Department of Biology
List of Department Biology Research laboratories
Natalie (Natasha)Barteneva
Laboratory: C4, 629; 506/510
email: natalie.barteneva@nu.edu.kz
Research Interests: eclectic mix of topics on living systems - from extracellular vesicles and cells up to ecosystems using cytometric, imaging, spectral, next generation sequencing and mathematical approaches.
Selected Publications:
Meirkhanova, A., Marks, S., Ussibaliev, D., Bexeitova, A., Berger, S. A., Melkonian, M., Vorobjev, I.A., Barteneva, N. S. (2025). Analysis of microalgae autofluorescence using full-spectrum cytometry to discriminate and monitor microalgae and bacteria.bioRxiv, 2025-07. https://doi.org/10.1101/2025.07.21.666045
Meirkhanova, A., Zhumakhanova, A., Len, P., Schoenbach, C., Levi, E. E., Jeppesen, E., ... Barteneva, N. S. (2025). Heatwave-Induced Thermal Stratification Shaping Microbial-Algal Communities Under Different Climate Scenarios as Revealed by Long-Read Sequencing and Imaging Flow Cytometry.Toxins,17(8), 370. https://doi.org/10.3390/toxins17080370
Prudinnik, D. S., Kussanova, A., Vorobjev, I. A., Tikhonov, A., Ataullakhanov, F. I., Barteneva, N. S. (2025). Deformability of Heterogeneous Red Blood Cells in Aging and Related Pathologies.Aging and Disease,16(3), 1242. DOI:10.14336/AD.2024.0526
Laboratory: C4, 629; 506/510
email: natalie.barteneva@nu.edu.kz
Research Interests: eclectic mix of topics on living systems - from extracellular vesicles and cells up to ecosystems using cytometric, imaging, spectral, next generation sequencing and mathematical approaches.
Selected Publications:
Meirkhanova, A., Marks, S., Ussibaliev, D., Bexeitova, A., Berger, S. A., Melkonian, M., Vorobjev, I.A., Barteneva, N. S. (2025). Analysis of microalgae autofluorescence using full-spectrum cytometry to discriminate and monitor microalgae and bacteria.bioRxiv, 2025-07. https://doi.org/10.1101/2025.07.21.666045
Meirkhanova, A., Zhumakhanova, A., Len, P., Schoenbach, C., Levi, E. E., Jeppesen, E., ... Barteneva, N. S. (2025). Heatwave-Induced Thermal Stratification Shaping Microbial-Algal Communities Under Different Climate Scenarios as Revealed by Long-Read Sequencing and Imaging Flow Cytometry.Toxins,17(8), 370. https://doi.org/10.3390/toxins17080370
Prudinnik, D. S., Kussanova, A., Vorobjev, I. A., Tikhonov, A., Ataullakhanov, F. I., Barteneva, N. S. (2025). Deformability of Heterogeneous Red Blood Cells in Aging and Related Pathologies.Aging and Disease,16(3), 1242. DOI:10.14336/AD.2024.0526
Timo Burster
Laboratory: C4, 610
Email: timo.burster@nu.edu.kz
1. Research
1. 1. The cooperation between proteases and host cells is pivotal in mounting an effective innate immune response. Such an immune response is initiated, in particular, by neutrophils releasing granules containing serine proteases, including neutrophil elastase (NE), cathepsin G (CatG), protease 3 (PR3), and neutrophil serine protease 4 (NSP4), collectively classified as neutrophil serine proteases (NSPs). Functional responsibilities of NSPs, specifically bivalent regulation of major histocompatibility complex class I (MHC) molecules, underscore a novel role of NSPs within the immune system. Furthermore, we are interested in generating and applying novel activity-based probes for activity-based protein profiling using Western blot, SDS-PAGE, fluorescence microscopy, and flow cytometry to detect proteolytic active serine protease and test novel serine protease inhibitors. The additional part of the research includes antigen processing of the S protein of SARS-CoV-2 and their novel variants and subvariants. Finally, several proteome profiler arrays were established in the laboratory in order to determine protease as well as protease inhibitors.
1.2. The synergistic interaction of CatG with the human alveolar basal epithelial cell line is of particular interest due to its potential implications against viral infection. Our study aimed to investigate the binding capacity of CatG on the surface of such cells. CatG shows proteolytic activity to fortify target cells against viral entrance.
1.3. Perspectives: Investigating the regulation of mediators in asymptomatic- and symptomatic patients as well as individuals with long COVID-19.
