Page 136 - SAMRC Annual Report 2024-2025

Primate Unit and
Delft Animal Centre

Platform director:
Dr. Chesa Chauke
chesa.chauke@mrc.ac.za

Advancing Research Priorities: table, and scientific scales), 12-hour day/night timers,
Strategic Objectives and Impact split aircon/extraction fans, cage washing facility
etc.). This allowed the unit to accommodate the four
The Primate Unit and Delft Animal Centre (PUDAC) contract research projects that are mentioned above.
research focus is on providing primatology expertise
in the biomedical research field by utilising Funding: PUDAC was awarded the infrastructural
laboratory animal models, specifically nonhuman funding by the Germany's KfW Development Bank
primates (NHPs) and rodents. During this financial to renovate the experimental facility (both the rodent
term, PUDAC has engaged in providing contract and NHP) and to expand the NHP holding capacity
research services, conducting operational activities, of the existing colonies to support a sustainable
and pursuing self-initiated research projects.
Four contract research projects have been successfully
completed. The emphasis of these studies was
on addressing the burden of non-communicable
diseases through dietary intervention and treatment
strategies using diet-induced diabetic mice, rats and
cancer mice models. These studies have a direct
impact on identifying potential natural compounds
for the development of more effective anti-diabetic,
anti-obesity and colon cancer therapies.

As part of self-initiated research, PUDAC conducted
two projects to address the impact of African
Traditional Medicines (ATMs) on cardiovascular
diseases, as well as that of helminthic worms on
the efficacy of candidate HIV vaccines. These study
interventions included the identification of cathepsin
S inhibitors from South African medicinal plants
and the investigation of the effect of concurrent
schistosomiasis on the efficacy of selected HIV
candidate vaccines.

Key Milestones and Achievements
PUDAC's major achievements are as follows:

Operational: Minor renovations of the rodent PUDAC scientists conduct self initiated research
experimental facility were completed, which included projects in tissue culture lab.
furnishing with new auxiliary equipment (necropsy

134 SAMRC ANNUAL REPOR T 2024-25