Title/Qualifications: B.Sc., M.Sc., PhD
Department/Unit/Section: Biochemistry, Microbiology and Biotechnology
Contact Address: Kenyatta University | Department of Biochemistry and Biotechnology | P. O. Box 43844-0100 Nairobi, Kenya
Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Position: Associate Professor
Area of Specialization: Molecular Biology, Biotechnology
ORCID:https://orcid.org/0000-0002-9043-2338
SCOPUS ID: 36909262500 
Google Scholar:  https://scholar.google.com/citations?hl=en&view_op=list_works&authuser=3&gmla=AJsN-F7MeTtQjknHvxhUX2pJwxVuHdilGuDnlwhoNmrTbfRWclrSUmDix4qnOtX3-svb5mosVBzFJhI0OHzU6SKdgVWawWdrHbxuOGG_RObqX2wznZd2ibU&user=2fCV0AgAAAAJ
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Research Interests:
My research interest focuses on use of modern tools in Molecular Biology to overcome biotic and abiotic constrains of food production as well as enhancing the understanding of modern biotechnology.  Specifically, my research revolves around five interrelated areas; i) long distance RNA trafficking between parasitic plants and their hosts, ii) RNA interference (RNAi) as a resistance mechanism against parasites – Striga and Cuscuta, iii) genetic engineering strategies for enhancing drought tolerance in tropical crops, iv) Agrobacterium rhizogenes transformation of cereals as a functional genomics tool for plant-parasite interactions, and v) molecular mechanisms of parasitic plants/host plants interactions.

