Ayodeji Ojo Oteyola, MSc, PhD

2025 Donald E. Wesson Research Fellowship Award

Institution: Albert Einstein College of Medicine

Project Title: Atypical FAT1 Cadherin and Vascular Calcification in Chronic Kidney Disease.

How would you sum up your overall research focus in one sentence?

My research focuses on investigating the role of the atypical FAT1 cadherin in limiting vascular calcification in chronic kidney disease.

Provide a brief overview of the research you will conduct with help from the grant.

Our preliminary findings suggest that loss of FAT1 increases the expression of the transcription factor KLF4, which promotes calcification. The project includes two key aims: (1) determining whether FAT1 inhibits calcification through suppression of KLF4 in both mouse and human VSMCs, and (2) to assess whether smooth muscle-specific FAT1 deficiency increases vascular calcification in a mouse model of CKD. The goal of this work is to reveal a novel protective mechanism against vascular calcification and provide a foundation for future therapies.

What inspired you to focus your research in this area?

My motivation for focusing research on vascular calcification in chronic kidney disease (CKD) stems from urgent clinical need because vascular calcification is a major contributor to cardiovascular mortality in CKD patients, yet no effective treatments exist. The inspiration to study FAT1 specifically comes from its emerging role in regulating vascular smooth muscle cell (VSMC) behavior, a key driver of calcification, and the potential to uncover new molecular pathways that could lead to targeted therapies. My wonderful mentor (PI) also inspired me a lot in focusing on this area of research.

What impact do you hope your research will have on patients?

By understanding how FAT1 regulates vascular smooth muscle cell behavior and calcification, my ultimate goal is to reduce cardiovascular complications and improve survival and quality of life for CKD patients, who currently have limited treatment options for this serious complication.

What are your career goals at the end of the grant period? Five years out? Ten years out?

I aim to make meaningful scientific advancements in my research projects, scientific skills and writing, communication, and critical evaluation skills. These experiences will prepare me to apply for a career development award as I work toward becoming an independent investigator within the next five years. My long-term goal is to establish myself as a fully funded independent scientist, dedicated to uncovering the molecular mechanisms underlying vascular calcification in chronic kidney disease patients and identifying potential therapeutic targets.

What are the major challenges to beginning a career in nephrology research today?

Nephrology intersects multiple disciplines (e.g., immunology, vascular biology, metabolism), and it requires broad technical expertise that can be difficult to build quickly without structured training.

What advice would you give to others to encourage them to apply for this grant funding?

Don't underestimate the power of believing in your potential, this grant is not just funding, it is an investment in your growth as a scientist. If you have a vision, take the leap, you may be more ready than you think.

Something you may not know about me is…

I am a Nigerian, fluent in both Yoruba (my native language) and English. I also have an elementary proficiency in Portuguese, which I developed during my time in Brazil.

In my free time I like to…

I like to watch football matches.