A researcher from the USA gave a lecture at KazNU
Director of the Laboratory of Human Stem Cells at the Whitehead Institute of Biomedical Research (Massachusetts Institute of Technology, USA) Maya Mitalipova gave a lecture at al-Farabi Kazakh National University on the topic "Isogenic self-organizing model of the blood-brain barrier for studying vascular dysregulation in Alzheimer's disease".
The renowned scientist was welcomed by Margulan Ibraimov, Member of the Board, Vice–Rector for Scientific and Innovative Activities. He thanked the guest of honor for her willingness to share her experience in the field of stem cells, biotechnology and innovative scientific entrepreneurship, and noted her merits and achievements: "Today we are pleased to welcome a world-class researcher, Maya Mitalipova, who, with her work in the field of stem cells and biotechnology, opens new horizons in the study of Parkinson's and Alzheimer's diseases. Her research contributes to the creation of innovative treatment methods and the development of new medical technologies, which makes her contribution significant both for world science and for the domestic scientific community".
Maya Mitalipova began the lecture with a story about her professional career – from working at the Institute of Experimental Biology in Almaty to the position of director of the Human Stem Cell Laboratory at the Whitehead Institute for Biomedical Research (Cambridge, Massachusetts). This path was full of difficulties and happy coincidences, and in the end she found her life's work. Today, the progress of research in the treatment of Parkinson's and Alzheimer's diseases depends on the work of her laboratory.
Personal experience also became a motivation for research: when Maya began to study the nature of these diseases, her mother was diagnosed with Parkinson's. Unfortunately, it was not possible to save her. "After more than twenty years of working in this field, I realize that I know very little. But I will come to the laboratory even at 80 years old. When I visit my mother's grave, I tell myself: "I will contribute a small part to the solution of this problem. And if I can't complete it myself, I'll definitely pass the baton on to other scientists who will continue their work", - Maya shared.
Next, the researcher presented the results of creating an isogenic self-organizing model of the blood-brain barrier (BBB) for studying pathological changes in cerebral vessels in Alzheimer's disease. The model allows us to study the effect of BBB dysregulation on the vascular system and the development of the disease, as well as to test new drugs to restore barrier function and slow the progression of the disease.
At the end, students and young scientists took part in the discussion, asked questions and received meaningful answers from Maya Mitalipova.
Press-service of Al-Farabi Kazakh National University
