In brief…
I have been an independent researcher in the field of biochemistry (glycobiology) since 2014. My main interest lies in the interaction between viruses and glycosaminoglycans (GAGs) and the various consequences that result, such as type 2 diabetes, cancers, biomarkers, etc. Through reviewing the structures of GAGs and their importance in different pathologies, my small research project led me to highlight the significance of the binding site of D-xylose, the attachment site for the chains of four types of GAGs to core proteins. From this work, I first published a preprint in December 2019, followed by three review articles (2020, 2021, 2022).
All my research is funded by my salary from another job. In the future, I aspire to create a university in Cameroon, complete with research centers (engineering, biomedical, etc.), accessible free of charge to low-income students. This university would operate based on a business model I developed during my MBA program, which I completed through evening classes over two years at a reputed school in Paris. This is the project of my life, my dream, and a way to facilitate the return of a significant portion of the diaspora to Cameroon bringing back individuals who are well-trained, possess multiple skills, and are currently in major universities, companies, and organizations abroad to help reduce poverty and improve living conditions.
When I am in Cameroon, I discuss clinical aspects with my father, Mr. Tekoungang Etienne (Retired Certified Nurse), founder of La Colombe Health Center in Fokoue, where I maintain a small office. I also receive considerable support from a company that provides services to researchers.