2. Selected publications:
2.1. Zhadyra Mustafa, Hubert Kalbacher, and Timo Burster. Occurrence of a novel cleavage site for cathepsin G adjacent to the polybasic sequence within the proteolytically sensitive activation loop of the SARS-CoV-2 Omicron variant: The amino acid substitution N679K and P681H of the spike protein. 2022. PlosOne. 10.1371/journal.pone.0264723. IF: 3.752. SJR: 0.85, Q1
2.2. Akmaral Assylbekova, Anuar Zhanapiya, Renata Grzywa, Marcin Sienczyk, Christian Schönbach and Timo Burster. Camostat Does Not Inhibit the Proteolytic Activity of Neutrophil Serine Proteases. 2022. Pharmaceuticals. IF: 5.215. SJR: 0.85, Q1
2.3. Nadine Schilling, Hubert Kalbacher, Timo Burster. Variation of proteolytic cleavage sites towards the N-terminal end of the S2 subunit of the novel SARS-CoV-2 Omicron sublineage BA.2.12.1. 2022. Molecules. IF: 4.927. SJR: 0.71, Q1
Laboratory: C4, 610
Email: timo.burster@nu.edu.kz
1. Research
1. 1. The cooperation between proteases and host cells is pivotal in mounting an effective innate immune response. Such an immune response is initiated, in particular, by neutrophils releasing granules containing serine proteases, including neutrophil elastase (NE), cathepsin G (CatG), protease 3 (PR3), and neutrophil serine protease 4 (NSP4), collectively classified as neutrophil serine proteases (NSPs). Functional responsibilities of NSPs, specifically bivalent regulation of major histocompatibility complex class I (MHC) molecules, underscore a novel role of NSPs within the immune system. Furthermore, we are interested in generating and applying novel activity-based probes for activity-based protein profiling using Western blot, SDS-PAGE, fluorescence microscopy, and flow cytometry to detect proteolytic active serine protease and test novel serine protease inhibitors. The additional part of the research includes antigen processing of the S protein of SARS-CoV-2 and their novel variants and subvariants. Finally, several proteome profiler arrays were established in the laboratory in order to determine protease as well as protease inhibitors.
1.2. The synergistic interaction of CatG with the human alveolar basal epithelial cell line is of particular interest due to its potential implications against viral infection. Our study aimed to investigate the binding capacity of CatG on the surface of such cells. CatG shows proteolytic activity to fortify target cells against viral entrance.
1.3. Perspectives: Investigating the regulation of mediators in asymptomatic- and symptomatic patients as well as individuals with long COVID-19.
2. Selected publications:
2.1. Zhadyra Mustafa, Hubert Kalbacher, and Timo Burster. Occurrence of a novel cleavage site for cathepsin G adjacent to the polybasic sequence within the proteolytically sensitive activation loop of the SARS-CoV-2 Omicron variant: The amino acid substitution N679K and P681H of the spike protein. 2022. PlosOne. 10.1371/journal.pone.0264723. IF: 3.752. SJR: 0.85, Q1
2.2. Akmaral Assylbekova, Anuar Zhanapiya, Renata Grzywa, Marcin Sienczyk, Christian Schönbach and Timo Burster. Camostat Does Not Inhibit the Proteolytic Activity of Neutrophil Serine Proteases. 2022. Pharmaceuticals. IF: 5.215. SJR: 0.85, Q1
2.3. Nadine Schilling, Hubert Kalbacher, Timo Burster. Variation of proteolytic cleavage sites towards the N-terminal end of the S2 subunit of the novel SARS-CoV-2 Omicron sublineage BA.2.12.1. 2022. Molecules. IF: 4.927. SJR: 0.71, Q1
Olena Filchakova
Laboratory: C4, 630
email: olena.filchakova@nu.edu.kz
Research directions of the laboratory:
The primary interest of the laboratory is cellular and molecular neuroscience, with an emphasis on functionality of ion channels and receptors, their role in physiological and pathophysiological conditions, as well as in ligands targeting ion channels and receptors. Currently run project aims at investigation of the cellular effects of coronavirus structural proteins. Among other interests are malignant brain tumors and application techniques
Selected Publications:
Gadilgereyeva, B., Kunushpayeva, Z., Abdrakhmanova, M., Khassenova, A., Minigulov, N., Burster, T. and Filchakova, O., 2025. Nucleocapsid Protein of SARS-CoV-2 Upregulates RANTES Expression in A172 Glioblastoma Cells. Molecules, 30(5), p.1066.
Terzapulo, X., Dyussupova, A., Ilyas, A., Boranova, A., Shevchenko, Y., Mergenbayeva, S., Filchakova, O., Gaipov, A. and Bukasov, R., 2025. Detection of Cancer Biomarkers: Review of Methods and Applications Reported from Analytical Perspective. Critical Reviews in Analytical Chemistry, pp.1-46.
Minigulov, N., Boranbayev, K., Bekbossynova, A., Gadilgereyeva, B. and Filchakova, O., 2024. Structural proteins of human coronaviruses: what makes them different? Frontiers in Cellular and Infection Microbiology, 14, p.1458383.
