Magister Scientiae (Medical Bioscience) - MSc(MBS) / The present study describes molecular aspects of inherited congenital cataract in captive-bred Vervet monkeys. Congenital cataracts are lens opacities that are present at birth or soon after birth and include hereditary cataracts or cataracts caused by infectious agents. The MRC Primate Unit is housing a colony of captive-bred Vervet monkeys in which 7.5% is suffering from congenital cataract. However, the parents of the affected individuals were asymptomatic. Six families within the colony have been identified to be affected by two types of morphologies (Y-sutural and total cataract). Based on the evidence provided above, it was speculated that the colony was affected with autosomal recessive cataract. The main aim of this study was to facilitate a strategy for managing breeding programs by minimizing cataract occurrences in captive-bred Vervet monkeys. Integrated combination of clinical, molecular and bioinformatic strategies were used to identify and assess reciprocal candidate susceptibility genes for cataracts. The genes that are known to be responsible for most human congenital cataract cases were prioritized. The genes include Heat shock transcription factor 4 (HSF4), Crystalline Alpha A (CRYAA), glucosaminyl (N-acetyl) transferase 2 (GCNT2) and Lens intrinsic membrane protein 2 (LIM2). Twenty two subjects were selected based on their morphology (5 carriers, 5 controls and 12 cataracts). 2ml of blood was collected for Deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) extraction. Coding exons and flanking regions were screened by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) amplification and sequenced. The CLC DNA workbench was used for results analysis. The screening of four genes revealed 20 sequence variants which were not present in the control individuals. Sequencing of HSF4 revealed three mutations: R116R, L245>L and P421>L in exon 5, 10 and 14, respectively. The coding exons for CRYAA showed two sequence variants: S134W and K166N in exon 3. Twelve mutations were identified in exon one of all three GCNT2 transcripts (A, B and C). These mutations include: G212G, H256>H, M258>V, N275>N, V16>I, Y122>F, S15>S, S24>N, S38>S, I118>I, D194>D and Y373>Y which was found in exon three of all transcripts. There were no mutations in LIM2, however, three single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) were identified in exon 2 (P66>P) and 3 (I118>T and A127>T). The above mutations were conserved when aligned with other species. The sequence variations vary among the families and those individuals with the same or different cataract phenotype. Based on these findings, it can be concluded that the four candidate genes harbour mutations that are responsible for both phenotypes. The effect of these mutations in Vervet monkeys is not yet understood, however, their impact will be further investigated. For future studies, it will be of absolute importance to screen the entire family to verify that indeed cataract formation in this colony is inherited in an autosomal recessive manner.

>Magister Scientiae - MSc / Molecular genetics: strategies to indentify congenital cataract genes in captive-bred Vervet monkeys Zandisiwe Emilia Magwebu MSc thesis, Department of Medical Biosciences, University of the Western Cape The present study describes molecular aspects of inherited congenital cataract in captive-bred Vervet monkeys. Congenital cataracts are lens opacities that are present at birth or soon after birth and include hereditary cataracts or cataracts caused by infectious agents. The MRC Primate Unit is housing a colony of captive-bred Vervet monkeys in which 7.5% is suffering from congenital cataract. However, the parents of the affected individuals were asymptomatic. Six families within the colony have been identified to be affected by two types of morphologies (Ysutural and total cataract). Based on the evidence provided above, it was speculated that the colony was affected with autosomal recessive cataract. The main aim of this study was to facilitate a strategy for managing breeding programs by minimizing cataract occurrences in captive-bred Vervet monkeys. Integrated combination of clinical, molecular and bioinformatic strategies were used to identify and assess reciprocal candidate susceptibility genes for cataracts. The genes that are known to be responsible for most human congenital cataract cases were prioritized. The genes include Heat shock transcription factor 4 (HSF4), Crystalline Alpha A (CRYAA), glucosaminyl (N-acetyl) transferase 2 (GCNT2) and Lens intrinsic membrane protein 2 (LIM2). Twenty two subjects were selected based on their morphology (5 carriers, 5 controls and 12 cataracts). 2ml of blood was collected for Deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) extraction. Coding exons and flanking regions were screened by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) amplification and sequenced. The CLC DNA workbench was used for results analysis. The screening of four genes revealed 20 sequence variants which were not present in the control individuals. Sequencing of HSF4 revealed three mutations: R116R, L245>L and P421>L in exon 5, 10 and 14, respectively. The coding exons for CRYAA showed two sequence variants: S134W and K166N in exon 3. Twelve mutations were identified in exon one of all three GCNT2 transcripts (A, B and C). These mutations include: G212G, H256>H, M258>V, N275>N, V16>I, Y122>F, S15>S, S24>N, S38>S, I118>I, D194>D and Y373>Y which was found in exon three of all transcripts. There were no mutations in LIM2, however, three single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) were identified in exon 2 (P66>P) and 3 (I118>T and A127>T). The above mutations were conserved when aligned with other species. The sequence variations vary among the families and those individuals with the same or different cataract phenotype. Based on these findings, it can be concluded that the four candidate genes harbour mutations that are responsible for both phenotypes. The effect of these mutations in Vervet monkeys is not yet understood, however, their impact will be further investigated. For future studies, it will be of absolute importance to screen the entire family to verify that indeed cataract formation in this colony is inherited in an autosomal recessive manner.

