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The functional role of root-associated microbiome and metabolome of myrothamnus flabellifolia
No full textGlobal climate change is predicted to increase the occurrence and severity of drought, particularly in Africa, which will negatively impact crops and food production. Drought is the leading factor that adversely affects agricultural productivity and yield. Over the last four decades, extensive research on resurrection plants has yielded valuable insights into the mechanisms these plants employ to adapt during desiccation. Despite this, the role of the microbiome in desiccation tolerance, particularly in resurrection plants, remains a relatively unexplored area. Myrothamnus flabellifolia, a resurrection plant, stands out for its remarkable ability to endure severe desiccation, making it an ideal model for investigating the contributions of the plant microbiome to desiccation tolerance. Recognising the significance of root-associated microbes in stress tolerance opens up promising opportunities for enhancing drought resilience in crucial crops. However, the intricate dynamics of these interactions under severe water limitations have not been comprehensively investigated. Consequently, a primary objective of this study was to unravel the beneficial root-associated microbiome of M. flabellifolia and delineate their functions in the context of water deficit conditions. The intricate tripartite interplay involving plant roots, soil, and microorganisms remains enigmatic and demands further exploration. This study delved into the microbiome of belowground zones—bulk soil, rhizosphere soil, and endosphere of M. flabellifolia. Metagenomic analysis unveiled prevalent bacterial phyla (Acidobacteriota, Actinobacteriota, Chloroflexota, Planctomycetota, and Pseudomonadota) and dominant fungal phyla (Ascomycota and Basidiomycota) across all zones. While the bulk soil hosted numerous beneficial root-associated microbes, it exhibited lower functional diversity than the rhizosphere, which showcased the highest diversity of bacteria and fungi. Conversely, the endosphere exhibited lower microbial abundance and diversity. These findings suggest that M. flabellifolia may recruits soil microbes from bulk soil to rhizosphere and subsequently to the endosphere. Metatranscriptomic analysis has revealed crucial insights into the dynamics of plant-microbe interactions and the adaptive mechanisms employed by root-associated bacteria during desiccation in M. flabellifolia. The transcriptional activity of bacteria involved both monoderm and diderm lineages, consistent with the bacterial phyla identified in metagenomic analysis. However, the dominance of the Pseudomonadota phyla at the transcriptional activity was observed. Root-associated bacteria showed distinct transcriptional responses during dehydration and rehydration, suggesting dynamic shifts in microbial activity under fluctuating water availability. The expression of differentially expressed genes (DEGs) under dehydration conditions showcased the activation of proteins associated with antioxidant enzymes, molecular chaperones, protein kinases, and biosynthesis of sugars and amino acids. This implies a coordinated response to counteract damage and enhance survival. Intriguingly, the upregulation of genes encoding protein kinases, antioxidant enzymes, and trehalose synthase in root-associated bacteria reflects a common strategy for surviving desiccation stress. This suggests a potential case of convergent evolution in desiccation tolerance within microbiomes. The observed upregulation of genes related to plant growth and enhanced plant-microbe interaction under rehydration conditions suggests a resumption of microbial activity. Exploring the rhizosphere soil metabolome provided insights into the metabolic changes during drought stress in M. flabellifolia. Dehydrated rhizosphere soil exhibited increased levels of sugars (e.g., trehalose), organic acids (malic acid), and phytohormones (indole-3-acetic). Conversely, rehydrated rhizosphere samples showed significantly higher amino acid levels compared to desiccated samples, indicating a shift in biochemical processes in both the plant roots and rhizosphere microbiome. While rhizosphere metabolites are typically attributed to root exudates and microbial activity, this study revealed that many were possibly produced by rhizospheric bacteria. The upregulation of bacterial genes associated with metabolite biosynthesis under dehydration conditions, such as trehalose, further substantiated the the notion that drought serves as a selective pressure driving convergent evolution in species with desiccation tolerance. These findings indicates that the microbiome's adaptability under harsh environmental stress. Furthermore, inoculating maize plants with rhizospheric bacteria from M. flabellifolia's rhizosphere significantly improved drought tolerance, physiological, and morphological traits. The study concludes that root-associated microbiomes play a crucial role in M. flabellifolia's desiccation tolerance and plant growth-promoting microbes have a potential to be used as a biostimulant. This innovative research has implications for enhancing food security, developing resilient agricultural systems, and promoting sustainability
