Kazakhstan–American Center for Cytomatrix Studies
The Kazakhstan–American Center for Cytomatrix Research (Al-Farabi KazNU) is a research and educational platform established to strengthen international collaboration and conduct joint studies under the “mirror laboratory” model with the scientific center of Dr. Shayken Tattym (USA). The Center’s core focus is to investigate the properties and characteristics of the cytomatrix, as well as the biology of malignant cells, thereby building a scientific foundation for innovative anti-cancer approaches. The Center provides hands-on training alongside theoretical learning for undergraduate, master’s, and PhD students. The Center was officially opened on November 27, 2025, at the Faculty of Biology and Biotechnology of Al-Farabi KazNU.
The Kazakhstan–American Center for Cytomatrix Research was established at the Non-profit Joint-Stock Company “Al-Farabi Kazakh National University” on the basis of Decision No. 10 of the University Academic Council dated 10 May 2024 and Order No. 279 of the Chairman of the Board–Rector dated 6 June 2024.
The Center operates with the participation of the Faculties of Biology and Biotechnology, Medicine and Healthcare, and Chemistry and Chemical Technology. Within the Center’s framework, international cooperation is being developed through a “mirror laboratory” format with the U.S.-based research center of Dr. Shaiken Tattim, and joint research is conducted to study the properties and characteristics of the cytomatrix.
Research carried out by Dr. Shaiken Tattim’s team in the United States led to the identification and analysis of the cytomatrix, an elastic solid phase of the cytoplasm that had not previously been isolated, as well as the development of several innovative technologies applicable to cell biology and oncology research (iScience, 2023; PMID: 36824274). In addition, a rapid and sensitive technology has been developed to isolate malignant cells from frozen tumor samples (U.S. Patent 20210348993 A1).
A Regulation (Policy) governing the structural unit “Kazakhstan–American Center for Cytomatrix Research” at Al-Farabi Kazakh National University has been developed and approved.
A Memorandum of Understanding was signed between Al-Farabi Kazakh National University and Peri-Nuc Labs LLP (USA, Texas, Houston). Following the MoU, the parties prepared and concluded an Agreement on Scientific Cooperation. These documents provide for joint research in priority areas, including cell biology, cytomatrix studies, and the development of innovative approaches in anti-tumor therapy.
In addition, a Memorandum of Understanding was signed between Al-Farabi Kazakh National University and the Kazakh Research Institute of Oncology and Radiology. The cooperation envisages joint research in cell biology, investigation of the mechanisms of cancer development, identification of the causes of malignant tumors, and improvement of early diagnosis.
As part of research capacity building, candidates are being selected to participate in the “500 Scientists” track of the Bolashak scholarship program for an internship in the laboratory of PhD Shaiken Tattim, Professor at the University of Houston and the Baylor College of Medicine.
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