one thing you're most curious about in cell bio or biochem right now?
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About the lesson
- Primary
- Secondary
- Matric/GCSE
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Secondary
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Adult education
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- English
Languages in which the lesson is available :
English
Here are some key cell biology lessons drawn from my research background, teaching (including the current Level 4 Introduction to Biochemistry and Molecular Biology module at University of East London), and publications—especially using fission yeast (Schizosaccharomyces pombe) as a powerful model system that mirrors many core human cell processes.
Cells integrate multiple signals to decide their fate — Growth (via TOR/mTOR), energy status (via AMPK), stress, and DNA damage don't act in isolation. They crosstalk extensively. For example, in fission yeast, compromising ESCRT signalling can confer resistance to TOR inhibitors like Torin1, while AMPK activation can override or balance TOR to promote autophagy and longevity. Lesson: No pathway is an island—context (nutrients, damage, ions) rewires responses.
Checkpoints are elegant but fragile brakes on the cell cycle — DNA damage or replication stress activates checkpoints (Rad3/ATR, etc.) to halt progression until repair. Caffeine overrides many of these by stabilising regulators like Cdc25 or Wee1 in unexpected ways, accelerating mitosis but sensitising cells differently under stress. Key takeaway: Checkpoints prevent catastrophe, but overriding them (pharmacologically or mutationally) reveals how finely tuned timing is for survival.
Autophagy is the ultimate recycling and survival mechanism — AMPK and TOR act antagonistically: high energy → AMPK up, TOR down → autophagy on for cleanup and stress resistance. In yeast, this extends chronological lifespan. In human cells, similar interplays link metabolism, ageing, and disease (cancer, neurodegeneration). Lesson: Starvation or energy stress isn't just bad—it's a trigger for cellular housekeeping that can promote healthspan.
Small molecules reveal hidden pathway connections — Caffeine isn't just a stimulant; in yeast models, it modulates Wee1 stability (Rad24-dependent), influences cyclin levels, overrides checkpoints, activates AMPK/Ssp pathways, advances mitosis, and even extends lifespan via metabolic rewiring. Tools like caffeine, Torin1, or kinase inhibitors uncover how environmental cues (e.g., cations, osmolarity) alter drug sensitivity and cell cycle kinetics.
Model organisms bridge basic mechanisms to human relevance — Fission yeast shares conserved core cell biology with humans (cell cycle, DNA damage response, TOR/AMPK/autophagy axes, stress signalling). Discoveries in yeast about caffeine's effects on ageing or TOR-DNA damage crosstalk translate to insights into human longevity, cancer therapy resistance, and metabolic health. Lesson: Simpler systems let us dissect complexity that would be impossible in mammalian cells alone.
From basics to translation: Core techniques underpin discovery — Mammalian cell culture, transfection, siRNA, immunofluorescence, western blotting, RT-qPCR, cloning, and yeast genetics all feed into understanding molecular events. Early work on cyclin D1 degradation (ubiquitin-dependent, HDAC inhibitors) in breast cancer cells showed how proteasomal control regulates proliferation—principles that echo in modern targeted therapies.
Resilience emerges from delays and backups — Hyperosmosis or high cations suppress sensitivity in checkpoint mutants by delaying cytokinesis or activating spindle checkpoints. Mitotic delays give time for repair. Lesson: Cells have layered, redundant mechanisms—evolution favours robustness over perfection.
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- 5h: R2203
- 10h: R4406
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The free first lesson with John- Patrick allows you to get to know the tutor and discuss your needs and expectations.
- 30min
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