A theory and outcome evaluation of the Allan Gray Orbis Foundation Association programme
Full text linkIntroduction: This dissertation presents the outcome and theory evaluation of the Allan Gray Orbis Foundation (AGOF) Association programme. The Association programme is a lifelong support network for fellowship programme alumni aimed at fostering responsible entrepreneurship by providing continuous development opportunities through industry experiences, workshops, seminars, business accelerators and access to funding. Its long-term goal is to cultivate entrepreneurial competence by equipping fellows with resources to start and grow their ventures and by supporting those in employment to foster an entrepreneurial mindset within the workplace. The evaluation addressed key questions to assess the programme theory and the outcomes. Methodology: The theory evaluation systematically assessed the validity and effectiveness of the programme's underlying theory of change. Key components included evaluating the causal mechanisms within the theory of change to determine its plausibility, as supported by the literature. Additionally, seven subject matter experts, including entrepreneurial professionals, were interviewed during the evaluation process. These experts contributed valuable insights into the programme's theory of change, leveraging specialised knowledge and experience in entrepreneurship to validate the assumptions and logic underpinning the theory of change. Furthermore, a qualitative approach was employed using the Success Case Method (SCM) for the outcome evaluation. This method identified whether the intervention was effective and explored opportunities for improvement. Qualitative data were collected from eleven success cases and five non-success participants, providing comprehensive insights into the programme's impact. The qualitative data for the subject matter expert interviews was analysed using content analysis to interpret findings and reduction analysis for the success and non- success case semi-structured interviews. Ethical considerations were prioritised throughout the process, ensuring participants' informed consent, anonymity and confidentiality while addressing potential harm. Findings: The programme theory of change was plausible. Access to capital was identified as a critical component for the programme's success. Experts emphasised that while financial resources are essential, they must be paired with a supportive network to maximise impact. In addition, the theory evaluation highlighted the importance of participation in entrepreneurship mindset development increased the likelihood of the establishment of socially responsible, high-impact enterprises. Research suggests that these activities can equip fellows with essential skills and knowledge while fostering a commitment to ethical business practices and social responsibility. The theory evaluation also identified the importance of a structured entrepreneurial programme pipeline to support the continuous development of fellows into socially responsible, high- impact entrepreneurs. Results from the outcome evaluation, utilising the SCM, found that the programme beneficiaries successfully foster an entrepreneurial mindset, equipping the fellows with problem-solving and resilience skills, which they apply in both business ventures and corporate environments. Most fellows reported that the programme assisted them in navigating workplace challenges, driving innovation, and influencing decision-making processes. Furthermore, the programme facilitates community engagement and leadership development, evident by the fellows' contributions through mentorship, volunteering, event organisation, and financial support. These activities strengthened the network among fellows, fostering a culture of knowledge-sharing and social responsibility. Despite this, engagement levels were inconsistent, with some fellows highlighting communication gaps and unclear programme expectations as barriers to active participation. Moreover, while E² was a valuable funding resource, some beneficiaries noted that the slow and rigid application process hindered its effectiveness, with some fellows struggling to secure capital when needed. E² was, however, acknowledged for preparing fellows to pitch to venture capitalists and providing patient capital for business growth. As requested by the client, an evaluation of the AGOF pipeline was conducted to identify its strengths and weaknesses. Findings suggested that while the long-term support structure from the Scholarship programme to the Fellowship programme to the Association programme effectively nurtures entrepreneurial talent, gaps in transitioning Scholarship recipients into the Fellowship were noted. Conclusion: The Association programme has made a meaningful impact on its beneficiaries, contributing to their growth and success. The integration of access to capital, targeted development activities, and a comprehensive programme pipeline is crucial for nurturing successful entrepreneurs through the Association programme. The insights gained from this evaluation provide a solid foundation for future research and practical recommendations to enhance the programme's effectiveness
