LRHG Series - Lecture 24: Kazakhstani Reference Genome, Kazakhstani Reference Microbiome
This special lecture in the Logical Reasoning in Human Genetics series spotlights the groundbreaking work being conducted in Kazakhstan on population genomics and the human microbiome. Delivered by Dr. Ainur Akilzhanova and Dr. Almagul Kushugulova of Nazarbayev University’s National Laboratory Astana, the presentation highlights the development of a Kazakh reference genome and explores how genetics and microbiota interact with environment, diet, and disease across Central Asia.
The following key topics are discussed:
— The genetic diversity of the Kazakh population shaped by nomadic traditions, Silk Road heritage, and Soviet-era migration
— Development of Kazakhstan’s reference genome using short- and long-read sequencing technologies
— Applications of genomic research to cardiology, inherited disorders, pharmacogenomics, and forensic molecular autopsy
— The role of microbiome research in public health and personalized medicine in Kazakhstan
— Environmental influences (e.g. industrial pollution, heavy metals) on genetic and microbiome-related disease risk
This session was presented in partnership with Columbia Global Centers | Tunis and Institut Pasteur de Tunis.
Speakers:
Dr. Ainur Akilzhanova, Acting Director, Center for Life Sciences, National Laboratory Astana, Nazarbayev University
Dr. Almagul Kushugulova, Leading Researcher, Life Sciences Center, National Laboratory Astana, Nazarbayev University
00:00 – Introduction & opening remarks by Dr. Joseph Lee
02:01 – Dr. Ainur Akilzhanova: Overview of Kazakh population genetics and historical context
06:55 – Nomadic roots, Soviet transformations, and genetic diversity
10:10 – Kazakh tribal structures and implications for genetic health
12:00 – Genomic research infrastructure at Nazarbayev University
14:10 – Kazakhstan Reference Genome Project: Recruitment, methodology, sequencing platforms
18:40 – Novel variants and structural differences in Kazakh genomes
21:20 – Applications in cardiovascular disease, inherited conditions, and forensic medicine
25:05 – Pharmacogenomics and personalized therapy in Kazakh patients
27:00 – Case studies: Molecular autopsy and cardiac genetic diagnostics
30:02 – Environmental and ecological impacts on health (e.g. heavy metals, pollution)
31:58 – Acknowledgments and transition to microbiome research
33:04 – Dr. Almagul Kushugulova: From genome to microbiome – understanding microbial ecosystems
34:55 – Microbiota differences across geography, diet, and health in Kazakhstan
37:30 – Methodologies for human microbiome sampling and analysis
39:10 – Early childhood microbiota: Breastfeeding, formula, and delivery mode
41:00 – Dysbiosis and chronic disease: From obesity to cancer
43:45 – Heavy metals and environmental exposure effects on microbiome
46:10 – Applications in public health, personalized nutrition, and lifestyle medicine
48:20 – Future directions for microbiome research in Kazakhstan
49:45 – Closing remarks and questions
51:00 – Role of fermented foods in shaping microbial diversity
53:45 – Probiotics, prebiotics, and their use in Kazakh clinical research
56:20 – Human microbiome and metabolic disorders in Central Asia
59:10 – Gut microbiota and antibiotic resistance in regional studies
1:01:40 – Multi-omics strategy: Integrating host genetics and microbiota
1:04:30 – International collaborations and microbiome consortium work
1:07:15 – Translating research into Kazakh public health policies
1:09:00 – Personalized nutrition and microbiome-informed interventions
1:11:20 – Education and community outreach on microbiome science
1:14:05 – Limitations and future directions in Kazakhstan’s microbiome research
1:16:40 – Plans for national microbiome reference and biobanking
1:19:00 – Summary and closing reflections from speakers
1:21:00 – Audience Q&A and final remarks
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