BULLETIN of the L.N. Gumilyov Eurasian National University. BIOSCIENCE Series

Molecular identification and diversity of Aspergillus storage fungi in chickpea seeds from the Akmola region, Kazakhstan

R.S. Uakhit, A.M. Smaggulova, A.S. Abash, V.S. Kiyan, K.A. Dyussembayev — Tue, 30 Jun 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) is a vital legume whose post-harvest quality is frequently compromised by opportunistic storage fungi, posing both economic losses and potential health risks due to mycotoxin contamination. Despite its agricultural importance, information regarding storage fungi affecting chickpea seeds in Kazakhstan remains limited. This study aimed to isolate and identify Aspergillus species contaminating chickpea seeds cultivated in the Akmola region. Over 200 seed samples representing local agricultural production were evaluated. Initial microbiological analysis and microscopic examination were followed by accurate molecular identification through the amplification sequencing of the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region of ribosomal DNA. Phylogenetic analysis of the obtained sequences confirmed the presence of two distinct species: Aspergillus niger and Aspergillus fumigatus. The isolation of these ubiquitous saprophytes indicates significant post-harvest fungal proliferation, likely exacerbated by local climatic factors and storage microclimates. These findings highlight a critical vulnerability in regional post-harvest infrastructure and underscore the necessity for rigorous phytosanitary monitoring. Implementing improved, sustainable storage management strategies is essential to mitigate fungal contamination and ensure the safety of local agricultural commodities.

Biochemical and functional characterization of NucS endonuclease from Mycobacterium tuberculosis

Tue, 30 Jun 2026 00:00:00 +0000

The growing drug resistance of M. tuberculosis necessitates the search for new molecular targets. A promising candidate in this regard is the NucS endonuclease — a functional analog of the canonical MutS–MutL–MutH mismatch repair system, which is absent in mycobacteria.

In the present study, the biochemical and functional characterization of NucS from M. tuberculosis was performed. Recombinant proteins MtbNucS and MtbDnaN were expressed in the E. coli Arctic Express (DE3) system. MtbNucS was shown to exhibit selective nuclease activity toward substrates containing G•T and U•G mismatches; optimal catalytic conditions were 25 mM Tris-HCl (pH 8.0), 40 mM MgCl₂, and 2.5 mM MnCl₂. The sliding clamp MtbDnaN exerts a biphasic, dose-dependent effect on enzyme activity. Site-directed mutagenesis confirmed the critical role of residues W52 and D137 in the formation of the NucS active site. The data obtained support the potential of MtbNucS as a target for the development of novel antituberculosis drugs.

Study on the application of hyperspectral imaging for identifying barley loose smut at different stages of development using machine learning methods

R.М. Ualiyeva, А.V. Osipova, М.М. Kaverina, M.A. Zhaksybek, S.B. Zhangazin — Tue, 30 Jun 2026 00:00:00 +0000

This paper presents a study of the potential of hyperspectral imaging for identifying barley infection by Ustilago nuda at various stages of disease development using machine learning methods. The study focused on barley samples (Hordeum vulgare L.) collected from agrocenoses in the northeastern part of Pavlodar region. Analysis of spectral characteristics revealed significant differences between healthy, infected, and desiccated plant areas, including reduced reflectance and the absence of a distinct red edge in infected tissues. The Maximum Entropy algorithm was employed for classification. The training set comprised 243 samples, while the testing set included 352 samples with pronounced class imbalance. The model demonstrated high classification accuracy of up to 95%. The results confirm the effectiveness of hyperspectral imaging combined with machine learning for disease detection and monitoring, including at early stages, which can be applied in precision agriculture systems to enhance phytosanitary control efficiency and promote sustainable grain production.

Rare communities of fescue-feather grass steppes in the vicinity of Lake Shalkar

Tue, 30 Jun 2026 00:00:00 +0000

The article presents the results of research on rare fescue-feather grass steppe communities in the vicinity of Lake Shalkar within the West Kazakhstan Region. In the studied area, we identified 11 rare communities and subdivided them into 3 categories: 1) rare plant communities characteristic only of the Trans-Volga–Kazakhstan province, where the dominants are the rare and relict species Anthemis trotzkiana and Anabasis cretacea; 2) rare pristine zonal communities experiencing the greatest anthropogenic impact; 3) rare local communities confined to specific habitat conditions. The identified rare plant communities are of key importance for maintaining biodiversity and the sustainability of the steppe zone, indicating the ancient genesis of the communities and their refugial nature.