Medium term health and quality of life outcomes in a cohort of children with MIS-C in Cape Town, South Africa
Full text linkBackground: Multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children (MIS-C) is a disease that occurs after exposure to severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). Its short term effects have been documented but little data exist on the longer term effects of MIS-C on the health and quality of life of patients. The objective of this study was to assess the long-term effects of MIS-C on the quality of life of children. Methods: This study was a prospective, case control, cohort study. We included 24 participants with previous MIS-C and 20 children with juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) as a positive comparator group. All children were examined and completed a paediatric quality of life (PedsQL) generic inventory score. This score was used to evaluate the school functioning, social, emotional, and physical domains of the two groups. Results: All participants with previous MIS-C made a full recovery with normal physical examination after a median of 705 days after acute MIS-C. The PedsQL inventory revealed that 16.7% of the children with previous MIS-C showed a deficit in the physical domain compared to 60% of the children with JIA (p<0.001). There was a deficit in the psychosocial domain (which combines emotional, social and educational scores) in 12.5% children with previous MIS-C compared to 40% children with JIA (p=0.035) Conclusions: In 24 children with previous MIS-C, after approximately 2 years, no medical complications were reported. A small proportion felt a prolonged effect on their quality of life even after making a full recovery, which was less severe than in children with JIA. This highlights the need to continue to follow up these patients and offer more comprehensive long-term care
A functional balance profile of school aged children and adolescents diagnosed with Down Syndrome, schooled in the Eastern Cape province of South Africa: a pilot study.
Full text linkChildren and adolescents with Down Syndrome (DS) are at a higher risk of falls due to impaired balance and gait patterns, which complicates their ability to safely engage in daily activities (Jung, Chung & Lee, 2017). Assessing balance function in children is not only important for identifying balance deficits, but also to inform and highlight integral areas of balance function that should be addressed during rehabilitation. Although various outcome measures have demonstrated acceptable reliability and validity in typically developing children, the applicability of outcome measures in children with DS has not been fully established. This pilot study aimed to evaluate the clinimetric properties, including reliability, validity, and practicality, of four functional balance outcome measures: the Paediatric Balance Scale (PBS), the second edition of the Bruininks-Oseretsky Test of Motor Proficiency (BOT-2, Subtest 5), the full Children's Balance Evaluation Systems Test (Kids- BESTest), and its shortened version (Kids Mini-BESTest). To contextualise the results, a control group of age- and sex-matched typically developing peers was included for comparison. The primary objectives were to assess reliability (inter-rater and test-retest), known-groups validity, criterion validity (via correlations with Timed Up & Go (TUG) scores), and internal consistency (using Cronbach's alpha) of each measure. Outcome measures used in real-world settings like schools and clinics require qualities beyond being clinimetrially sound. Aspects regarding the practical applicability of these outcome measures should also be considered. Thus, this study evaluated the accessibility, safety, and practicality of administering these tests in a DS population, including time requirements, cost-effectiveness, and participant acceptability. The secondary objectives were to describe the balance profile of the DS group and explore the effects of potential confounders, including middle ear function, cochlear outer hair cell function, and Body Mass Index (BMI), on balance performance and test outcomes. Children from the Merryvale School for Special Education in Gqeberha, Eastern Cape (EC), South Africa (SA), participated in this study, while typically developing controls were sourced from local schools in the same area. Safety measures, such as gait belts