Research Publications
Refereed journal papers

  • Runo, S*, Karembu, M, Nan’gayo F, Mekbib, F, Haileselassie T, Tesfaye, K, Lasky, J, Gao, H, Jones T, (2024).  Africanizing Genome Editing for Food Sustainability. Global Food Security. Under Revision.
  • Ledford, H. (2024). CRISPR-edited crops break new ground in Africa. Nature. https://doi.org/10.1038/d41586-024-00176-8 [This article describes our gene editing work in sorghum]
  •  Abkallo, H, Arbuthnot, P, Auer, T, Berger, D, Burger, J, Chakauya, E, Concordet, J-P, Diabate, A, Di Donato, V, Groenewald, J-H, Guindo, A, Koekemoer, L, Nazare, F, Nolan, T, Okumu, F, Orefuwa, E, Paemka, L, Prieto-Godino, L, Runo, S, Sadler, M, Tesfaye, K, Tripathi, L, Wondji, C (2024) How to make genome editing a success story in Africa. Nature Biotechnology., 1–4. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41587-024-02187-2  
  •  Runo, S*, Karembu, M, Nan’gayo F, Mekbib, F, Haileselassie T, Tesfaye, K, Lasky, J, Gao, H, Jones T, (2024).  Africanizing Genome Editing for Food Sustainability. Global Food Security.
  •  Hao, J., Yang, Y., Futrell, S., Kelly, E. A., Lorts, C. M., Nebie, B., Runo, S, Yang, J, Alvares, S, Laskey JR, Schachtman, DP. (2023). CRISPR/Cas9-Mediated Mutagenesis of Carotenoid Cleavage Dioxygenase ( CCD ) Genes in Sorghum Alters Strigolactone Biosynthesis and Plant Biotic Interactions. Phytobiomes J. https://doi.org/10.1094/pbiomes-08-22-0053-r  
  • Irafasha, G., Mutinda, S., Mobegi, F., Hale, B., Omwenga, G., Wijeratne, A. J., Bellis, E and Runo, S*. (2023). Transcriptome atlas of Striga germination: Implications for managing an intractable parasitic plant. Plants, People, Planet. https://doi.org/10.1002/ppp3.10395  
  • Mutinda, S., Jamil, M., Wang, J. Y., Berqdar, L., Ateka, E., Bellis, E. S., and Runo S*. (2023a). Strigolactone biosynthesis lgs1 mutant alleles mined from the sorghum accession panel are a promising resource of resistance to witchweed (Striga) parasitism. Plants, People, Planet. doi: https://doi.org/10.1002/ppp3.10442  
  • Mutinda, S., Mobegi, F. M., Hale, B., Dayou, O., Ateka, E., Wijeratne, A., Bellis E, and Runo S*. (2023b). Resolving intergenotypic Striga resistance in sorghum. J. Exp. Bot. https://doi.org/10.1093/jxb/erad210  
  • Mwangangi, I. M., Büchi, L., Runo, S., and Rodenburg, J. (2023). Essential plant nutrients impair post‐germination development of Striga in sorghum. Plants, People, Planet. https://doi.org/10.1002/ppp3.10418  
  • Mwangangi IM, Buchï L, Haefele SM, Bastiaans L, Runo S, Rodenburg J (2021) Combining host plant defence with targeted nutrition: key to durable control of hemi-parasitic Striga spp. in cereals in sub-Saharan Africa? Accepted in: New Phytologist https://doi.org/10.1111/nph.17271 10. Masanga J, Mwangi BN, Kibet W, Sagero, P, Wamalwa M, Oduor R, Ngugi M, Alakonya A, Ojola P, Bellis E, Runo S*. (2021): Physiological and ecological warnings that dodder pose an exigent threat to farmlands in Eastern Africa. Plant Physiology.  https://doi.org/10.1093/plphys/kiab034
  • Kavuluko, J, Kibe M, Sugut I, Kibet W, Masanga J, Mutinda S, Wamalwa M, Magomere T, Odeny D, Runo S*. (2021) GWAS on a diverse sorghum collection reveals new sources, mechanisms, and loci for post-germination resistance against the parasitic plant Striga hermonthica. Accepted in: BMC Plant Biology. https://doi.org/10.21203/rs.3.rs-54024/v1  
  • Mallu TS, Mutinda S, Githiri SM, Odeny D and Runo S*. (2021) New pre-attachment Striga resistant sorghum adapted to African Agro-ecologies. Pest Management Science. 2021 Feb 12. https://doi.org/10.1002/ps.6325 Epub ahead of print. PMID: 33576100.
  •  Dayou O, Kibet W, Ojola P, Gangashetty PI, Wicke S and Runo S*. (2021) Two-tier Witchweed (Striga hermonthica) Resistance in Wild Pearl Millet (Pennisetum glaucum) 29Aw.: Weed Science) https://doi.org/10.1017/wsc.2021.12
  •  Bellis ES, Kelly EA,  Lorts CM,  Gao H, DeLeo DL,  Rouhan G, Budden A, Bhaskara GB, Hu Z, Muscarella R, Timko MP, Nebie B, Runo SM, Chilcoat ND, Juenger TE, Morris GP, dePamphilis CW, Lasky JR. (2020): Genomics of sorghum local adaptation to a parasitic plant. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences. https://doi.org/10.1073/pnas.1908707117
  • Tonui R, Masanga J, Kasili R, Runo S, Alakonya A. (2020) Identification of maize lethal necrosis disease causal viruses in maize and suspected alternative hosts through small RNA profiling. Journal of Phytopathology. 168:439–450. https://doi.org/10.1111/jph.12908
