Dr. Patrick Okoth

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Dr. Patrick Okoth

okothContact Details
Department of Biological Sciences
School of Natural and Applied Sciences(SONAS) MMUST
P.O. Box 190-50100 , Kakamega, Kenya
[Molecular Biology, Computational Biology and Bioinformatics Lab]

EMAIL: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.,

ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-0241-8799,

 ResearcherID: ABH-2912-2020

Google Scholar: ZVjCewQAAAAJ&hl=en&oi=ao

 Dr. OKOTH PATRICK

Dr. Okoth Patrick is a Cell and Molecular Scientist and Senior Lecturer of Molecular Biology, Computational, Biology and Bioinformatics. He holds both a Ph.D and an Msc in Cell and Molecular Biology from Maseno University and Bsc[Hons] from Egerton University. Dr. Okoth is a member of the International Society of Computational Biology. He is an alumnus of the International Brain Research Organization [IBRO] Schools and a student member of the Society of Neuroscientists Association of Africa [SONA]; a continental neuroscience federation dedicated to the promotion of neuroscience.Dr.Okoth has participated in various IBRO sponsored schools mentoring African Scientists interested in neuroscience including;
1. IBRO-ARC Advanced Neuroscience School: Drugs of Abuse: Neurobiology, Neurochemistry, Behavior and Cognitive Effects.
2. 40th IBRO Africa Neuroscience School, Behavioural Bioassays in Neuroscience,
3. IBRO/UNESCO Inter Regional School on Environment, Epigenetics and Behaviour focusing on epigenetic mechanisms including histone protein modification and connection with behaviour
4. FORGATY/IBRO SONA Satellite Mini School on Neuroimmunology and Infectious Diseases of the Brain

 

RESEARCH MOTIVATION

My scientific quest is to understand nature’s mute yet elegant language of cells and how from an alphabet of only four letters representing the chemical subunits of DNA, emerges a syntax of life processes and how they are expressed in animals as in plants. My research explores the staggering volume of molecular data and its cryptic and subtle patterns in understanding molecular diversity. In doing so, I explore computerised databases, using computational and Bioinformatics tools and algorithms to decipher their genetic legacy and its role in health as in disease. I explore novel technologies like DNA barcoding using signature tags conserved in various eukaryotic and prokaryotic genomes through DNA sequencing to trace molecular footprints of organisms. I explore animal models like Drosophila melanogaster in understanding neurocircuitry and neuroplasticity mediating drug addiction. Besides, I do 3-Dimensional prototyping of Biological Macro-molecules for teaching, research and medicine. I am interested in molecular modelling studies including the predictive and prognostic molecular markers for cervical cancer. I have had bench experience in clinical research at the Case Western Reserve University Lab under the CDC/KEMRI studentship award. Currently, I am a champion of practise oriented University teaching based on the German model and a visiting scholar to University of Magdeburg and Brandenburg University of Applied Sciences in Germany under the DAAD funded ProUni-Edu Wek Program.

His major Publications:

  1. S. Khatiebi, Z. Odira, L. Shiyenzi, J. Nyang’au, C. N. Chi, C. Mulambalah, P. Okoth. Comparative Assessment of Heavy Metal Loading from Sewage Effluents and Inlet Rivers in the Winam Gulf of Lake Victoria, Kenya. Published on 30th October 2024 in Journal of Applied Sciences and Environmental Management. https://www.ajol.info/index.php/jasem/article/view/281583
  2. Beatrice Aleyo Muzame, Elizabeth Omukunda, David Mulama, Patrick Okoth. Spatio-temporal characterization of malaria prevalence in a peri-urban resource limited setting of Western Kenya Highlands. Published on 6th October 2024 in African Health Sciences.DOI: https://dx.doi.org/10.4314/ahs.v24i3.14
  3. Harrison Onyango, Grace Gitau,John Muoma,Patrick Okoth. Ligand-based pharmacophore modeling, virtual screening, and molecular dynamics simulations of Pfhsp90 fingerprints in Plasmodium malaria treatment. Published on 1st October 2024 in Computational and Structural Biotechnology. DOI:https://doi.org/10.1016/j.csbr.2024.100018
  4. Maryrose Nyakio ,Mariam Were ,Clabe Wekesa ,Henry Lungayia ,Patrick Okoth ,and Hassan Were. Molecular Footprints of Potato Virus Y Isolate Infecting Potatoes
    (Solanum tuberosum) in Kenya. Published on 5th July 2024 in Wiley Advances in Virology. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1155/2024/2197725
  5. Nyabera Nicholas Mogoi, Anthony Wawire Sifuna, Patrick Kirsteen Okoth, Oleg Reva, Rose Malaba, Ruth Negesa​, Kuloba Peter Nyongesa, Kombo Ezra Osoro and Martin Welch. Staphylococcus aureus associated with surgical site infections in Western Kenya reveals genomic hotspots for pathogen evolution. Published on 27 July 2024 in Microbiology Society. DOI:https://doi.org/10.1099/acmi.0.000734.v4
  6. Beatrice Aleyo Muzame,Elizabeth Omukunda,David Mulama,Patrick Okoth. Effect of socio-economic factors on malaria prevalence in a Peri-urban setting in Vihiga County, Western Kenya Highlands. published on 11th July 2024 in African Health Sciences. https://www.ajol.info/index.php/ahs/article/view/273581. DOI: https://dx.doi.org/10.4314/ahs.v24i2.19
  7. Josephine Wambani, Tom Were & Patrick Okoth. Monkeypox: genetic, clinical, molecular, diagnostic, and therapeutic perspectives. Published on 17th June 2024 in Journal of Rare Diseases. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s44162-024-00042-1
  8. Okello Harrison Onyango , Cynthia Mugo Mwenda, Grace Gitau, John Muoma, Patrick Okoth. Published on 30th November 2023 in Journal of Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology.In‑silico analysis of potent Mosquirix vaccine adjuvant leads.DOI: https://doi.org/10.1186/s43141-023-00590-x
  9. John G. Mwaura, Clabe Wekesa, Kiprotich Kelvin, Ang’ienda Paul, Philip A. Ogutu and Patrick Okoth. Pangenomics of the cichlid species(Oreochromis niloticus) reveals genetic admixture ancestry with potentialfor aquaculture improvement in Kenya. Published on 8th October 2023 in The Journal of Basic and Applied Zoology. https://link.springer.com/content/pdf/10.1186/s41936-023-00346-6.pdf. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1186/s41936-023-00346-6
  10. Monicah Florence Misiko,Taurai Bere, Darius O. Andika, Patrick Okoth ,and Benson Onyango. Spatial Variations in Aquatic Insect Community Structure in the Winam Gulf of Lake Victoria, Kenya. Published on 8th September 2023 in International Journal of Ecology. DOI: DOI:https://doi.org/10.1155/2023/8817525
  11. Sandra Khatiebi,Kelvin Kiprotich,Zedekiah Onyando,Clabe Wekesa,Celestine N. Chi,Chrispinus Mulambalah,and Patrick Okoth. Shotgun Metagenomic Analyses of Microbial Assemblages in the Aquatic Ecosystem of Winam Gulf of Lake Victoria, Kenya Reveals Multiclass Pollution. Published on 21 July 2023 in BioMed Research International. DOI:https://doi.org/10.1155/2023/3724531
  12. Zedekiah Odira Onyando, Elizabeth Omukunda, Patrick Okoth, Sandra Khatiebi, Solomon Omwoma,Peter Otieno, Odipo Osano and Joseph Lalah. Screening and Prioritization of Pesticide Application for Potential Human Health and Environmental Risks in Largescale Farms in Western KenyaPublished on 31st May 2023 in Agriculture. DOI: https://doi.org/10.3390/agriculture13061178
  13. Clabe Wekesa, Kelvin Kiprotich, Patrick Okoth, George O. Asudi, John O. Muoma,Alexandra C. U. Furch and Ralf Oelmüller. Molecular Characterization of Indigenous Rhizobia from Kenyan Soils Nodulating with Common Beans. Published on 30th May 2023 in International Journal of Molecular Science. DOI: https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms24119509