and close guarding, were implemented to ensure participant safety and minimise fall risk during assessments. Data confidentiality and participant welfare were prioritised throughout the study. The results demonstrated significant differences in balance performance between children with DS and typically developing peers across all four assessment tools. The DS group exhibited lower mean scores and shorter durations for balance tasks, with notable floor effects in specific items, particularly within the Kids-BESTest and PBS. Independent t-tests revealed statistically significant group differences (p < 0.001), with large effect sizes (e.g., Cohen's d = 3.94 for BOT-2 Subtest 5). Reliability analysis showed good inter-rater and test-retest reliability for all tools, with Cronbach's alpha values ranging from 0.867 to 0.971, indicating strong internal consistency. Validity testing confirmed known-groups validity, with balance assessments effectively differentiating between DS and typically developing groups, while criterion validity demonstrated a significant association between balance test scores and TUG performance (e.g., Kids-BESTest R² = 0.536, p < 0.001). Health-related variables, such as BMI and middle ear status, significantly correlated with poorer balance outcomes. This correlation further emphasises the multifactorial nature of balance impairments in children with DS. This study offers initial insights into effective, safe balance assessment methods which audiologists can use for DS populations. These insights ultimately pave the way for future research to support balance related interventions
Financial development and economic growth: evidence from Lesotho, 1981 - 2022
Full text linkThis research explores the significant impact of financial development on Lesotho's economic growth over the period 1981–2022, employing a methodology inspired by the endogenous growth model proposed by King and Levine (1993). The study utilizes the This research explores the significant impact of financial development on Lesotho's economic growth over the period 1981–2022, employing a methodology inspired by the endogenous growth model proposed by King and Levine (1993). The study utilizes the Autoregressive Distributed Lag (ARDL) approach to cointegration, specifically applying the ARDL bounds-testing methodology. To capture the multifaceted aspects of financial development, four distinct proxy variables are used: ratio of liquid liabilities to GDP, private credit by deposit money banks and other financial institutions as a percentage of GDP, deposit money bank assets to deposit money bank assets and central bank assets and domestic credit to private sector as a percentage of GDP divided by domestic credit to private sector as a percentage of GDP plus credit to government and state-owned enterprises as a percentage of GDP. Initially, this study explores the influence of financial development on economic growth using all four proxy variables. Interestingly, only one variable - the ratio of liquid liabilities to GDP - emerges as statistically significant. However, its impact is negative in both the short and long run. Consistent with King and Levine's (1993) suggestions about the channels through which financial development affects economic growth, this research further explores the impact of the ratio of liquid liabilities to GDP on two crucial growth components: total productivity growth and the accumulation of physical capital. The results present a convincing narrative, revealing that the log of ratio of liquid liabilities to GDP has a negative impact on Lesotho's growth while having no significant effect on either total factor productivity growth or physical capital accumulation. This paper contends that financial liberalization in a poorly regulated environment may have contributed to this outcome. Consequently, the evidence suggests that the country may not be fully leveraging the potential benefits of financial development to drive economic prosperity.(ARDL) approach to cointegration, specifically applying the ARDL bounds-testing methodology. To capture the multifaceted aspects of financial development, four distinct proxy variables are used: ratio of liquid liabilities to GDP, private credit by deposit money banks and other financial institutions as a percentage of GDP, deposit money bank assets to deposit money bank assets and central bank assets and domestic credit to private sector as a percentage of GDP divided by domestic credit to private sector as a percentage of GDP plus credit to government and state-owned enterprises as a percentage of GDP. Initially, this study explores the influence of financial development on economic growth using all four proxy variables. Interestingly, only one variable - the ratio of liquid liabilities to GDP - emerges as statistically significant. However, its impact is negative in both the short and long run. Consistent with King and Levine's (1993) suggestions about the channels through which