Efficient expression and purification of recombinant MUTYH protein in Escherichia coli

Tue, 30 Jun 2026 00:00:00 +0000

MUTYH is a DNA glycosylase involved in the excisional base repair (BER) process responsible for the recognition and removal of adenine improperly bonded to 8-oxoguanine. Pathogenic variants or impaired MUTYH function are associated with MUTYH-associated polyposis and an increased risk of colorectal cancer. Recombinant MUTYH production is necessary for biochemical and structural studies. In this study, we developed and optimized a protocol for the expression and purification of recombinant human MUTYH protein fused with the 6×His N-terminal label. Wild-type constructs were cloned into the pET-28c expression vector and expressed in Escherichia coli Rosetta (DE3), ArcticExpress(DE3), and SHuffle® T7 Express strains. Low-temperature induction and optimized IPTG concentrations improved protein solubility. Recombinant MUTYH was purified using Ni2⁺-affinity chromatography followed by affinity chromatography with heparin. SDS-PAGE and Western blot analyses confirmed a high level of expression and effective isolation of the recombinant protein, with a significant portion isolated in a soluble form. The optimized workflow provides a reproducible method for obtaining purified MUTYH, suitable for subsequent biochemical and structural studies. In the future, we plan to evaluate its enzymatic activity.

Effects of Diethyl Sulfate Induction on Quantitative Characteristics of M1 Millet Plants

Tue, 30 Jun 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Common millet (Panicum miliaceum L.) is an important agricultural crop used for food and industrial purposes. Numerous studies have shown that induced mutations using DES (diethyl sulfate) are a very useful method for crop improvement. Furthermore, the targeted use of induced mutations in plant breeding has become an effective approach. This article presents the results of a study of seed treatment with various mutagen concentrations. This study was conducted under laboratory and field conditions to determine the effect of DES as a mutagen on the first generation of M₁ plants. The following parameters were measured in the field experiments: plant height (cm), field germination (%), productive tillering (pcs/plant), number of seeds per panicle (pcs), grain weight per panicle (g), number of seeds per plant (pcs), grain weight per plant (g), thousand-seed weight (g), grain yield (g/m²), and growing season duration (days). The correlation network constructed on the basis of significant relationships (r≥0.65; p< 0.05) clearly demonstrated the structure of close interrelations between the traits and their differentiation into two functional modules in response to the mutagen treatment. DES was found to be quite effective in inducing genetic variability already in the first M₁ generation. The results revealed significant differences for all the traits studied. The study also demonstrated that the use of this chemical agent is an effective approach for developing improved Panicum miliaceum L. varieties.

Structural analysis of the chloroplast genome of the Kazakhstan endemic Kaufmann’s tulip (Tulipa kaufmanniana)

Tue, 30 Jun 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Kaufmann’s tulip (Tulipa kaufmanniana) is an endemic species of Kazakhstan and an important ornamental plant. In this study, the complete chloroplast genome of this rare species was described for the first time using Illumina sequencing technology. The results revealed that the complete genome of T. kaufmanniana is highly conserved. The genome size was 152,374 bp, comprising a pair of inverted repeat (IR) regions of 26,371 bp each, a large single-copy (LSC) region of 82,369 bp, and a small single-copy (SSC) region of 17,260 bp. The overall GC content was 36.58%. A total of 130 genes were annotated, including 85 protein-coding genes, 38 tRNA genes, and 8 rRNA genes. Analysis of simple sequence repeats (SSRs) identified 158 loci, predominantly distributed in the LSC region (63.3%), SSC region (19%), and IR regions (17.7%). Five categories of SSRs (mono-, di-, tri-, tetra-, and hexanucleotide) were detected. The most polymorphic protein-coding genes were ycf1, matK, rpoC2, rbcL, ndhF, cemA, rpl22, rps3, and psbH, showing high sequence variability (Pi = 2.570–6.085) and nucleotide diversity. Relative synonymous codon usage (RSCU) analysis revealed both overrepresented and underrepresented codons. Overall, the characterization of the chloroplast genome of T. kaufmanniana is essential for the conservation of genetic resources of this rare endemic species, as well as for gaining deeper insights into its evolutionary and phylogenetic features. These findings provide a foundation for developing effective molecular-level strategies for preserving the biological diversity of Kazakhstan’s flora.