  14. Patrick Odhiambo, Harrison Okello, Annette Wakaanya, Clabe Wekesa and Patrick Okoth. Mutational signatures for breast cancer diagnosis using artificial intelligence.Published on May 2023 in Journal of the Egyptian National Cancer Institute. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1186/s43046-023-00173-4
  15. John Gitau Mwaura,Clabe Wekesa,Philip A. Ogutu and Patrick Okoth. Whole Transcriptome Analysis of Differentially Expressed Genes in Cultured Nile Tilapia (O. niloticus) Subjected to Chronic Stress Reveals Signaling Pathways Associated with Depressed Growth. Published on 25th March 2023 in Molecular Genetics and Genomics. DOI: https://doi.org/10.3390/genes14040795
  16. Benard Mutua, Rose Chelangat, Barasa Mustafa, Tom Were, Julie Makani, George Sowayi & Patrick Okoth. High-performance liquid chromatography local reference ranges of hemoglobin fractions (HbA, HbA2, and HbF) in detection of hemoglobinopathies in western Kenya. Published on 29th December 2022 in The Egyptian Journal of Internal Medicine. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1186/s43162-022-00187-9
  17. Clabe Wekesa, George O. Asudi ,Patrick Okoth,Michael Reichelt,John O. Muoma,Alexandra C. U. Furch 1 and Ralf Oelmüller. Rhizobia Contribute to Salinity Tolerance in Common Beans(Phaseolus vulgaris L.). Published on 16th November 2022 in Cell.https://www.mdpi.com/2073-4409/11/22/3628/pdf.  DOI: https://doi.org/10.3390/cells11223628
  18. Harrison Onyango, Patrick Odhiambo,David Angwenyi,Patrick Okoth. In Silico Identification of New Anti-SARS-CoV-2 Main Protease (Mpro) Molecules with Pharmacokinetic Properties from Natural Sources Using Molecular Dynamics (MD) Simulations and Hierarchical Virtual Screening. Published 10 Oct 2022 in Hindawi.DOI: https://doi.org/10.1155/2022/3697498
  19. Savinda Njeri Gichere,Kakai Shem Khakame, Okoth Patrick. Susceptibility Evaluation of Fall Armyworm (Spodoptera frugiperda) Infesting Maize in Kenya against a Range of Insecticides. Journal of Toxicology. Published 08 Aug 2022 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1155/2022/8007998
  20. Benard Mutua, George Sowayi and Patrick Okoth. Prognostic Potential of RDW in Discriminating Hemoglobinopathies among Patients reporting to Aga Khan Hospital, Kisumu. Egyptian Journal of Medical Human Genetics (2022) 23:121 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1186/s43042-022-00334-5
  21. Savinda Njeri Gichere, Kakai Shem Khakame, and Okoth Patrick. Susceptibility Evaluation of Fall Armyworm (Spodoptera frugiperda) Infesting Maize in Kenya against a Range of Insecticides. Published 08 Aug 2022. Journal of Toxicology. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1155/2022/8007998
  22. Benard Mutua, George Sowayi and Patrick Okoth. Distribution of hemoglobinopathy phenotypes in western Kenya: a retrospective study done at Aga Khan Hospital, Kisumu.Published: 27 June 2022.The Egyptian Journal of Internal Medicine.DOI: https://doi.org/10.1186/s43162-022-00138-4
  23. Benard M. Mutua, George Sowayi, Patrick Okoth. Red cell distribution width as a surrogate marker of haemoglobinopathies in western Kenya.African Journal of Laboratory Medicine.Published: 29 April 2022. DOI: https://doi.org/10.4102/ajlm.v11i1.1644.
  24. Josephine Wambani and Patrick Okoth. Scope of SARS‑CoV‑2 variants, mutations,and vaccine technologies. Published: .The Egyptian Journal of Internal Medicine. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1186/s43042-022-00255-3.
  25. Josephine Wambani and Patrick Okoth. Impact of Malaria Diagnostic Technologies on the Disease Burden in the Sub-Saharan Africa. Published22 March 2022. Journal of Tropical Medicine. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1155/2022/7324281.
  26. Josephine Wambani and Patrick Okoth. SARS‑CoV‑2 origin, myths and diagnostic technology developments.Egyptian Journal of Medical Human Genetics (2022). DOI: https://doi.org/10.1186/s43042-022-00255-3.
  27. Collins Kipkorir Kebenei, Patrick Okoth. Ebola Virus Disease, Diagnostics and Therapeutics: Where is the Consensus in Over Three Decad es of Clinical Research? Scientific African Volume 13, September 2021, e00862. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.sciaf.2021.e00862.
  28. Savinda Njeri Gichere; Alfred Alinda Khamala; Michael Ambutsi; Kakai Shem Khakame; Okoth Patrick. Molecular Modelling of Insecticide Binding Sites of the Voltage-Gated Sodium Channels of Fall Armyworm, (Spodoptera frugiperda) Article 4, Volume 14, Issue 3, Summer 2021, Page 35-49.DOI: https://doi.org/10.21608/EAJBSA.2021.187543 