Introduction: Targeted pharmaceuticals for labelling with radio-isotopes for very specific imaging (and possibly later for targeted therapy) play a major role in Theranostics which is currently an important topic in Nuclear Medicine as well as personalised medicine. There was a need for a very specific lung cancer radiopharmaceutical that would specifically be uptaken in integrin 3 expression cells to image patients using a Positron Emission Tomography- Computed Tomography (PET-CT) scanner. Background and problem statement: Cold kits of c (RGDyK)–SCN-Bz-NOTA were kindly donated by Seoul National University (SNU) to help meet Steve Biko Hospital’s need for this type of imaging. These cold kits showed great results internationally in labelling with a 0.1 M 68Ge/68Ga generator (t1/2 of 68Ge and 68Ga are 270.8 days and 67.6 min, respectively). However the same cold kits failed to show reproducible radiolabeling with the 0.6 M generator manufactured under cGMP conditions at iThemba LABS, Cape Town and distributed by IDB Holland, the Netherlands. Materials and methods: There was therefore a need for producing an in-house NOTA-RGD kit that would enable production of clinical 68Ga-NOTA-RGD in high yields from the IDB Holland/iThemba LABS generator. Quality control included ITLC in citric acid to observe labelling efficiency as well as in sodium carbonate to evaluate colloid formation. HPLC was also performed at iThemba LABS as well as Necsa (South African Nuclear Energy Corporation). RGD was obtained from Futurechem, Korea. Kit mass integrity was determined by testing labelling efficiency of 10, 30 and 60 μg of RGD per cold kit. The RGD was buffered with sodium acetate trihydrate. The original kits were dried in a desiccator and in later studies only freeze dried. Manual labelling was also tested. The radiolabelled in-house kit’s ex vivo biodistribution in healthy versus tumour mice were examined by obtaining xenografts. The normal biodistribution was investigated in three vervet monkeys by doing PET-CT scans on a Siemens Biograph TP 40 slice scanner. Results: Cold kit formulation radiolabeling and purification methods were established successfully and SOPs (standard operating procedures) created. HPLC results showed highest radiochemical purity in 60 μg cold kit vials. 68Ga-NOTA-RGD showed increased uptake in tumours of tumour bearing mouse. The cold kit also showed normal distribution according to literature with fast blood clearance and excretion through kidneys into urine, therefore making it a suitable radiopharmaceutical for clinical studies. Conclusion: The in-house prepared cold kit with a 4 month shelf-life was successfully tested in mice and monkeys. / MSc (Pharmaceutics), North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2014

Introduction: Targeted pharmaceuticals for labelling with radio-isotopes for very specific imaging (and possibly later for targeted therapy) play a major role in Theranostics which is currently an important topic in Nuclear Medicine as well as personalised medicine. There was a need for a very specific lung cancer radiopharmaceutical that would specifically be uptaken in integrin 3 expression cells to image patients using a Positron Emission Tomography- Computed Tomography (PET-CT) scanner. Background and problem statement: Cold kits of c (RGDyK)–SCN-Bz-NOTA were kindly donated by Seoul National University (SNU) to help meet Steve Biko Hospital’s need for this type of imaging. These cold kits showed great results internationally in labelling with a 0.1 M 68Ge/68Ga generator (t1/2 of 68Ge and 68Ga are 270.8 days and 67.6 min, respectively). However the same cold kits failed to show reproducible radiolabeling with the 0.6 M generator manufactured under cGMP conditions at iThemba LABS, Cape Town and distributed by IDB Holland, the Netherlands. Materials and methods: There was therefore a need for producing an in-house NOTA-RGD kit that would enable production of clinical 68Ga-NOTA-RGD in high yields from the IDB Holland/iThemba LABS generator. Quality control included ITLC in citric acid to observe labelling efficiency as well as in sodium carbonate to evaluate colloid formation. HPLC was also performed at iThemba LABS as well as Necsa (South African Nuclear Energy Corporation). RGD was obtained from Futurechem, Korea. Kit mass integrity was determined by testing labelling efficiency of 10, 30 and 60 μg of RGD per cold kit. The RGD was buffered with sodium acetate trihydrate. The original kits were dried in a desiccator and in later studies only freeze dried. Manual labelling was also tested. The radiolabelled in-house kit’s ex vivo biodistribution in healthy versus tumour mice were examined by obtaining xenografts. The normal biodistribution was investigated in three vervet monkeys by doing PET-CT scans on a Siemens Biograph TP 40 slice scanner. Results: Cold kit formulation radiolabeling and purification methods were established successfully and SOPs (standard operating procedures) created. HPLC results showed highest radiochemical purity in 60 μg cold kit vials. 