Comparative analysis of morphological characters of nivicolous myxomycetes of the family Physaraceae in Katon-Karagay and Ile-Alatau State National Nature Parks

Z. Azirakhmet, O. Shchepin, M. Schnittler, G. Ainagulova, R. Bersimbaev — Tue, 30 Jun 2026 00:00:00 +0000

This study presents a comparative analysis of morphological characters of nivicolous myxomycetes of the genus Physarum Pers. recorded in the Katon-Karagay and Ile-Alatau State National Nature Parks. The aim was to identify diagnostically significant features allowing the delimitation of nivicolous taxa under conditions of high morphological similarity and ongoing taxonomic revision of the family. Material was collected in spring 2025 during active snowmelt in high-mountain regions of Eastern and Southeastern Kazakhstan at elevations of 1570–3180 m a.s.l. Morphological examination of 56 specimens was conducted using light microscopy, focusing on characters of sporocarps, peridium, capillitium, columella, and spores. Four nivicolous taxa were identified: Badhamia albescens (Ellis ex T. Macbr.) J.M. García-Martín, J.C. Zamora & Lado, Nannengaella alpestris (Mitchel, S.W. Chapm. & M.L. Farr) J.M. García-Martín, J.C. Zamora & Lado, Physarum nivale (Meyl.) Mar. Mey. & Poulain, and Physarum vernum Sommerf. The most abundant species was Ph. vernum (45 specimens), while N. alpestris, Ph. nivale, and B. albescens were represented by 6, 4, and 1 specimens, respectively. The most informative diagnostic characters were the type and shape of fruiting bodies, presence of a stalk, degree and pattern of calcification of the peridium and capillitium, presence and morphology of the columella, and spore size and ornamentation. Specimens of N. alpestris, Ph. nivale, and Ph. vernum generally correspond to their protologues, whereas some Kazakh specimens of B. albescens show notable differences, suggesting the possible presence of closely related, yet undescribed taxa in the region. The results confirm the high diagnostic value of morphological characters for nivicolous Physarum spp. and highlight the perspectives of integrated morphological and molecular studies in Kazakhstan.

Isolation and characterization of autochthonous lactic acid bacteria from camel milk cheese for starter culture development

A.A. Utebaeva, E.A. Gabrilyants, Zh.A. Abish, A.A. Ablash — Tue, 30 Jun 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Camel milk represents a promising raw material for cheesemaking due to its high nutritional value; however, its processing is constrained by slow acidification kinetics and specific protein composition, which limit the effectiveness of conventional starter cultures developed for cow milk. This study aimed to isolate and characterize autochthonous lactic acid bacteria (LAB) from camel milk cheese and to evaluate their technological properties as potential candidates for starter culture development. Microorganisms were isolated by cultivation on selective media followed by purification. Preliminary characterization was performed based on morphological, gram-staining, and cultural characteristics, and taxonomic identification was subsequently confirmed by 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis. Acidification capacity was assessed through pH reduction and titratable acidity, while inhibitory activity of cell-free culture supernatants was evaluated against selected test cultures. Three LAB strains were isolated and identified as Lactiplantibacillus sp., Leuconostoc mesenteroides, and Streptococcus thermophilus. All isolates were gram-positive and demonstrated pronounced acid-producing activity during 48 h of incubation. Streptococcus thermophilus exhibited the highest fermentative activity, reaching pH 3.9 and titratable acidity of 120°T. Selective inhibitory activity was observed against Salmonella enteritidis, whereas no inhibitory activity was detected toward Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli. The results indicate that autochthonous LAB isolated from camel milk cheese possess significant technological potential and may represent promising candidates for the future development of specialized starter cultures. Further studies on their safety, functional characteristics, and technological performance are required before practical application in camel milk cheesemaking.