  29. Collins Kipkorir Kebenei, Patrick Okoth. Ebola Virus Disease, Diagnostics And Therapeutics: Where Is The Consensus In Over Three Decades Of Clinical Research? Published on  29th July 2021 in Science Direct.DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.sciaf.2021.e00862.

  30. Michael Ambutsi, Oleg Reva, Patrick Okoth. Comparative genomic analysis of gene clusters of Pseudomonas aeruginosa that define specific biofilm formation in deciphering target regions for novel treatment options.Published in Scientifi Africa. 30th July 2021. DOI:  https://doi.org/10.21203/rs.2.21619/v1

  31. Eshrat Beigom KIA,1 Francan Felix OUMA,1,* Chrispinus Siteti MULAMBALAH,2 and Patrick Kirsteen OKOTH,"The Burden of Cystic Echinococcosis in Kenya: A Review Article", Published:Dec 2019 in Iranian Journal of Parasitology DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.18502/ijpa.v14i4.2092.
  32. Michael Ambutsi, Patrick Okoth,"Genomic Profiles of Pseudomonas aeruginosa Gene Clusters Based on Profile HMMs, Reveal Novel Therapeutic Targets for Clinical Intervention", April 2021Journal of Bioinformatics and Sequence Analysis Vol. 11(1), pp. 1-8, January-June, 2021(ISSN 2141-2464):ISSN 2141-2464. DOI: https://doi.org/10.5897/JBSA2020.0114.
  33. Peter Nyongesa; Patrick Okoth; Anthony Wawire Sifuna. Biofilms and Antimicrobial Susceptibility Profiles of Escherichia coli Recovered from Wastewater Treatment Plants in Kakamega Municipality, KenyaArticles in Press, Accepted Manuscript, Available Online from 02 March 2021 XMLPDF (1.34 MB) Document Type: Original Article  Evans Anubi Boge email orcid.DOI: https://doi.org/10.21608/EJM.2021.41683.1171
  34. Elija Odhiambo, Paul O. Angienda, Patrick Okoth and David Onyango,"Stocking Density Induced Stress on Plasma Cortisol and Whole Blood Glucose Concentration in Nile Tilapia Fish (Oreochromis niloticus) of Lake Victoria, Kenya",Published in  International Journal of zoology on 17 Jul 2020. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1155/2020/9395268.
  35. ALINDA Alfred Khamala, AMBUTSI Michael John, KAKAI Shem Khakame, OKOTH Patrick Kirste "SARS-CoV-2 Molecular Clock and Zoonosis", Published in Journal of General and Molecular Virology  on 30 June 2020. DOI: https://doi.org/10.5897/JGMV2020.0078.
  36. Okoth Patrick, Muoma John, Omayio Dennis, Barasa Mustafa, Angienda Paul, "Molecular Footprint of Kenya’s Gene Bank Repositories Based on the <i>cp</i>-Genome Signatures", DOI: https://doi.org/10.4236/AJMB.2018.84019.

  37. Patrick Okoth, John Muoma, Mulaya Emmanuel, Wekesa Clabe, Dennis O. Omayio, Paul O. Angienda, "The Potential of DNA Barcode-Based Delineation Using Seven Putative Candidate Loci of the Plastid Region in Inferring Molecular Diversity of Cowpea at Sub-Species Level",Published: 2016 in American Journal of Molecular Biology. DOI:https://doi.org/10.4236/AJMB.2016.64014
  38. Patrick Okoth, Alfred Alinda , Savnda Gichere, Mike Ambutsi, Christian Toralf Weber Thomas Schrader, Dietmar Wikarski. Robotics and 3D Printing Technologies in Leveraging Practiceoriented Teaching. https://opus4.kobv.de/opus4-fhbrb/frontdoor/index/index/searchtype/latest/docId/2742/start/0/rows/1.

Popular Press

  1. https://nation.africa/kenya/news/education/mmust-german-varsities-introduce-3d-printing-technology--3427784
  2. http://www.mmust.ac.ke/mmust/index.php/news-media/news-and-events/310

Innovation Projects

  1. Python package that calculates Lipinsky descriptors, predicts pIC50 and performs docking
  2. SATO - Sequence Analysis Toolkit. https://pypi.org/project/SATO

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