  • Runo S*. (2020) Modern breeding approaches for durable resistance against the parasitic plant Striga 2019. Afrika Focus. 32: (2) 109-115. https://doi.org/10.21825/af.v32i2.15770 17. Youksouna Y, Masanga J, Nyerere A, Runo S, Ambang Z. Towards Managing and Controlling Aflatoxin Producers Within Aspergillus Species in Infested Rice Grains Collected from Local Markets               in            Kenya. Toxins   (Basel).                 2019      Sep         19;11(9):544. https://doi.org/10.3390/toxins11090544
  • Waweru D, KuriaE, BradleyJ, Scholes J, Runo S. Tissue Culture Protocols for the Obligate Parasitic Plant Striga hermonthica and Implications for Host-Parasite Co-cultivation. Accepted 03 May 2019; Plant Cell Tissue and Organ Culture
  • Runo S Modern breeding approaches for durable resistance against the parasitic plant Striga Accepted 01 April 2019 Afrika Focus
  • Mutinda S, Masanga J, Mutuku J, Runo S, and Alakonya A. KSTP’94, an open pollinated maize variety has post-attachment resistance to Purple Witchweed (Striga hermonthica). Weed Science, 2018. 66(4):525-529.
  • Runo S, Kuria, E. Habits of a Highly Successful Cereal Killer, Striga. PLoS Pathogens, 2018. 14(1): e1006731. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal. ppat.1006731.
  • King'oria, EM, Obanda, V, Ndambiri, EM, Runo, SM, Chiyo, PI. Adding injury to infection: The relationship between injury status and genetic diversity of Theileria infecting plains zebra, Equus quagga. Infection, Genetics and Evolution, 2018. 269-278.
  • Oruru MB, Mugendi EN, Pasquet R, Runo S. Response of a wild-type and modern cowpea cultivars to arbuscular mycorrhizal inoculation in sterilized and non-sterilized soil. Journal of Plant Nutrition, 2018. 41:1, 90-101, DOI: 10.1080/01904167.2017.1381728
  • Mbuvi, D. A., Masiga, C. W., Kuria, E., Masanga, J., Wamalwa, M., Mohamed, A., Timko, MP, Runo, S. Novel Sources of Witchweed (Striga) Resistance from Wild Sorghum Accessions. Frontiers in Plant Science, 2017 8, 271.
  • Mutegi, SM, Muchugi, A, Carsan, S, Kariba, R, Jamnadass R, Oballa P, Brunner AM, Runo, S. Genetic diversity of the African poplar (Populus ilicifolia) populations in Kenya. Tree Genetics & Genomes, 2016. 12:66
  • Kirigia D, Runo S, Alakonya A. A virus-induced gene silencing (VIGS) system for functional genomics in the parasitic plant Striga hermonthica. Plant Methods 2014, 10:16.
  • Ogugo V, Semagn K, Beyene Y, Runo S, Olsen M, Warburton ML. Parental genome contribution in maize DH lines derived from six backcross populations using genotyping by sequencing. Euphytica 2014, 1–11.
  • Mwangia IN,.Sanchez MC, Mkoji GM, Agola LE, Runo SM, Cupit PM, Cunningham C. Praziquantel sensitivity of Kenyan Schistosoma mansoni isolates and the generation of a laboratory strain with reduced susceptibility to the drug. International Journal of Parasitiology: Drugs and Drugs Resistance 2014, 4:287-295
  • Macharia MW, Runo SM, Muchugi AN. Genetic structure and diversity of East African taro [Colocasia esculenta (L.) Schott]. African Journal of Biotechnology 2014.
  • Matheka JM, Anami S, Gethi J, Omer RA, Alakonya A, Machuka J, Runo SM A new double right border binary vector for producing marker-free transgenic plants. BMC Research Notes 2013, 6:448.
  • Runo S., Macharia, S., Alakonya, A.,Machuka, J., Sinha, N, Scholes, J.D. Striga parasitizes transgenic hairy roots of Zea mays and provides a tool for studying plant-plant Interactions. Plant Methods. 2012; 8:20.
  • Alakonya, A., Koenig, D., Kumar, R., Kimura, S., Townsley, B., Runo, S., Garces, H., Kang, J., Machuka, J., Sinha, N. "Interspecific RNAi of STM disrupts Cuscuta pentagona plant parasitism. Plant Cell 2012, 24(7):3153-­‐66.
  • Adam O.R., Matheka M.J., Runo S.R., Ali A.M., Kuria A., Masiga C., Mugoya C., Machuka J. Effects of auxin and source of explants on callus induction of tropical maize. Biotechnology 2012, 11: 225-­‐231.
  • Bedada LT, Seth MS, Runo SM, Tefera W, Machuka J. Regenerability of Elite Tropical Maize (Zea mays L.) Inbred Lines Using Immature Embryo Explants. African Journal of Biotechnology. 2012; 11(3): 598-605.
  • Runo S. Engineering host derived resistance against plant parasites through RNA interference‐ Challenges and opportunities. Bioengineered Bugs. 2011;2(4):1-­‐6.
  • Runo S, Alakonya, A., Machuka, J., Sinha, N. RNA interference as a resistance mechanism against crop parasites in Africa: a ‘Trojan horse’ approach. Pest Manag Sci. 2011;67:129–36.
  • Bedada LT, Seth MS, Runo SM, Tefera W, Machuka J. Plant Regeneration of Ethiopian Tropical Maize (Zea mays L.) Genotypes. Biotechnology. 2011;10(6 ):506 ­‐13.
  • Alakonya AE, Runo, S.M., Keonig, D., Monda, E., Machuka, J., Sinha, N. Lack of GFP Trafficking from Transgenic Nicotiana benthamiana to Parasitizing Cuscuta pentagona. Global Journal of Biotechnology & Biochemistry 2010;5 (4):237-­‐42.