Screening of medicinal plants in the Ulytau region and their general characteristics

A.A. Sharip, S.A. Abiyev, G.T. Sitpayeva, B.B. Osmonali — Tue, 30 Jun 2026 00:00:00 +0000

The article presents a screening of medicinal plants in the Ulytau region (Central Kazakhstan) and an analysis of their botanical and ecological characteristics. Field studies conducted in 2024–2025 in the Zhanaarka and Ulytau districts identified 502 species belonging to 315 genera and more than 40 families of higher vascular plants. The highest species diversity was recorded in the families Asteraceae, Lamiaceae, Fabaceae, Papaveraceae, and Campanulaceae. Analysis of life forms revealed the predominance of perennial herbaceous plants (65–70%), indicating the adaptive capacity of the flora under sharply continental climatic conditions. Annual and biennial species accounted for approximately 15% and 8–10% of the flora, respectively, whereas shrubs, trees, and vines were considerably less represented. The analysis of medicinal plant applications showed that about 400 species are used in folk medicine, around 180 species in official medicine, and from 10 to 120 species in Eastern medicine, experimental medicine, veterinary medicine, Western medicine, and homeopathy. The results confirm the high taxonomic and ecological significance of the medicinal flora of the Ulytau region and demonstrate its potential as a source of biologically active compounds for pharmacology and medicine.

Comparative characteristics of morphogenesis in potato varieties under in vitro conditions

V.A. Zhidenko, I.N. Anikina , A. Ibrayeva — Tue, 30 Jun 2026 00:00:00 +0000

This article presents the results of studies on the morphogenesis of various potato varieties under in vitro conditions. The aim of the study was to investigate and evaluate the varietal specificity of potato plant growth and development under in vitro culture conditions during microclonal propagation with identical cultivation parameters. During the study, a comparative analysis of the morphometric parameters of microplants was conducted, including shoot height, number of internodes, leaf formation, and characteristics of root system development in cultured plants. It was established that the potato varieties studied, such as Arizona, Baltic Rose, and Gala, differ significantly in growth rate, shoot formation intensity, and root system development, indicating that morphogenetic processes are genotypically determined, which confirms the need to develop variety-specific protocols for microclonal propagation of potatoes. A direct dependence of plant growth and development on the characteristics of the initial explant was also identified. The data obtained can be used to improve methods for planning work in production laboratories for the production of disease-free potato planting material, as well as to optimize technologies for its microclonal propagation.

The zoogeographical analysis of true bugs (Cimicomorpha, Heteroptera) of the Western Tien Shan

G.E. Mardenova, P.А. Esenbekova, М.B. Zhaksybayev, G.D. Anarbekova — Tue, 30 Jun 2026 00:00:00 +0000

This article presents a zoogeographic study of true bugs of the infraorder Cimicomorpha (Heteroptera) in the Western Tien Shan. Species were collected from several localities in the Western Tien Shan, ranging from lower elevations to high-altitude areas. The recorded species were assigned to 18 zoogeographical regions based on their distribution trends. A total of 89 species were identified and assigned to five families: Miridae, Tingidae, Nabidae, Anthocoridae and Reduviidae.

The results showed that the Holarctic zoogeographic region is represented by 15 species, including 12 species (80%) of the family Miridae, 2 species of Nabidae, and 1 species of Anthocoridae. The Trans-Palaearctic realm contains 15 species, primarily Miridae (10 species). The Trans-Eurasian and Western Eurasian zones display the greatest species richness, with 16 species (18%) and 17 species (19%), respectively, where in Miridae constitute 50-65% of the species in these locales. In other regional zones, such as the Holarctic-Oriental, Holarctic-Neotropical, Trans-Palaearctic-Oriental, Western Palaearctic, Eastern Palaearctic, Central Tethyan, Iran-Turan, Euxino-Iran-Turan, Turan-Turkestan-Altai-Gobi, Euxino-Kazakh-Altai-North Turan, Euro-Siberian-Kazakh, European-Kazakh, Central Asian-Kazakh and Turkestan Mountain areas, 1 to 3 species of true bugs were noted, with particular territories showing dominance by Nabidae, Tingidae and Reduviidae.

The gathered information supplements the understanding of the zoogeographic spread of Cimicomorpha in the mountain environments of the Western Tien Shan and can act as a foundation for future exploration of biodiversity and the safeguarding of native species.