Dr Paul Visendi Muhindira

I am a bioinformatician with over thirteen years of experience integrating biochemistry and chemistry with advanced computational techniques. My research interests are on the computational design of peptide drug candidates. By leveraging machine learning (ML) and molecular dynamics, I design and computationally validate peptide drug designs for potency and cell permeability. My research includes designing peptide drug candidates in collaboration with AstraZeneca.

Previously, at the Queensland University of Technology, I spearheaded projects on CRISPR-edited bananas funded by major commercial partners Fresh DelMonte and Hort Innovation Australia. My responsibilities included the computational identification and validation of disease susceptibility genes as targets for CRISPR-Cas9 editing. Notably, I contributed to deciphering mechanisms of resistance of QCAV-4, that led to the regulatory approval of the first genetically modified crop for commercial production in Australia. This underscores my ability to translate complex bioinformatics and genomics research that drives commercial outcomes.

My expertise in plant genomics, analysing large, complex, repeat-rich genomes, has equipped me with the skills necessary to tackle the complexities of drug design. These challenges parallel those in drug discovery, where understanding complex molecular interactions and competing trade-offs in engineering drug qualities is challenging.

Novel drug targets under research include Restless Leg Syndrome, Plasmodium falciparum, conotoxins targeting sodium and calcium channels, and theta defensin biosynthesis genes. Additionally, I bias peptide drug designs for potential production in plants. This approach hopes to provide cheaper drugs for developing economies and promote greener chemistry, leveraging plants' natural capabilities to produce complex molecules sustainably and cost-effectively.

PhD project opportunities available