  • Schwartz RD, Runo S, Townsley B, Machuka J, Sinha N. (2008) Long‐distance transport of mRNA via parenchyma cells and phloem across the host–parasite junction in Cuscuta. New Phytologist. 179(4):1133 – 1141. (Equal first author).

Conference Presentations

  • Runo S., Honaas, L., Wamalwa M., dePamphilis C., Timko, M. Sorghum resistance and Striga virulence as two sides of the same coin. Presented at the 14th World Congress in Parasitic Plants. June 25-30, 2017. Asilomar Conference Center. Pacific Grove, California. USA. Keynote Paper
  • Runo S, Honaas, L., Wamalwa M., dePamphilis C., Timko, M. Striga/sorghum arms race during domestication as revealed by Dual RNA-seq. Keynote Paper. 7th International Weed Science Congress (IWSC). June 19-25, 2016, Prague, Czech Republic. Keynote Paper
  • Runo S., Honaas, L., Wamalwa M., dePamphilis C., Timko, M. Striga/sorghum arms-race during domestication. Presented at the 13th World Congress in Parasitic Plants 5-10 July 2014
  • Runo S., Macharia S., Alakonya A., Machuka J., Sinha S. and Scholes JD. Agrobacterium rhizogenes transformation of zea mays: a functional genomics tool for host-parasite interactions. Presented at the 12th World Congress on Parasitic Plants. The University of Sheffield 5th -10th July 2012
  • Runo S, David-Schwartz, R., Townsley, B., Machuka, J., Sinha, N.  siRNAs Against Parasitic Plants: A Trojan Horse Approach.  Bio-Earn/ VIRES Scientific Conference Harnessing Bioresources for Socia-economic Transformation for Eastern Africa; 2009 24th - 26th November, 2008; Speke Resort and Conference Centre Kampala Uganda, Kampala Uganda; 2009.
  • Runo S, Oduor, R., Binnot, J., Machuka, J., Thomson, J. . Genetic transformation of tropical maize for drought tolerance.  Third World Academy of Sciences Biosafenet workshop on Plant Abiotic Stress Tolerance 2009 10-12 June 2009; Rome, Italy; 2009.
  • Runo S, David-Schwartz, R., Townsley, B., Machuka, J., Sinha, N. Biotechnological approaches to parasitic plants control Breeding and Seed Systems for African Crops 2007 26th - 29th March, 2007; Instituto de Investigacao Agraria de Mocambique (IIAM), Maputo Mozambique; 2007.
  • Runo MS, David-Schwartz, R., Townsley, B., Machuka, J., Sinha, N. RNAi as a resistance mechanism against parasitic plants.  International Symposium on Integrating New Technologies for Striga Control: Towards Ending the Witch-hunt 2006 November 5-11, 2006; Hilton HotelAddis Ababa, Ethiopia; 2006.
  • Runo MS. Striga KNOX1 RNAi as a resistance mechanism in maize and sorghum.  48th annual maize genetics conference; 2006 9th-12th march 2006; Asilomar conference grounds. Pacific Grove, California USA; 2006.
  • Runo MS. Striga KNOX1 RNAi as a resistance mechanism in maize.  47th annual maize genetics conference. Grand Geneva resort. Lake Geneva, Wisconsin, USA.; 2005.
  • Runo S, Townsley, B., Machuka, J., Sinha, N. . A strategy to make maize resistant to Striga.  2nd general meeting of The Rockefeller Foundation-supported program Biotechnology, Breeding and Seed Systems for African Crops. Safari Park hotel Nairobi, Kenya.; 2005.

Major Achievements Since Last Appointment (Since 2013)

  • Resource mobilization: Over KES 60 million in research grants
  • Publications: Over 10 publications in high impact peer refereed journals
  • Supervision and mentoring: Successful supervision of 8 PhD and 17 MSc students
  • Networking: Created over 10 international, regional and local partnerships
  • Professional and community development: Keynote speaker in 3 international conferences; organized 2 workshops for dissemination of research findings
  • Administration: Chairman of Department; Developed new curriculum; mentored Ph.D and M.Sc. students in grant writing and research.