KABIRU SAHABI

My name is Sahabi Kabiru. I have a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree from UDUS, Sokoto (2005), an M.Sc. and a Ph.D in the field of Cancer Biology and Oncology from UPM, Malaysia (2014 and 2018 respectively). I have extensive research experience in the field of cancer research, spanning 7 years. I have specific experience in cell culture, cancer cell characterization (primary cell culture), molecular biology techniques and cancer animal models.  

I am a 44 year-old Nigerian male, passionate about cancer and molecular biology research. 

TEACHING EXPERIENCE

• Advise/supervise weekly Clinical Conference Presentations by Veterinary Medical Officers, at the Zonal Veterinary Clinic, Birnin Kebbi (ongoing).
• Tutor/lecture Veterinary Undergraduates and Animal Health students (ND and HND) on industrial training at the Clinic (ongoing).   
• Participated in organizing and running Problem-based learning (PBL) classes for Clinical Veterinary (DVM) undergraduate students at the Universiti Putra Malaysia: 2016 - 2018.

WORK EXPERIENCE

• Research in the field of Cancer Biology and Oncology: 2012 to date.
• Zonal Veterinary Officer Birnin Kebbi/Assistant Chief Veterinary Officer/Oncologist, Zonal Veterinary Clinic, Birnin Kebbi Zonal Livestock Office, Kebbi State, Nigeria: 2018 to date.
• Veterinary officer, Zonal Veterinary Clinic, Birnin Kebbi Zonal Office, Kebbi State, Nigeria: 2007 to 2016.
• Veterinary officer, Zonal Animal Hospital Gusau, Zamfara State, Nigeria: 2006 to 2007 (NYSC).

For my Ph.D. thesis, I developed a doxorubicin-resistant canine mammary gland tumour (CMT) cell line (able to proliferate in 100 nM doxorubicin) and identified the genes that are responsible for the development of drug resistance in the CMT cell as ABCB1 and ABCG2. The proteins coded by these genes could be targeted with inhibitors, in conjunction with chemotherapeutic agents, to enhance the cytotoxic effects of drugs on the CMT cells. Furthermore, using the research grant I secured (Univesiti Putra Malaysia’s Geran putra research grant, with number 9481100), I determined the tumourigenicity of the established drug-resistant cells as well as that of the drug-sensitive cells in NOD/SCID mice xenograft model. Both cell types developed tumours in the mice. Next, I isolated (CD44+ and CD24-/low phenotype) using flow cytometry and identified putative cancer stem cells (CSC) using established breast cancer stem cell marker ALDH, followed by profiling of the mRNAs in the CSC, using canine specific microarray platform and identified the possible associated signaling pathways (TGFRB, EGFR1, NF-κB and Wnt signaling) in doxorubicin resistance in CMT and in CSC. This contributed greatly in guiding further research to identify the specific roles and functions of the dysregulated genes, especially in the CSCs, and in identifying the molecular markers and potential therapeutic targets in dogs with drug-resistant or recurrent CMT. Most importantly, I went further in my study to for the first time identify differentially expressed microRNAs (on a custom designed canine specific microRNA microarray platform) in CSCs as well as drug-resistant CMT. The findings from that part of the study shed more light on how microRNAs are dysregulated in CMT and CSCs to maintain the stem cell phenotype and enhance cancer cell survival and progression. My work also identified microRNAs that have not been fully characterized in canine cancers that could be further investigated to establish their potentiality as therapeutic targets in CSCs and in CMT with a drug-resistant phenotype. The overall findings in my Ph.D. thesis contributed to the body of knowledge in the quest for a more effective therapeutic approach for treating dogs with CMT and could possibly be translated to humans with breast cancer. One research article have been published from the work and another currently under review for publication in a reputable journal.

Additionally, I have experience in cell culture, primary cell culture, primary cancer cells characterization and other basic techniques such as Immunohistochemistry, Histopathology, Western Blotting, Q-PCR (including RNA and DNA extraction/purification), Flow cytometry and have experience in working with laboratory animals. 

During my Ph.D. candidature, I had the opportunity to participate in teaching practical classes to undergraduate veterinary medicine students as well as in problem-based learning (PBL) classes, which is a multidisciplinary class, comprising students of veterinary medicine, medical students (MBBS) and students from environmental sciences department. All the experience I have acquired during my postgraduate studies have made me suitable for this position. 

CAREER GOALS

Currently, I am the Head of Clinical Services and an Oncologist, Zonal Veterinary Hospital Birnin Kebbi, Kebbi state, Nigeria. Unfortunately, my current place of work is not equipped for molecular research. I am therefore searching for a conducive environment where I could pursue my research interests and further my career as a researcher.

My career goal is to find a more satisfying job in cancer research, where I can partake in the quest for identifying new molecular targets and new therapeutic options for more effective anticancer therapy. A cancer research group, where current issues and challenges in cancer therapy are investigated to find solutions, is what I greatly desire to join.