Francis Adu-Amankwaah

Francis Adu-Amankwaah

Postdoctoral Fellow

Stellenbosch University, South Africa

Email: francisaduhigh@gmail.com

 

 

 

 

VALIDATE Role:

Network Affiliate

 

Research Keywords:

Cancer Biology, Cell Biology, Tuberculosis, Antimicrobial Resistance, Maternal and Foetus Health

 

Biography:

Dr. Francis Adu-Amankwaah is a highly skilled molecular biologist with expertise in cancer science, infectious diseases, transcriptomics, drug discovery, and next-generation sequencing. He holds a Ph.D. in Molecular Biology and an MPhil in Cancer Science from Stellenbosch University, along with a BSc in Biochemistry and Biotechnology from Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology. With a solid foundation in research and academia, Francis has made significant contributions to biomedical sciences through teaching, tutoring, and mentoring students. His research interests encompass disease pathology, molecular mechanisms, cancer, and infectious diseases, and he has authored several publications focused on antimicrobial, antimycobacterial, and anticancer therapeutics.

Currently, as a researcher, Francis is dedicated to advancing drug discovery, gene therapy, and personalized medicine by integrating molecular approaches. His work focuses on discovering novel bioactive compounds, developing host-directed therapies, understanding cellular pathways, and driving therapeutic innovations using biotechnology. With a passion for innovation and education, he seeks to bridge the gap between research and clinical applications to improve healthcare outcomes.

 

Related Websites:

LinkedIn

 

Key Publications:

  • Francis Adu-Amankwaah*, Kudzanai Ian Tapfuma, Hoosen Hussan, Ndivhuwo Tshililo, Lucinda Baatjies*, Maano Valerie Masiphephethu, Lawrence Mabasa, Vuyo Mavumengwana: Cytotoxic activity of Cape Fynbos against triple-negative breast cancer cell line (2022), South African Journal of Botany (DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.sajb.2022.08.004).
  • Kudzanai Ian Tapfuma, Kudakwashe Nyambo, Francis Adu-Amankwaah, Lucinda Baatjies, Liezel Smith, Nasiema Allie, Marshall Keyster, Andre G. Loxton, Mkhuseli Ngxande, Rehana Malgas-Enus, Vuyo Mavumengwana* (2022): Antimycobacterial activity and molecular docking of methanolic extracts and compounds of marine fungi from Saldanha and False Bays, South Africa, Heliyon (DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.heliyon.2022.e12406).
  • Kudakwashe Nyambo, Kudzanai Ian Tapfuma, Francis Adu‑Amankwaah, Lauren Julius, Lucinda Baatjies, Idah Sithole Niang, Liezel Smith, Krishna KubenGovender, Mkhuseli Ngxande, Daniel J. Watson, Lubbe Wiesner and Vuyo Mavumengwana*(2024): Molecular docking, molecular dynamics simulations and binding free energy studies of interactions between Mycobacterium tuberculosis Pks13, PknG and bioactive constituents of extremophilic bacteria, Scientific Report (DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-024-57124-9).
  • Kudakwashe Nyambo#, Francis Adu-Amankwaah#, Kudzanai Ian Tapfuma1, Lucinda Baatjies, Lauren Julius, Liezel Smith, Mkhuseli Ngxande, Krishna Govender, Lawrence Mabasa, Afsatou Traore, Maano Valerie Masiphephethu, Idah Sithole Niang and Vuyo Mavumengwana* (2023): In-silico and in-vitro assessments of some Fabaceae, Rhamnaceae, Apocynaceae, and Anacardiaceae species against Mycobacterium tuberculosis H37Rv and triple-negative breast cancer cells, BMC Complementary Medicine and Therapies (DOI: https://doi.org/10.1186/s12906-023-04041-5). # These authors contributed equally to this paper (first authors).
  • Francis Adu-Amankwaah*, Hephzibah Sam, Chris Yaw Asare and Felix Charles Mills-Robertson* (2023): Antimicrobial, antioxidant activities, and total phenolic contents of Pycnanthus angolensis Sap and Cryptolepis sanguinolenta root extracts, BMC Complementary Medicine and Therapies (DOI: https://doi.org/10.1186/s12906-023-04006-8).
  • Francis Adu-Amankwaah*, Candice Februarie, Kudakwashe Nyambo, Gerald Maarman, Ndivhuwo Tshililo, Lawrence Mabasa, Vuyo Mavumengwana and Lucinda Baatjies*(2024): Cytotoxic properties, glycolytic effects and high-resolution respirometry mitochondrial activities of Eriocephalus racemosus against MDA-MB 231 triple-negative breast cancer,  BMC Complementary Medicine and Therapies (DOI: https://doi.org/10.21203/rs.34438456/v1)
  • Francis Adu-Amankwaah, Hleziphi V. Mpundu, Kudakwashe Nyambo, Paula Strauss, Kudzanai Ian Tapfuma, Motunrayo Victoria Badejo,Lawrence Mabasa, Vuyo Mavumengwana, Lucinda Baatjies*(2024): Phytochemical and pharmacological review of Erica genus (L.) Ericaceae plants, Phytomedicine Plus (DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.phyplu.2024.100697).
  • Francis Adu-Amankwaah, Ayesha Hussan, Gershon Amenuvor, Vuyo Mavumengwana and Lungile Sitole* (2025): Metabolic reprogramming in malignant A375 cells treated with a ruthenium (II) complex: Insights from GC/MS metabolomics, MDPI, Metabolomics (DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11306-025-02221-7).
  • Francis Adu-Amankwaah, Kudzanai Ian Tapfuma, Kudakwashe Nyambo, Gerald Maarman, Brian S.M. Munansangu, Funanani Thagulisi, Daniel J. Watson, Lubbe Wiesner, Ndivhuwo Tshililo, Lawrence Mabasa, Vuyo Mavumengwana and Lucinda Baatjies* (2025): Targeting mitochondrial function to inhibit glycolysis and oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS) for therapeutic intervention in triple-negative breast cancer line (MDA-MB 231) utilising Cape fynbos, South African Journal of Botany (DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.sajb.2025.01.016)
  • Kudakwashe Nyambo, Vivette Soko, Kudzanai Ian Tapfuma, Bongani Motaung, Francis Adu-Amankwaah, Lauren Julius, Ashwil Klein, Marshall Keyster, Lucinda Baatjies, Liezel Smith, Krishna Kuben Govender, Mkhuseli Ngxande, Andre G Loxton, Vuyo Mavumengwana (2025): Repurposing of apoptotic inducer drugs against Mycobacterium tuberculosis, Scientific Report (DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-025-91096-8).