Laboratory: C4, 630
email: olena.filchakova@nu.edu.kz
Research directions of the laboratory:
The primary interest of the laboratory is cellular and molecular neuroscience, with an emphasis on functionality of ion channels and receptors, their role in physiological and pathophysiological conditions, as well as in ligands targeting ion channels and receptors. Currently run project aims at investigation of the cellular effects of coronavirus structural proteins. Among other interests are malignant brain tumors and application techniques
Selected Publications:
Gadilgereyeva, B., Kunushpayeva, Z., Abdrakhmanova, M., Khassenova, A., Minigulov, N., Burster, T. and Filchakova, O., 2025. Nucleocapsid Protein of SARS-CoV-2 Upregulates RANTES Expression in A172 Glioblastoma Cells. Molecules, 30(5), p.1066.
Terzapulo, X., Dyussupova, A., Ilyas, A., Boranova, A., Shevchenko, Y., Mergenbayeva, S., Filchakova, O., Gaipov, A. and Bukasov, R., 2025. Detection of Cancer Biomarkers: Review of Methods and Applications Reported from Analytical Perspective. Critical Reviews in Analytical Chemistry, pp.1-46.
Minigulov, N., Boranbayev, K., Bekbossynova, A., Gadilgereyeva, B. and Filchakova, O., 2024. Structural proteins of human coronaviruses: what makes them different? Frontiers in Cellular and Infection Microbiology, 14, p.1458383.
Gonzalo Hap Hortelano
Laboratory: C4,
email: gonzalo.hortelano@nu.edu.kz
Selected Publications:
Kart, U., Raimbekova, A., Yegorov, S. and Hortelano, G., 2025. Immune Modulation with Oral DNA/RNA Nanoparticles. Pharmaceutics, 17(5), p.609.
Yegorov, S., Kadyrova, I., Korshukov, I., Sultanbekova, A., Kolesnikova, Y., Barkhanskaya, V., Bashirova, T., Zhunusov, Y., Li, Y., Parakhina, V., Kolesnichenko, S., …Hortelano, G.H…., 2024. Application of MALDI-TOF MS and machine learning for the detection of SARS-CoV-2 and non-SARS-CoV-2 respiratory infections. Microbiology spectrum, 12(5), pp.e04068-23.
Raimbekova, A., Kart, U., Yerishova, A., Elebessov, T., Yegorov, S., Pham, T.T. and Hortelano, G., 2025. Chitosan-DNA nanoparticles: synthesis and optimization for long-term storage and effective delivery. PeerJ, 13, p.e18750.
Laboratory: C4,
email: gonzalo.hortelano@nu.edu.kz
Selected Publications:
Kart, U., Raimbekova, A., Yegorov, S. and Hortelano, G., 2025. Immune Modulation with Oral DNA/RNA Nanoparticles. Pharmaceutics, 17(5), p.609.
Yegorov, S., Kadyrova, I., Korshukov, I., Sultanbekova, A., Kolesnikova, Y., Barkhanskaya, V., Bashirova, T., Zhunusov, Y., Li, Y., Parakhina, V., Kolesnichenko, S., …Hortelano, G.H…., 2024. Application of MALDI-TOF MS and machine learning for the detection of SARS-CoV-2 and non-SARS-CoV-2 respiratory infections. Microbiology spectrum, 12(5), pp.e04068-23.
Raimbekova, A., Kart, U., Yerishova, A., Elebessov, T., Yegorov, S., Pham, T.T. and Hortelano, G., 2025. Chitosan-DNA nanoparticles: synthesis and optimization for long-term storage and effective delivery. PeerJ, 13, p.e18750.
Ferdinand Molnár
Laboratory: C4,
email: ferdinand.molnar@nu.edu.kz
Research Interests:
Structural and Chemical Biology; Chem- Bio-Informatics; Drug Discovery; Machine Learning in Chemistry
Selected publications:
Zhabinets, M., Tyler, B., Lukac, M., Nagayama, S., Molnár, F. and Kameyama, M., 2025. Synthetic Data-Based Algorithm Selection for Medical Image Classification Under Limited Data Availability. Algorithms, 18(6), p.310.
Mazhibiyeva, A., Pham, T.T., Pats, K., Lukac, M. and Molnár, F., 2025. Bridging prediction and reality: Comprehensive analysis of experimental and AlphaFold 2 full-length nuclear receptor structures. Computational and Structural Biotechnology Journal.
Jalmukhambetova, A., Baltabekova, A., Tolebay, A., Rakhimgerey, N., Molnár, F., Pham, T.T., Burska, A.N. and Sarbassov, D.D., 2025. Oxidative stress induces cortical stiffening and cytoskeletal remodelling in pre-apoptotic cancer cells. Cell Stress, 9, p.182.
