iGEM NU-Kazakhstan Breaks New Ground in Cancer Research, Rising to Global Top 5 at iGEM 2024

The iGEM NU-Kazakhstan 2024 team from Nazarbayev University achieved remarkable success at this year’s prestigious International Genetically Engineered Machine (iGEM) competition. Competing against 437 university teams from over 50 countries, the team’s project, SanaGel, was nominated as one of the top five oncology projects globally, competing alongside teams from MIT, Harvard, and Oxford.

The SanaGel project focuses on targeted bacteriotherapy for breast cancer, employing synthetic biology to engineer non-pathogenic *E. coli* to selectively bind to and eradicate cancer cells. SanaGel incorporates a tumor-targeting peptide that bursts cancer cells on contact and is delivered locally through a temperature-sensitive hydrogel, ensuring precision and safety. Additionally, the team integrated a "Kill Switch" (Suicide Gene) for enhanced safety, minimizing bacterial activity outside the targeted tumor area.

The NU team’s contributions went beyond their innovative cancer therapy. They were also nominated for the Best Hardware award, placing in the top five for developing NanoX, a laboratory device that automates solution preparation for cell culture, providing an affordable, locally-made solution for researchers. The team’s commitment to innovation was further recognized in the NURIS ABC Incubation Program, where NanoX reached the final stages, showcasing its potential to impact laboratory work across multiple fields.

iGEM NU-Kazakhstan, the only team from Central Asia, represents a critical node in the development of synthetic biology across the region. Supported by Nazarbayev University’s School of Sciences and Humanities, the team had 24/7 access to state-of-the-art labs and received guidance from academic advisors Dr. Ivan Vorobyev and Dr. Irshad Kammakakam.

The student team includes: team leader - Ansal’ Diassova; department heads for Wet Lab, Dry Lab, Human Practices, Public Engagement - Adil Ispambetov, Alan Berdigaliyev, Arailym Myrzagaliyeva, Temirlan Karatay; team members - Anastassiya Tyazhelova, Artyom German, Makpal Akishova, Nuriya Nurlankyzy, Rauan Muratuly, Tomiris Kudassova, Gulnaz Ingkar, Dana Khairetdinova, Kamilya Beisembayeva, Assem Zhannatova, Diana Bekeshova, Dulat Minas, Assel Kenzhebay, Yernur Kenzhegazin, Ilnur Gayetov, Ilyas Umurbekov, Mukhammeddulat Olzhabay, Abylaikhan Seraliyev, Anuar Ulakov.