financial development affects economic growth, this research further explores the impact of the ratio of liquid liabilities to GDP on two crucial growth components: total productivity growth and the accumulation of physical capital. The results present a convincing narrative, revealing that the log of ratio of liquid liabilities to GDP has a negative impact on Lesotho's growth while having no significant effect on either total factor productivity growth or physical capital accumulation. This paper contends that financial liberalization in a poorly regulated environment may have contributed to this outcome. Consequently, the evidence suggests that the country may not be fully leveraging the potential benefits of financial development to drive economic prosperity
Prevalence of Occlusive Myocardial Infarction (OMI) in patients diagnosed with Non-ST-Elevation Myocardial Infarction (NSTEMI) at a single private facility in Cape Town, South Africa, during 2019
Full text linkBackground: ST-Elevation Myocardial Infarction (STEMI) is strongly associated with acute coronary occlusion, leading to less urgent management of Non-ST-Elevation Myocardial Infarction (NSTEMI), often perceived as partial occlusion. However, 25.5% of NSTEMIs involve total coronary occlusion, significantly impacting mortality and Major Adverse Cardiovascular Events (MACE).1 The Occlusive Myocardial Infarction (OMI) vs Non-occlusive Myocardial Infarction (NOMI) paradigm has been proposed for better identification of acute myocardial infarction (AMI).2–5 Objectives: This study investigates the prevalence of OMI among NSTEMI patients in a private Cape Town emergency centre in 2019, analysing descriptive data, serial cardiac troponin I (cTnI) results, the proportion undergoing angiography, Thrombolysis in Myocardial Infarction (TIMI) flow grades, and door-to-angiogram times. Methods: A cross-sectional, observational study was conducted using a retrospective chart review of NSTEMI patients who underwent angiography. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics, Chi-square, and Mann-Whitney U-tests. Results: Among 31 NSTEMI patients, 83.9% (n=26) had OMI (median age 65 years, IQR 25), and 88.5% were male (p<0.001). Significant second cTnI levels (median 1450 ng/L, p=0.001) and a median door-to-angiogram time of 34 hours (IQR 48) were noted. The left anterior descending artery (34.6%) was the most common culprit lesion. Conclusion: The high prevalence of OMI among NSTEMIs highlights the limitations of the current STEMI/NSTEMI classification. Improved diagnostics and timely interventions, including emergent angiography and alternative treatments like thrombolysis, could enhance patient outcomes with reduced healthcare costs in resource-limited settings. The observed disparities and challenges in meeting international guidelines for timely interventions underscore the urgency of addressing accessibility issues. Heightened mortality and MACE risk among NSTEMIs with missed coronary occlusions1,7 highlight the need for expanded research to understand OMI prevalence and implications in South Africa
Impact of no residual versus residual disease after hysterectomy for stage 1 cervical cancer on recurrence
Full text linkBackground: Histopathological risk factors for recurrence of cervical cancer following hysterectomy for stage I disease are well established. The impact of residual disease after LEEP in patients undergoing hysterectomy for stage 1 cervical cancer on recurrence has not been extensively studied. Design and Methods: Records of all patients who underwent hysterectomy for stage I cervical cancer from 1st January 2008 to 31st December 2017 were reviewed. The follow-up period was at least 60 months or until death. Data collected included demographic information, histopathological risk factors, residual disease status on hysterectomy specimen, treatment modalities and recurrence rates. Results: We analysed 147 patients: 55 stage 1A1, 11 stage 1A2, 80 stage 1B1 and 1 with stage 1B2. Median age was 47 (27 – 76) years. All patients had a cervical excision procedure (LEEP OR CKC) for histological diagnosis, followed by simple hysterectomy (29.6%), simple hysterectomy with lymphadenectomy (12.3%) or radical hysterectomy (58.2%). The prevalence of residual disease on hysterectomy specimen was 56.5%, versus no residual disease (43.5%). The overall recurrence rate was 9.5%. Thirty patients received adjuvant radiotherapy, of these, 29 had residual disease, with 6.2% of them developing disease recurrence. The overall survival (OS) and disease-free interval (DFI) were 96.6% and 91.6% respectively. Conclusion: This study found a correlation between presence of residual disease and known histological risk factors, that is size of the lesion and depth of stromal invasion. However, there was no strong correlation between residual disease and lymphovascular space invasion in this study. All patients that had recurrence had residual disease. When excluding those with lymph node metastasis, there were no recurrences in the group with no residual disease