Laboratory: C4,
email: ferdinand.molnar@nu.edu.kz
Research Interests:
Structural and Chemical Biology; Chem- Bio-Informatics; Drug Discovery; Machine Learning in Chemistry
Selected publications:
Zhabinets, M., Tyler, B., Lukac, M., Nagayama, S., Molnár, F. and Kameyama, M., 2025. Synthetic Data-Based Algorithm Selection for Medical Image Classification Under Limited Data Availability. Algorithms, 18(6), p.310.
Mazhibiyeva, A., Pham, T.T., Pats, K., Lukac, M. and Molnár, F., 2025. Bridging prediction and reality: Comprehensive analysis of experimental and AlphaFold 2 full-length nuclear receptor structures. Computational and Structural Biotechnology Journal.
Jalmukhambetova, A., Baltabekova, A., Tolebay, A., Rakhimgerey, N., Molnár, F., Pham, T.T., Burska, A.N. and Sarbassov, D.D., 2025. Oxidative stress induces cortical stiffening and cytoskeletal remodelling in pre-apoptotic cancer cells. Cell Stress, 9, p.182.
Alexandr Pak
Laboratory: 9.509
email: apak@nu.edu.kz
Research Interests:
1. Systems Neuroscience
Methodology: In vivo electrophysiology and behavioral testing
Current project: Neural basis of spatial navigation, how it is be altered in neurodevelopmental disorders
2. Human Neuroimaging
Methodology: 64-channel EEG and eye-tracking
Current project: What are neural signatures of novelty detection and learning?
3. Cognitive Neuroscience
Methodology: Computerized cognitive testing battery
Current project: How does multilingualism correlate with working memory, inhibition, and cognitive flexibility?
Selected Publications:
Cheng, X., Tang, Y., Vidyadhara, D.J., Li, B.Z., Zimmerman, M., Pak, A., Nareddula, S., Edens, P.A., Chandra, S.S. and Chubykin, A.A., 2023. Impaired pre-synaptic plasticity and visual responses in auxilin-knockout mice. Iscience, 26(10).
Cheng, X., Tang, Y., Vidyadhara, D.J., Li, B.Z., Zimmerman, M., Pak, A., Klug, A., Chandra, S.S. and Chubykin, A., 2023. Impaired Presynaptic Plasticity, Visual Mismatch Negativity, and Familiarity-Evoked Oscillations in Auxilin Knockout Mice. Visual Mismatch Negativity, and Familiarity-Evoked Oscillations in Auxilin Knockout Mice.
Laboratory: 9.509
email: apak@nu.edu.kz
Research Interests:
1. Systems Neuroscience
Methodology: In vivo electrophysiology and behavioral testing
Current project: Neural basis of spatial navigation, how it is be altered in neurodevelopmental disorders
2. Human Neuroimaging
Methodology: 64-channel EEG and eye-tracking
Current project: What are neural signatures of novelty detection and learning?
3. Cognitive Neuroscience
Methodology: Computerized cognitive testing battery
Current project: How does multilingualism correlate with working memory, inhibition, and cognitive flexibility?
Selected Publications:
Cheng, X., Tang, Y., Vidyadhara, D.J., Li, B.Z., Zimmerman, M., Pak, A., Nareddula, S., Edens, P.A., Chandra, S.S. and Chubykin, A.A., 2023. Impaired pre-synaptic plasticity and visual responses in auxilin-knockout mice. Iscience, 26(10).
Cheng, X., Tang, Y., Vidyadhara, D.J., Li, B.Z., Zimmerman, M., Pak, A., Klug, A., Chandra, S.S. and Chubykin, A., 2023. Impaired Presynaptic Plasticity, Visual Mismatch Negativity, and Familiarity-Evoked Oscillations in Auxilin Knockout Mice. Visual Mismatch Negativity, and Familiarity-Evoked Oscillations in Auxilin Knockout Mice.
Tri Pham
Laboratory: C4, 610, 9th block
E-mail: tri.pham@nu.edu.kz
Research Interests:
Cell/tissue biomechanics
Selected Publications:
Do, T.D., Mukhatov, A., Tolebay, A., Le, T.A. and Pham, T.T., 2025. A comprehensive analysis of the impacts of Image Resolution and Scanning Times on the quality of MPI-reconstructed images.Scientific Reports,15(1), p.5519.
Mukhatov, A., Do, T.D. and Pham, T.T., 2025. An Improved Bidirectional Cartesian Scanning Trajectory Formula for Ensuring Continuity and Specifying the Optimal Phase Angle for Maximum Density Pattern.Engineered Science,35, p.1552.
Jalmukhambetova, A., Baltabekova, A., Tolebay, A., Rakhimgerey, N., Molnár, F., Pham, T.T., Burska, A.N. and Sarbassov, D.D., 2025. Oxidative stress induces cortical stiffening and cytoskeletal remodelling in pre-apoptotic cancer cells.Cell Stress,9, p.182.
