Applications of 3D Printing Technology in Health / Development of novel FBKP12 ligands as therapeutic candidates for Duchenne and Becker muscular dystroph

Applications of 3D Printing Technology in Health

In this presentation, the work performed during the project of 3D printing technology applications in health will be presented. This project is sponsored by Women for Africa Foundation, under the framework of the 7th edition of Science by Women Programme, which is a programme for Women, Science, Technology and Innovation in Africa, and aims to strengthen the leadership of African women researchers and technology transfer, as well as to boost capacities of African research centres and universities. The project goals are to carry out a 3D printing project in medical field, and transfer the acquired knowledge back home in Namibia. The 3D digital medical models were developed from the CT scan medical images, and converted to 3D physical models through FDM (Fused Deposition Modeling) and SLA (Stereolithography) 3D printing Technologies. This was achieved through processes of medical images acquisition, segmentation, preparation, 3D printing and post – processing. The printed models are to be used for training and research in School of Medicine at University of Namibia

Development of novel FBKP12 ligands as therapeutic candidates for Duchenne and Becker muscular dystrophies

Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD) is a progressive and severe disease caused by mutations in DMD gene. Two key pathological secondary mechanisms include calcium (Ca2+) dysregulation, and oxidative stress. The Ryanodine receptors (RyRs) are responsible for sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) Ca2+ release. Several molecules and post-translational modifications modulate these channels action. In particular, FKBP proteins stabilize the close state of the channels. However, in DMD, oxidative stress-induced modifications in RyRs results in FKBP dissociation and Ca2+ leak from SR. AHK compounds are novel FKBP12 ligands designed to potentiate the interaction of FKBP12 with RyRs. In this work, we have used high- throughput in vitro assays using microelectrode-array plates to identify the best AHK candidate based on their efficacy and toxicity potency. Our results demonstrate that AHK1 exhibits favorable in vitro profile, with extremely high therapeutic index. This compound shows very low in vitro toxicity and efficacy protecting against H2O2-induced toxicity and improving defective Ca2+ dynamics. We also show that AHK1 demonstrates in vivo efficacy on restoring isoproterenol-induced cardiac acute damage and fibrosis, and long QTc in electrocardiograms of mdx mice.