Research
Dr. Ibe’s research interests are in understanding the role of endogenous lipid mediators and cell signaling molecules, PKA-cAMP/PKG-cGMP, Rho GTPases, in perinatal pulmonary adaptation, particularly their roles in the pathology of persistent pulmonary hypertension of the newborn. Dr. Ibe also studies the role of these lipid mediators in cardiovascular and pulmonary abnormalities of sickle cell disease, primarily focusing on the consequences of abnormal erythrocyte-endothelium interaction in the pathogenesis of vaso-occlusion and pulmonary hypertension in sickle cell disease.
Biography
Dr. Basil O. Ibe earned his B.S. in Biology from Pepperdine University, followed by an M.S. in Pharmacy from Idaho State University and a Ph.D. in Pharmacy from the University of Texas at Austin. He completed postdoctoral research training at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center and the University of Colorado, Boulder, deepening his expertise in pharmacology and biomedical sciences. In addition to his academic accomplishments, Dr. Ibe holds a certificate in Aromatherapy from the Australasian College of Herbal Studies, reflecting his broad interest in both traditional and integrative medical approaches.
Dr. Ibe is an active member of numerous professional societies, including the American Physiological Society, the American Chemical Society, and the American Society for Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics. He has served as Vice President of the Association of African Biomedical Scientists and as an abstract reviewer and presentation judge for the Annual Biomedical Research Conference for Minority Students. His long-standing commitment to mentoring, diversity, and scientific excellence is reflected in his leadership roles at Harbor-UCLA Medical Center and LABiomed, and his extensive editorial service for journals such as the Journal of Lipid Research, American Journal of Physiology, and British Journal of Pharmacology.
Dr. Basil is best known for his pioneering studies demonstrating that platelet activating factor (PAF) acts through its G-protein–coupled receptor (GPCR) to maintain high vasomotor tone in fetal lungs and to support lung vascularization during the perinatal period. His laboratory integrates cellular, molecular, and pharmacological approaches to study the genomics of cell signaling molecules and the inflammatory pathways underlying pulmonary diseases.
By employing receptor overexpression, RNA interference (RNAi), and gene modification techniques, Dr. Ibe has advanced understanding of normal and abnormal physiological processes both in vitro and in vivo. His work in cloning the PAF receptor and PAF acetyl hydrolase (Ah) genes has also provided key insights into their human homologs and their roles in disease.
As Principal Investigator on institutionally and foundation-funded studies and Co-Principal Investigator on NIH-funded projects, Dr. Ibe has contributed significantly to the field of neonatal and pulmonary research. Over more than 30 years at UCLA and The Lundquist Institute, he has also played a central role in mentoring Neonatology Fellows and supporting the research mission of the Department of Pediatrics.
A passionate educator, Dr. Ibe has spent over three decades teaching at Los Angeles Community College while actively mentoring undergraduate, graduate, and postgraduate students. He is especially dedicated to supporting trainees from underrepresented backgrounds, including Hispanic and African American students.
Dr. Ibe’s ongoing work seeks to uncover molecular mechanisms driving pulmonary diseases such as persistent pulmonary hypertension of the newborn and sickle cell disease–associated acute chest syndrome. His lifelong dedication to research, education, and mentorship continues to inspire the next generation of scientists and clinicians.