Laboratory: C4, 610, 9th block
E-mail: tri.pham@nu.edu.kz
Research Interests:
Cell/tissue biomechanics
Selected Publications:
Do, T.D., Mukhatov, A., Tolebay, A., Le, T.A. and Pham, T.T., 2025. A comprehensive analysis of the impacts of Image Resolution and Scanning Times on the quality of MPI-reconstructed images.Scientific Reports,15(1), p.5519.
Mukhatov, A., Do, T.D. and Pham, T.T., 2025. An Improved Bidirectional Cartesian Scanning Trajectory Formula for Ensuring Continuity and Specifying the Optimal Phase Angle for Maximum Density Pattern.Engineered Science,35, p.1552.
Jalmukhambetova, A., Baltabekova, A., Tolebay, A., Rakhimgerey, N., Molnár, F., Pham, T.T., Burska, A.N. and Sarbassov, D.D., 2025. Oxidative stress induces cortical stiffening and cytoskeletal remodelling in pre-apoptotic cancer cells.Cell Stress,9, p.182.
Eugene Ponomarev
Laboratory location: Block 9
email: eugene.ponomarev@nu.edu.kz
Research Interests:
Neuroimmunology; Immunometabolism; Microglia; Macrophages; Platelets
Selected Publications:
Veremeyko, T., Vik, A., Hansen, T.V. and Ponomarev, E.D., 2024. Alternative Macrophage Activation Requires Granulocyte-Derived Lipids. bioRxiv, pp.2024-02.
Veremeyko, T., Barteneva, N.S., Vorobyev, I. and Ponomarev, E.D., 2024. The Emerging Role of Immunoglobulins and Complement in the Stimulation of Neuronal Activity and Repair: Not as Simple as We Thought. Biomolecules, 14(10), p.1323.
Veremeyko, T., Jiang, R., He, M. and Ponomarev, E.D., 2023. Complement C4-deficient mice have a high mortality rate during PTZ-induced epileptic seizures, which correlates with cognitive problems and the deficiency in the expression of Egr1 and other immediate early genes. Frontiers in Cellular Neuroscience, 17, p.1170031.
Laboratory location: Block 9
email: eugene.ponomarev@nu.edu.kz
Research Interests:
Neuroimmunology; Immunometabolism; Microglia; Macrophages; Platelets
Selected Publications:
Veremeyko, T., Vik, A., Hansen, T.V. and Ponomarev, E.D., 2024. Alternative Macrophage Activation Requires Granulocyte-Derived Lipids. bioRxiv, pp.2024-02.
Veremeyko, T., Barteneva, N.S., Vorobyev, I. and Ponomarev, E.D., 2024. The Emerging Role of Immunoglobulins and Complement in the Stimulation of Neuronal Activity and Repair: Not as Simple as We Thought. Biomolecules, 14(10), p.1323.
Veremeyko, T., Jiang, R., He, M. and Ponomarev, E.D., 2023. Complement C4-deficient mice have a high mortality rate during PTZ-induced epileptic seizures, which correlates with cognitive problems and the deficiency in the expression of Egr1 and other immediate early genes. Frontiers in Cellular Neuroscience, 17, p.1170031.
Dos Sarbassov
Biocluster: Block C4, Office 602; Lab 609.
email: dos.sarbassov@nu.edu.kz
Selected Publications:
Jalmukhambetova, A., Baltabekova, A., Tolebay, A., Rakhimgerey, N., Molnár, F., Pham, T.T., Burska, A.N. and Sarbassov, D.D., 2025. Oxidative stress induces cortical stiffening and cytoskeletal remodelling in pre-apoptotic cancer cells. Cell Stress, 9, p.182.
Mashzhan, A., Smekenov, I., Bakiyev, S., Utegenova, K., Samatkyzy, D., Daniyarov, A., Kairov, U., Sarbassov, D. and Bissenbaev, A., 2025. Whole-Genome Sequencing of a Potentially Novel Aeromonas Species Isolated from Diseased Siberian Sturgeon (Acipenser baerii) Using Oxford Nanopore Sequencing. Microorganisms, 13(7), p.1680.
Assanbayev, T., Akilzhanov, R., Sharapatov, T., Bektayev, R., Samatkyzy, D., Karabayev, D., Gabdulkayum, A., Daniyarov, A., Rakhimova, S., Kozhamkulov, U. and Sarbassov, D., 2024. Whole genome sequencing and de novo genome assembly of the Kazakh native horse Zhabe. Frontiers in Genetics, 15, p.1466382.
