Mathabatha Frank Maleka obtained BSc, BSc (Hons) Genetics and MSc (Genetics) degrees from the University of Pretoria between 2002 and 2007. Research projects completed during BSc (Hons) and MSc studies were on the molecular evolution of cell wall biosynthetic genes in Arabidopsis thaliana and Eucalyptus urophylla, respectively. In 2007, Frank was appointed to his current position of lecturer in the Department of Genetics. He is also registered for a PhD (Genetics) degree under the supervision of Prof JJ Spies. In addition to conducting his own research, Frank is also involved in postgraduate student supervision with only one MSc student having successfully completed the degree under his supervision. Currently, Frank is involved in research projects of five students (three MSc and two Hons) as either project supervisor or co-supervisor.

Publications

• Maleka, M.F., Modise, J.T., Du Plessis, M.G. & Coetzer, G.M. (2024) Identification and characterization of sequence variants from a de novo-assembled partial pan-genome of cactus pear (Opuntia L.). South African Journal of Botany 175: 241–252.  https://doi:10.1016/j.sajb.2024.10.023
• Maleka, M.F. & Spies, J.J. (2024) Polymorphisms in two key anthocyanic genes of clivia (Clivia miniata L.) reveal evidence of selection and possible association with flower pigmentation. Journal of Evolutionary Biology 37(4): 429–441. https://doi:10.1093/jeb/voae025
• Modise, J.T., Maleka, M.F., Fouché, H. & Coetzer, G.M. (2024) Genetic diversity and differentiation of South African cactus pear cultivars (Opuntia spp.) based on simple sequence repeat (SSR) markers. Genetic Resources & Crop Evolution 71: 373–384. https://doi:10.1007/s10722-023-01629-1
• Ghosh, S., Al-Sharify, Z.T., Maleka, M.F., Onyeaka, H., Maleke, M., Maolloum, A., Godoy, L., Meskini, M., Rami, M.R., Ahmadi, S., Al-Najjar, S.Z., Al-Sharify, N.T., Ahmed, S.M. & Dehghani, M.H. (2022) Propolis efficacy on SARS-COV viruses: A review on antimicrobial activities and molecular simulations. Environmental Science and Pollution Research 29 (39): 58628 – 58647.  https://doi:10.1007/s11356-022-21652-6
• Creux, N.M., De Castro, M.H., Ranik, M., Maleka, M.F. & Myburg, A.A. (2013) Diversity and cis-element architecture of the promoter regions of cellulose synthase genes in Eucalyptus. Tree Genetics & Genomes 9: 989 – 1004. https://doi:10.1007/s11295-013-0611-2

Conferences

• Naidoo, P. & Maleka, M.F. Transcriptome sequencing and digital expression analyses of flower morphogenesis genes in Clivia. South African Society for Bioinformatics & South African Genetics Society BIO2024, 23 – 25 September 2024, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa.
• Mokgakala, K., Coetzer, G.M. & Maleka, M.F. Exploring DNA methylation in the genome of cactus pear (Opuntia ficus-indica) cultivars. South African Society for Bioinformatics (SASBi) – South African Genetics Society (SAGS) Joint Conference, 16 – 18 October 2018, Golden Gate Hotel, Golden Gate Highlands National Park, Clarens, South Africa.
• Peni, E.S., Coetzer, G.M. & Maleka, M.F. Chloroplast phylogenomics in cactus pear (Opuntia ficus-indica). South African Society for Bioinformatics (SASBi) – South African Genetics Society (SAGS) Joint Conference, 16 – 18 October 2018, Golden Gate Hotel, Golden Gate Highlands National Park, Clarens, South Africa.
• Mokgakala, K., Coetzer, G.M. & Maleka, M.F. Illumina sequencing and characterization of methylated regions in the cactus pear (Opuntia ficus-indica) genome. African Combined Congress (ACC), 15 – 18 January 2018, Ratanga Junction, Cape Town, South Africa.
• Peni, E.S., Coetzer, G.M. & Maleka, M.F. Chloroplast phylogenomics in cactus pear (Opuntia ficus-indica). African Combined Congress (ACC), 23 – 26 January 2017, Klein Kariba Resort, Bela-Bela, South Africa.
• Mokgakala, K., Coetzer, G.M. & Maleka, M.F. Exploring DNA methylation in the cactus pear (Opuntia ficus-indica) genome. African Combined Congress (ACC), 23 – 26 January 2017, Klein Kariba Resort, Bela-Bela, South Africa.
• Achilonu, C.C., Spies, J.J. & Maleka, M.F. Identification and expression analyses of chalcone synthase (CHS) and anthocyanidin synthase (ANS) genes in Clivia miniata. South African Society for Bioinformatics (SASBi) – South African Genetics Society (SAGS) Joint Conference, 20 – 23 September 2016, University of KwaZulu Natal, Durban, South Africa.
• Kyeswa, P.E., Spies, J.J. & Maleka, M.F. Molecular evolution of phytoene desaturase (PDS) and zeta-carotene desaturase (ZDS) genes in Clivia miniata. South African Society for Bioinformatics (SASBi) – South African Genetics Society (SAGS) Joint Conference, 20 – 23 September 2016, University of KwaZulu Natal, Durban, South Africa.

Frank’s research interest is on the genetics of flower pigmentation in clivias. Clivias are sold worldwide as ornamental crops in the floriculture industry. Interest in these plants lie particularly in their flowers which display variable colours and forms (i.e. shapes). The biggest challenge facing clivia breeders is to produce cultivars with novel flower colours and forms. So far, this has been achieved by utilizing conventional plant breeding approaches that enable trait (i.e. colour) assessment to be performed only in mature plants. However, this approach can be improved by incorporating information on the molecular genetics of trait formation and variation in the breeding strategy. Therefore, Frank`s current project aims to understand the genetics of flower pigmentation and colour variation in clivias.

Previously, Frank used a high-throughput sequencing technology (Illumina Genome Analyzer) to sequence the Clivia miniata flower transcirptome. Preliminary analysis of the sequence data yielded more than 37000 transcript-derived contigs that were analyzed using various bioinformatic databases (e.g. Pfam, GO, KEGG) and software packages. So far, a total of 60 contigs were identified that are homologous to various genes involved in flavonoid (including anthocyanins), carotenoid and betalain biosynthetic pathways. Furthermore, 15 contigs were identified that are homologous to regulatory genes involved in flavonoid pigmentation. All these genes are currently being studied further particularly in terms of their expression during flower development and how they evolve.

Plant Molecular Biology

Molecular Evolution

Population Genetics and Genomics

Molecular Genetics and Genomics

Bioinformatics

GENE3713 – Genomics

GENM6804 – Recombinant DNA Technology

GENE8900 – Genetics Dissertation

GENI8900 – Genetics Interdisciplinary Dissertation

GENE9100 – Genetics Thesis