68Ga-NOTA-RGD showed increased uptake in tumours of tumour bearing mouse. The cold kit also showed normal distribution according to literature with fast blood clearance and excretion through kidneys into urine, therefore making it a suitable radiopharmaceutical for clinical studies. Conclusion: The in-house prepared cold kit with a 4 month shelf-life was successfully tested in mice and monkeys. / MSc (Pharmaceutics), North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2014

Magister Pharmaceuticae - MPharm / Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) such as ischaemic heart diseases, heart failure and stroke remain a major cause of death globally. Various deep-rooted factors influence CVD development; these include but are not limited to elevated blood lipids, high blood pressure, obesity and diabetes. A considerable number of proteins are involved directly and indirectly in the transport, maintenance and elimination of plasma lipids, including high and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C and LDL-C). There are several mechanisms involved in the removal of LDL particles from systemic circulation. One such mechanism is associated with the gene that encodes proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9), which has become an exciting therapeutic target for the reduction of residual risk of CVDs. Currently, statins are the mainstay treatment to reduce LDL-C, and a need exists to further develop more effective LDL-C-lowering drugs that might supplement statins. This study was aimed at contributing to the generation of knowledge regarding the effect of niacin in reducing LDL levels through PCSK9 interaction. The aims/objectives of this study were achieved by utilizing two approaches, which included animal intervention with niacin followed by genetic screening of five prioritized genes involved in cholesterol synthesis and regulation. For animal intervention, 16 vervet monkeys were divided into two groups of eight animals consisting of a control and an experimental (niacin) group. The control group was given a normal standard diet of pre-cooked maize meal throughout the study, while the experimental group received the same diet supplemented with 100 mg/kg of niacin (SR) for 12 weeks. During the niacin intervention, blood was collected at baseline, every four weeks during the treatment period and the end of the washout period. The collected blood was used for biochemical analysis (total cholesterol, triglycerides, LDL-C, and HDL-C) and downstream genetic applications. The second phase included the screening of PCSK9, LDLR, SREBP-2, CETP and APOB-100 using genotyping and gene expression. Niacin administration produced statistically significant increases in plasma HDL-C at fourtime points (T1, T2, T3 and T4), which resulted in an overall increase in plasma HDL-C. Additionally, niacin administration resulted in a slight reduction in LDL-C and total cholesterol levels. Furthermore, the genotyping analysis revealed 13 sequence variants identified in PCSK9, LDLR, SREBP-2, CETP and APOB-100 genes. Five of these variants were predicted to be disease-causing and correlated with gene expression patterns. Three identified PCSK9 variants (H177N, R148S, G635G) were categorized as LOF mutations, and this was supported by a decline in gene expression in animals harbouring these variants. The LDLR also had LOF variants that were the reason for its decreased mRNA expression. Additionally, SREBP-2 proved to be a key mediator of cholesterol pathways. Therefore, the findings of the study conclusively suggest that niacin does increase HDL-C and decrease LDL-C and total cholesterol. Moreover, an interaction between niacin administration and PCSK9 was observed which resulted in decreased gene expression.