Biocluster: Block C4, Office 602; Lab 609.
email: dos.sarbassov@nu.edu.kz
Selected Publications:
Jalmukhambetova, A., Baltabekova, A., Tolebay, A., Rakhimgerey, N., Molnár, F., Pham, T.T., Burska, A.N. and Sarbassov, D.D., 2025. Oxidative stress induces cortical stiffening and cytoskeletal remodelling in pre-apoptotic cancer cells. Cell Stress, 9, p.182.
Mashzhan, A., Smekenov, I., Bakiyev, S., Utegenova, K., Samatkyzy, D., Daniyarov, A., Kairov, U., Sarbassov, D. and Bissenbaev, A., 2025. Whole-Genome Sequencing of a Potentially Novel Aeromonas Species Isolated from Diseased Siberian Sturgeon (Acipenser baerii) Using Oxford Nanopore Sequencing. Microorganisms, 13(7), p.1680.
Assanbayev, T., Akilzhanov, R., Sharapatov, T., Bektayev, R., Samatkyzy, D., Karabayev, D., Gabdulkayum, A., Daniyarov, A., Rakhimova, S., Kozhamkulov, U. and Sarbassov, D., 2024. Whole genome sequencing and de novo genome assembly of the Kazakh native horse Zhabe. Frontiers in Genetics, 15, p.1466382.
Soltabayeva Laboratory
Location: C4, room 649
Major Research Directions:
1. Investigation of the effects of environmental factors (heat, drought and heavy metal) on plant stress responses and senescence in the model plant Arabidopsis thaliana and crops such as wheat and barley.
2. Study of senescence markers, including morphological, physiological, and molecular indicators, in Pinus sylvestris.
3. Early detection of potato spoilage in agricultural storage.
Selected Publications :
Kurmanbayeva, A., Soltabayeva, A., Dauletova, N., Dauletkyzy, A., Mukhitkyzy, S., Tleukhan, A., Symbat S. et al., 2024. Role of senescence-associated receptor-like kinase (SARK) in senescence regulation and developmental processes in Arabidopsis. Acta Physiologiae Plantarum 46, no. 3 (2024): 26.
Soltabayeva, A., Kurmanbayeva, A., Bekturova, A., Oshanova, D., Nurbekova, Z., Srivastava, S., Standing, D., Zdunek-Zastocka, E. and Sagi, M., 2024. Endogenous ureides are employed as a carbon source in Arabidopsis plants exposed to carbon starvation conditions.Plant Science,344, p.112108.
Soltabayeva, A. and Sagi, M., 2024. Determination of ROS Generated by Arabidopsis Xanthine Dehydrogenase1 (AtXDH1) Using Nitroblue Tetrazolium (NBT) and 3, 3′-Diaminobenzidine (DAP). In ROS Signaling in Plants: Methods and Protocols, Vol. 2798, pp. 65-77. NY: Springer US.
Internal Collaborations:: Biocluster, SEDS, NLA.
External Collaborations: International Science Complex “Astana” - Project: Restoration and preservation of the ecosystem of the State National Park Burbay; SPUN
Location: C4, room 649
Major Research Directions:
1. Investigation of the effects of environmental factors (heat, drought and heavy metal) on plant stress responses and senescence in the model plant Arabidopsis thaliana and crops such as wheat and barley.
2. Study of senescence markers, including morphological, physiological, and molecular indicators, in Pinus sylvestris.
3. Early detection of potato spoilage in agricultural storage.
Selected Publications :
Kurmanbayeva, A., Soltabayeva, A., Dauletova, N., Dauletkyzy, A., Mukhitkyzy, S., Tleukhan, A., Symbat S. et al., 2024. Role of senescence-associated receptor-like kinase (SARK) in senescence regulation and developmental processes in Arabidopsis. Acta Physiologiae Plantarum 46, no. 3 (2024): 26.
Soltabayeva, A., Kurmanbayeva, A., Bekturova, A., Oshanova, D., Nurbekova, Z., Srivastava, S., Standing, D., Zdunek-Zastocka, E. and Sagi, M., 2024. Endogenous ureides are employed as a carbon source in Arabidopsis plants exposed to carbon starvation conditions.Plant Science,344, p.112108.
Soltabayeva, A. and Sagi, M., 2024. Determination of ROS Generated by Arabidopsis Xanthine Dehydrogenase1 (AtXDH1) Using Nitroblue Tetrazolium (NBT) and 3, 3′-Diaminobenzidine (DAP). In ROS Signaling in Plants: Methods and Protocols, Vol. 2798, pp. 65-77. NY: Springer US.
Internal Collaborations:: Biocluster, SEDS, NLA.
