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

1. N. M. Creux, M. H. De Castro, M. Ranik, M. F. MALEKA, and A. A. Myburg (2013). Diversity and cis-element architecture of the promoter regions of cellulose synthase genes in Eucalyptus. Tree Genetics and Genomes, in print (DOI 10.1007/s11295-013-0611-2)

Conferences

1. M. F. MALEKA, P. Bloomer, and A. A. Myburg. Nucleotide diversity in two key lignin biosynthetic genes of Arabidopsis thaliana. South African Genetics Society (SAGS) Conference, 4-7 April 2004, University of Stellenbosch, Stellenbosch, South Africa
2. M. F. MALEKA, K. G. Payn, P. Bloomer, B. J. H. Janse, W. S. Dvorak, and A. A. Myburg. The molecular evolution of cell wall biosynthetic genes in Eucalyptus urophylla. International Union of Forest Research Organizations (IUFRO) Tree Biotechnology Conference, 6-11 November 2005, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa
3. K. G. Payn, M. F. MALEKA, B. J. H. Janse, W. S. Dvorak, and A. A. Myburg. Phylogeography of Eucalyptus urophylla based on the chloroplast JLA region. 6th Southern African Plant Breeders’ Association (SAPBA) symposium, 12-16 March 2006, Club Mykonos, Cape Town, South Africa
4. M. F. MALEKA, K. G. Payn, P. Bloomer, B. J. H. Janse, W. S. Dvorak, and A. A. Myburg. Allelic diversity and Linkage Disequilibrium in wood and fibre genes of Eucalyptus urophylla. South African Genetics Society (SAGS) Conference, 2-4 April 2006, Bain’s Game Lodge, Bloemfontein, South Africa
5. K. G. Payn, M. F. MALEKA, B. J. H. Janse, W. S. Dvorak, and A. A. Myburg. Population genetic analysis of Eucalyptus urophylla based on chloroplast DNA, microsatellite and single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) diversity. South African Genetics Society (SAGS) Conference, 27-29 March 2008, Sanlam Auditorium, University of Pretoria Conference Centre, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa
6. M. H. De Castro, N. M. Creux, M. Ranik, M. F. MALEKA and A. A. Myburg. Molecular evolution of the promoter regions of cellulose synthase genes in Eucalyptus. International Union of Forest Research Organizations (IUFRO) Tree Biotechnology Conference, 28 June -02 July, Whislter, BC, Canada
7. M. F. MALEKA, J. Mafofo, D. J. G. Rees, D. Litthauer, J. Albertyn and J. J. Spies. Characterization of the Clivia transcriptome using the Illumina sequencing technology. South African Genetics Society, 9 – 11 April 2010, CR Swart Building, University of the Free State, Bloemfontein
8. M. E. Botha, J. Albertyn and M. F. MALEKA. Cloning and expression analysis of the phytoene synthase (Psy) gene in Clivia miniata. South African Genetics Society, 9 – 11 April 2010, CR Swart Building, University of the Free State, Bloemfontein
9. B. C. Jackson, L. Herselman, J. J. Spies and M. F. MALEKA. Differential gene expression in the floral tepals of Clivia miniata using cDNA-AFLP. South African Genetics Society, 9 – 11 April 2010, CR Swart Building, University of the Free State, Bloemfontein
10. M. F. MALEKA, J. Mafofo, D. J. G. Rees and J. J. Spies. The identification of genes involved in colour formation in Clivia miniata flowers. International Clivia Society, 21 – 23 September 2010, Sanlam Building, Bellville, Cape Town
     

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

Plant Biotechnology

Molecular Evolution

Molecular Genetics

Recombinant DNA Technology

GEN 246 - Molecular Genetics
GEN 624 - Recombinant DNA technology