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12 December 2024 | Story André Damons | Photo André Damons
Dr Innocensia Mangoato
Dr Innocensia Mangoato graduated on Tuesday (10 December 2024) with degree Doctor of Philosophy with specialisation in pharmacology at the Faculty of Health Sciences’ December graduation ceremony. Here she is with her supervisor and mentor Prof Motlalepula Matsabisa, Director of the University of the Free State (UFS) Department of Pharmacology.

A lecturer and researcher from the University of the Free State (UFS) Department of Pharmacology hopes her research into the use of cannabis in reversing anticancer drug resistance is a step forward into treating various cancers especially in Southern Africa.

Dr Innocensia Mangoato graduated on Tuesday (10 December 2024) with the degree Doctor of Philosophy with specialisation in pharmacology at the Faculty of Health Sciences’ December graduation ceremony. She started her career as a research scientist in the area of African traditional medicines in 2018 and her research received both national and international recognition.

“It’s an amazing (feeling to graduate today). My PhD journey was smooth and beautiful and with mentorship of Prof (Motlalepula) Matsabisa, who groomed me well, I did not shed a tear,” said Dr Mangoato. Dr Gudrun S Ulrich-Merzenich from the University of Bonn in Germany, was her co-supervisor with Prof Matsabisa.

According to the graduation programme, Dr Mangoato, Lecturer and Researcher in the UFS Department of Pharmacology, with her thesis titled Investigating the anticancer and possible resistant reversal effects of cannabis sativa l. extracts in cervical cancer cell lines and modulation of ABC transporters comprehensively explored the therapeutic potential of Cannabis sativa L. in overcoming drug resistance in cervical cancer using in vitro and network pharmacology approaches.

A step forward for treating various cancers

The research looked at the chemical fingerprints and pharmacological targets of C. sativa L. extracts, highlighting its antiproliferative properties against normal non-cancerous cells, cervical cancer cells and the cisplatin-resistant cervical cancer cells. Through PCR analysis, distinct gene expression profiles were identified, revealing the potential effects of combination treatments to counteract cisplatin resistance by downregulating genes associated with drug transporters and crucial signalling pathways. This work provides valuable insights into innovative therapeutic strategies for improving cervical cancer treatment, highlighting new avenues for overcoming resistance and enhancing treatment efficacy though the possible use of plant extracts.

“I hope my research takes a step forward in treating various cancers – especially gynaecology cancers in the Southern Hemisphere in Africa. Hopefully the research can later transcend into clinical trials and hopefully influence more policymakers. We also hope to further develop cannabis to be used as an adjuvant therapy for those drugs that are failing to treat cancer,” says Dr Mangoato, who was the recipient of the Women in Science Master’s Student in 2018.

Her graduation was also a proud moment for Prof Matsabisa, an expert in traditional African medicine, who was like a father to her during her studies. “Prof identified me from my honours degree and walked this journey with me. He has been a great mentor, a father and an amazing supervisor.”

Dr Mangoato says she will for now focus on research only and helping and monitoring upcoming researchers, especially female researchers as there is a scarcity of them her field. 

News Archive

Information session: New company legislation
2007-03-06

The Department of Trade and Industry, in co-operation with the Centre for Business Law, Faculty of Law, University of the Free State, will present an information session on the Draft Companies Bill, 2007, in the C R Swart Auditorium, Main Campus of the UFS, from 10:00 – 13:00 on Thursday, 8 March 2007.

There will be ample opportunity for public participation and translation services will be available.

The Companies Bill, 2007, which envisages the repeal of the Companies Act of 1973, and the eventual repeal of the Close Corporations Act, 1984, has just been released for public comment with a view to expeditious finalization. This information session is therefore of the utmost importance for members of the auditors and accounting professions, legal professions, local and provincial government officials, the financial services and financial planning professions, banks and insurance companies, etc., who would like to stay abreast of the envisaged new legal developments in the field of Company Law and / or Close Corporations Law and / or to make inputs thereto.

The information session is open to the public and attendance is free of charge. Booking is essential and can be made with Mrs Riekie Erasmus (051) 4012451 (8:00 – 12:45) or Mrs Ina Malan (051) 4012319 (14:00 – 16:30).
 

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