External Collaborations: International Science Complex “Astana” - Project: Restoration and preservation of the ecosystem of the State National Park Burbay; SPUN
Tursunjan Tokay
Laboratory: C4, 508
email: tursunjan.tokay@nu.edu.kz
Main research directions of the laboratory:
Sarapultsev, A., Komelkova, M., Utepova, I., Gusev, E., Hu, D., Trofimov, A., Tokay, T., Kondaurova, E. and Naumenko, V., 2025. Selective Cyclooxygenase-2 Inhibitors in Preclinical Rodent Models of Depression and Post-traumatic Stress Disorder: A Systematic Review of Behavioral, Neuroinflammatory, and Molecular Mechanisms. ACS Chemical Neuroscience.
Sailike, B., Onzhanova, Z., Akbay, B., Tokay, T. and Molnár, F., 2024. Vitamin D in central nervous system: implications for neurological disorders. International journal of molecular sciences, 25(14), p.7809.
Sailike, B., Omarova, Z., Jenis, J., Adilbayev, A., Akbay, B., Askarova, S., Jin, W.L. and Tokay, T., 2022. Neuroprotective and anti-epileptic potentials of genus Artemisia L. Frontiers in Pharmacology, 13, p.1021501.
Laboratory: C4, 508
email: tursunjan.tokay@nu.edu.kz
Main research directions of the laboratory:
- Study association between neural plasticity and behaviour
- Exploring the mechanisms of aging, neurodegeneration, and neurological diseases;
- Developing alternative treatment strategies for neurological and related diseases.
Sarapultsev, A., Komelkova, M., Utepova, I., Gusev, E., Hu, D., Trofimov, A., Tokay, T., Kondaurova, E. and Naumenko, V., 2025. Selective Cyclooxygenase-2 Inhibitors in Preclinical Rodent Models of Depression and Post-traumatic Stress Disorder: A Systematic Review of Behavioral, Neuroinflammatory, and Molecular Mechanisms. ACS Chemical Neuroscience.
Sailike, B., Onzhanova, Z., Akbay, B., Tokay, T. and Molnár, F., 2024. Vitamin D in central nervous system: implications for neurological disorders. International journal of molecular sciences, 25(14), p.7809.
Sailike, B., Omarova, Z., Jenis, J., Adilbayev, A., Akbay, B., Askarova, S., Jin, W.L. and Tokay, T., 2022. Neuroprotective and anti-epileptic potentials of genus Artemisia L. Frontiers in Pharmacology, 13, p.1021501.
Ivan Vorobyev
Laboratory: C4, 631
email: ivan.vorobyev@nu.edu.kz
Main research directions of the laboratory:
Cell behavior and role of cytoskeleton in motility and proliferation of normal and tumor cells.We implement high-throughput time lapse microscopy as well as different types of confocal microscopy analyzing living and fixed cells. Together with computer specialists we are developing image analysis tools for high-throughput analysis of cytoskeleton organization and cell motility. Other methods include but are not limited to flow cytometry (with imaging flow cytometry and spectral cytometry), knockdown technologies of different cytoskeletal components.
Selected Publications:
Saidova, A.A. and Vorobjev, I.A., 2024. What actin and myosin do in the nucleus: new functions of the well-known proteins. Molecular Biology, 58(3), pp.367-380.
Meirkhanova, A., Marks, S., Feja, N., Vorobjev, I.A. and Barteneva, N.S., 2024. Spectral algal fingerprinting and long sequencing in synthetic algal–microbial communities. Cells, 13(18), p.1552.
Nurmagambetova, A., Mustyatsa, V., Saidova, A. and Vorobjev, I., 2023. Morphological and cytoskeleton changes in cells after EMT. Scientific Reports, 13(1), p.22164.
Laboratory: C4, 631
email: ivan.vorobyev@nu.edu.kz
Main research directions of the laboratory:
Cell behavior and role of cytoskeleton in motility and proliferation of normal and tumor cells.We implement high-throughput time lapse microscopy as well as different types of confocal microscopy analyzing living and fixed cells. Together with computer specialists we are developing image analysis tools for high-throughput analysis of cytoskeleton organization and cell motility. Other methods include but are not limited to flow cytometry (with imaging flow cytometry and spectral cytometry), knockdown technologies of different cytoskeletal components.
Selected Publications:
Saidova, A.A. and Vorobjev, I.A., 2024. What actin and myosin do in the nucleus: new functions of the well-known proteins. Molecular Biology, 58(3), pp.367-380.
Meirkhanova, A., Marks, S., Feja, N., Vorobjev, I.A. and Barteneva, N.S., 2024. Spectral algal fingerprinting and long sequencing in synthetic algal–microbial communities. Cells, 13(18), p.1552.
Nurmagambetova, A., Mustyatsa, V., Saidova, A. and Vorobjev, I., 2023. Morphological and cytoskeleton changes in cells after EMT. Scientific Reports, 13(1), p.22164.
Yingqiu Xie
Laboratory: C4
email: yingqiu.xie@nu.edu.kz
Research Interests:
Molecular and biochemical mechanisms of cancer progression, signaling networks, drug targets, Nano-medicine, Nano-genomics, Gene editing, bio-engineering, clinical urological oncology and precision cancer therapeutics.