Relationships of entanglement: an interrogation into the historical, economic and political factors that shape political interactions in Zimbabwe
Full text linkThis thesis explores the complex dynamics that define Zimbabwe's political landscape, particularly the interactions between political actors during elections. It investigates how historical, economic, political, and international pressures shape these relationships and influence the conduct of elections, shedding light on how these factors perpetuate contentious political behaviours such as election rigging, censorship, voter intimidation, violent repression, and the weaponisation of the law. By situating these empirical observations within a scholarly framework, the thesis seeks to deepen the intellectual understanding of Zimbabwe's volatile political ecosystem. At the core of the study is an examination of how elections serve as both a source of opportunity and threat within Zimbabwe's political sphere. On one hand, they offer the potential for regime change, particularly for opposition movements like the CCC, while on the other, they represent a challenge to the long-established dominance of ZANU-PF. The lingering memory of previous elections marred by violence, abductions, and predictable outcomes exacerbates this tension. The complicity of observer groups, the strategic weaknesses of the opposition, and the drive for political parity further entangle these relationships. The thesis traces the roots of these dynamics back to Zimbabwe's colonial history, revealing how colonial and post-colonial legacies continue to shape political interactions today. These historical pressures, coupled with contemporary global forces advocating for democratisation and good governance, influence the behaviour of political actors. The international community plays a dual role as both enabler and watchdog, facilitating political processes while also monitoring electoral violence and coercion. Furthermore, the research delves into how elections are used as a means for political actors to assert their identity and redefine notions of citizenship. Drawing on theories of identity and citizenship, the thesis argues that the tensions surrounding elections are not only about political power but also about who belongs in the nation-state. The ruling party's use of electoral authoritarianism is seen as a way to define citizenship, creating exclusionary narratives about identity and belonging in Zimbabwe's political and social fabric. Through this lens, the thesis presents elections as pivotal moments that reveal deeper struggles over identity, power, and national membership
Investigating tagasastes' potential for agricultural climate mitigation and adaptation within the context of South Africa
No full textThe need to produce more food for a growing global population has led to the expansion of agriculture and increased land use change, exerting negative impacts on the ecosystem services on which agriculture relies. Given their dependence on ecosystem services, rural communities are especially vulnerable to the effects of climate change and the associated socioeconomic implications. Agricultural strategies are required to alleviate rural poverty, repair the adverse impacts of land degradation and increase food and nutritional security, while addressing the varied requirements and cultural practices of farmers. Agricultural methods such as agroforestry, agroecology and regenerative agriculture are prominent features in developing countries and are increasingly recognized worldwide as avenues to mitigate and adapt to climate change. The agricultural landscape in South Africa is distinguished by a bifurcated agricultural economy, with the majority consisting of small-scale farms primarily functioning at subsistence level, coexisting with major commercial farms accounting for the majority of the country's agricultural output. Limited financial capacity and lack of dietary protein is a major obstacle in small-scale livestock production, while conventional commercial agriculture contributes significantly to land and ecosystem degradation, primarily through the use of chemical fertilizer, pesticides, fungicides and herbicides. This disparity between commercial and small-scale farming creates a complex agricultural setting and presents an opportunity to explore climate-smart sustainable agricultural practices that address the unique challenges of each sector. This paper examines the potential role of the leguminous fodder shrub Chamaecytisus palmensis (tagasaste) to adapt to climate change related challenges in agriculture, while concurrently mitigating agricultural greenhouse gas emissions and facilitating carbon sequestration in South Africa. A sequential data collection strategy was implemented within an integrated mixed methods approach to i) assess the current level of adoption and success of tagasaste use in South