Selected Publications:
Nazarbek, G., Omarova, Z., Shaimoldina, A., Bauyrzhanova, Z., Kondratyeva, M., Zeitkaziyeva, D., Onggarbek, A., Orassay, A., Fan, H., Toktarov, N., Amin, A., Xie, Y., 2025. Light controllable smart Poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase-1 inhibitor delivery by sustainable green materials for regulation of cytotoxicity. Journal of Drug Delivery Science and Technology, p.107036.
Ahmad, A., Majaz, S., Saeed, A., Noreen, S., Abbas, M., Khan, B., Rahman, H.U., Nouroz, F., Xie, Y., Rashid, A. and Rehman, A.U., 2025. Microevolution and phylogenomic study of Respiratory Syncytial Virus type A. PloS one, 20(2), p.e0319437.
Li, Y., Qi, Y., Liu, J., Wang, P., Zheng, J., Chen, X., Wang, Y., Zhao, X., Xie, Y., Shi, C. and Ma, C., 2025. Antibiotic-Modified Nanoparticles Combined with Lysozyme for Rapid Extraction of Pathogenic Bacteria DNA in Blood. Analytical Chemistry, 97(11), pp.6201-6210.
Laboratory: C4
email: yingqiu.xie@nu.edu.kz
Research Interests:
Molecular and biochemical mechanisms of cancer progression, signaling networks, drug targets, Nano-medicine, Nano-genomics, Gene editing, bio-engineering, clinical urological oncology and precision cancer therapeutics.
Selected Publications:
Nazarbek, G., Omarova, Z., Shaimoldina, A., Bauyrzhanova, Z., Kondratyeva, M., Zeitkaziyeva, D., Onggarbek, A., Orassay, A., Fan, H., Toktarov, N., Amin, A., Xie, Y., 2025. Light controllable smart Poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase-1 inhibitor delivery by sustainable green materials for regulation of cytotoxicity. Journal of Drug Delivery Science and Technology, p.107036.
Ahmad, A., Majaz, S., Saeed, A., Noreen, S., Abbas, M., Khan, B., Rahman, H.U., Nouroz, F., Xie, Y., Rashid, A. and Rehman, A.U., 2025. Microevolution and phylogenomic study of Respiratory Syncytial Virus type A. PloS one, 20(2), p.e0319437.
Li, Y., Qi, Y., Liu, J., Wang, P., Zheng, J., Chen, X., Wang, Y., Zhao, X., Xie, Y., Shi, C. and Ma, C., 2025. Antibiotic-Modified Nanoparticles Combined with Lysozyme for Rapid Extraction of Pathogenic Bacteria DNA in Blood. Analytical Chemistry, 97(11), pp.6201-6210.
Damira Kanayeva
Laboratory location: C4, 644
email: dkanayeva@nu.edu.kz
Selected Publications:
Alipuly, M., Kanzhigitova, D., Bexeitova, A., Askar, P., Kanayeva, D., Adilov, S. and Nuraje, N., 2025. Stable conductive PANI-based hydrogels with antibacterial activity. Advanced Composites and Hybrid Materials, 8(1), p.56.
Nurlankyzy, M., Kantoreyeva, K., Myrkhiyeva, Z., Ashikbayeva, Z., Baiken, Y., Kanayeva, D., Tosi, D. and Bekmurzayeva, A., 2024. Label-free optical fiber biosensor for the detection of CD44-expressing breast cancer cells. Sensing and Bio-Sensing Research, 44, p.100661.
Sagdat, K., Batyrkhan, A. and Kanayeva, D., 2024. Exploring monkeypox virus proteins and rapid detection techniques. Frontiers in Cellular and Infection Microbiology, 14, p.1414224.
Laboratory location: C4, 644
email: dkanayeva@nu.edu.kz
Selected Publications:
Alipuly, M., Kanzhigitova, D., Bexeitova, A., Askar, P., Kanayeva, D., Adilov, S. and Nuraje, N., 2025. Stable conductive PANI-based hydrogels with antibacterial activity. Advanced Composites and Hybrid Materials, 8(1), p.56.
Nurlankyzy, M., Kantoreyeva, K., Myrkhiyeva, Z., Ashikbayeva, Z., Baiken, Y., Kanayeva, D., Tosi, D. and Bekmurzayeva, A., 2024. Label-free optical fiber biosensor for the detection of CD44-expressing breast cancer cells. Sensing and Bio-Sensing Research, 44, p.100661.
Sagdat, K., Batyrkhan, A. and Kanayeva, D., 2024. Exploring monkeypox virus proteins and rapid detection techniques. Frontiers in Cellular and Infection Microbiology, 14, p.1414224.