Africa; and ii) evaluate the boundaries of tagasaste to intensify agriculture, sequester carbon and adapt to climate change. Primary data from a targeted online survey and personal communications were merged with secondary data from scientific research articles and selected grey literature. The results indicate interest in tagasaste has persisted for over forty years in South Africa, primarily for its potential as livestock fodder. However, its adoption has been limited, largely due to establishment challenges. This contrasts with countries such as Australia and New Zealand, where tagasaste is utilized on a commercial scale and contributes significantly to livestock production. This research demonstrates that tagasaste has a comparatively high capacity for carbon sequestration, while also providing additional environmental and socioeconomic co-benefits. Tagasaste has been found to be hardy to drought conditions, with a favourable water use efficiency. Furthermore, studies show that tagasaste can repair or enhance ecosystem services such as water and nutrient cycles and improves above and below ground biodiversity. Moreover, improved livestock performance through the provision of high protein feed has the potential to support livelihoods as well as food and nutritional security, in both developing and developed regions
Next-Generation version of pseudomonas exotoxin a based immunotoxins with reduced immunogenicity for triple negative breast cancer (TNBC) treatment
No full textBreast cancer continues to have the highest mortality rate in comparison to other cancer types, with approximately 19.4 million women aged 15 years and older living at risk of being diagnosed with breast cancer in South Africa. Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) subtype, which is mainly characterized by a lack of expression of the oestrogen receptor (ER), progesterone receptor (PR) and human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2), patients do not benefit from current standard treatments since they are based on these absent biomarkers leading to off-targets which results to an adverse side effects in TNBC patients. TNBC subtypes tend to be more common in women younger than age 40, who are Black, or who have a Breast Cancer gene 1 (BRCA1) mutation. The five-year survival rate for TNBC in South Africa is approximately 19.26% and the major causes of this include the late diagnosis of disease, highly aggressive tumor growth, and the early formation of metastases. Therefore, it is crucial than ever to use a multi-targeted precision medicine approach exploiting the differential overexpression of TNBC-specific cell surface receptors. As part of this effort, tumors should be screened and evaluated for therapeutic and prognostic biomarkers that can precisely show the clinicians which treatment plan will work best for their patients. Combining novel immunotherapies with conventional treatment approaches has demonstrated significant promise for improving cancer quality of the patient's life and survival. Although, when it comes to TNBC, these immunotherapies are frequently used as a last option after more traditional treatments have failed such as chemotherapy. Overexpression of zinc transporter (LIV-1) and trophoblast cell surface antigen-2 (trop2) has been implicated in the oncogenesis of TNBC and associated with an unfavorable prognosis. Consequently, the LIV-1 and TROP-2 biomarkers represent a specific target antigen suitable for immunotherapy. In this study, we successfully developed recombinant immunotoxins by fusing an anti- hliv22 and anti-trop2 single chain variable fragment (scFv) antibody to a truncated mutant of Pseudomonas Exotoxin A (ETA') and deimmunized version of (ETA') RG7787, herewith termed (dETA') introducing a cysteine in position R456. Using the bacterial expression vector pMT, functional (scFv)-ETA' and scFv-dETA' were periplasmically expressed under osmotic stress conditions in the presence of compatible solutes. The 72 kDa, His10-tagged fusion proteins were purified using a two- step Immobilised Metal-ion Affinity Chromatography (IMAC). Specific binding of these recombinant immunotoxins to LIV-1- and TROP2-positive breast cancer cell line MCF-7 were confirmed by confocal microscopy in comparison to an antigen-negative control. The introduction of the new mutation in the RG7787 rIT indicates a partial recovery of enzymatic activity with trop2-targeting rITs showing a 1.4-fold reduction in cytotoxic activity, which is a significant improvement when compared with the 4 to13-fold reductions in IC50 values reported for RG7787 in the Alewine study. This is the first report documenting the specific cytotoxicity of a RG7787 recombinant immunotoxins with cysteine (C) mutation in position R456 introduced towards triple- negative breast carcinoma cells, suggesting that liv-1 and trop-2 specific antibody toxins may become valuable therapeutic reagents for the treatment of triple-negative breast cancer in the future