Laboratory of Molecular Genetic Research

Molecular genetic research for agriculture, veterinary medicine, and food safety, including DNA identification of animals, genetic profiling, PCR-based diagnosis of infectious diseases, DNA sequencing, and detection of pathogenic microorganisms in food products.

Accredited laboratory

The laboratory is accredited within the National Accreditation System of the Republic of Kazakhstan in accordance with GOST ISO/IEC 17025:2019 and is included in the register of accredited laboratories of the Customs Union.

Licensed diagnostics

The activities are carried out under a laboratory diagnostic license issued by the Department of Healthcare of the Kostanay Region.

International-level genotyping

The high level of genetic research is confirmed by the laboratory’s participation in international ISAG proficiency testing, where maximum genotyping accuracy has been achieved.

Modern molecular genetics platform

The laboratory is equipped with real-time PCR systems, capillary electrophoresis systems, and DNA sequencing platforms for research conducted in accordance with international standards.

Paid laboratory services

The laboratory provides advanced molecular genetic testing for agriculture, veterinary medicine, and food safety.

DNA identification of animals

Genetic identification of horses, cattle, and other research subjects.

Parentage testing

Determination of animal parentage based on genetic markers.

Genetic profiling

Creation of genetic profiles of farm animals for breeding and registration purposes.

Forensic genetic analysis

DNA identification of biological materials of animal origin.

PCR diagnostics of infectious diseases

Detection of infectious disease agents using molecular genetic methods.

Detection of antibiotic resistance genes

Analysis of genetic markers of antimicrobial resistance in the tested samples.

DNA sequencing

Confirmation of PCR results and analysis of the genetic characteristics of the studied samples.

Detection of pathogenic microorganisms

Monitoring the safety of food products and detecting pathogens in animal-derived materials.

Key areas of laboratory activity

The laboratory integrates molecular diagnostics, food safety control, DNA sequencing, animal genetic identification, and parasitological research. Below are the key areas that define its scientific and applied profile.

Direction 01

Molecular genetic diagnostics (PCR and real-time PCR)

The laboratory performs detection of infectious disease agents and genetic markers using polymerase chain reaction (PCR), including real-time PCR. It carries out identification of pathogenic microorganisms, detection of genes associated with antibiotic resistance, virulence, and toxigenicity, as well as comparison of phenotypic and genotypic data.

Direction 02

Food safety control

A comprehensive assessment of the quality and safety of animal-derived products, including milk, meat, semi-finished products, and other materials. The laboratory performs detection of pathogenic microorganisms, assessment of toxigenicity, including staphylococcal enterotoxins, and microbiological monitoring in accordance with the requirements of the EAEU technical regulations.

Direction 03

Sequencing and genetic analysis

DNA sequencing is performed using the Sanger method to confirm PCR results and analyze the genetic characteristics of microorganisms. The laboratory also implements whole-genome sequencing methods for in-depth study of genetic structure and antimicrobial resistance.

Direction 04

Genetic identification and animal profiling

Genetic identification of farm animals and parentage testing (paternity and maternity) are performed using STR markers. The laboratory demonstrates high genotyping accuracy and participates in international ISAG proficiency testing.

Direction 05

Parasitological studies

Diagnosis of parasitic diseases, including sarcocystosis, is performed. The studies are aimed at detecting parasites in biological materials and animal-derived products to ensure veterinary and sanitary safety and to prevent risks within the food chain.

Target microorganisms and genetic markers

Within the framework of molecular genetic diagnostics, the laboratory performs identification of pathogenic microorganisms, as well as detection of genes responsible for antibiotic resistance, virulence, and toxigenicity.

Pathogenic microorganisms

Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, Salmonella spp. and other microorganisms relevant to veterinary diagnostics and food safety control.

Antibiotic resistance genes

blaZ, mecA, tetK, tetM, msrA, aac(6′)-aph(2″), aph(3′), dfrG — molecular markers of resistance to antibacterial agents

Virulence and toxigenicity genes

sea, seb, sec, sed, see, seg, sei — genetic markers used to assess the potential pathogenicity and toxigenicity of the studied strains.

Scientific leadership and laboratory staff

Head and staff of the Molecular Genetics Research Laboratory

Baimenov Bakhyt

Head of the Laboratory, PhD

baimenov.bm@ksu.edu.kz

8 (7142) 21 12 00

H-index: Scopus — 2, WoS — 1

Scopus ORCID

Dosova Alma

Researcher, Master of Engineering and Technology

dosova_alma@mail.ru

ORCID

Infrastructure and molecular genetic equipment

The laboratory is equipped with modern, high-tech, expert-level instrumentation enabling a wide range of high-precision studies in molecular genetic diagnostics, food safety control, genetic identification of animals, DNA sequencing, and analysis of biological samples in accordance with international standards.

Genetic Analyzer 3500

8-capillary genetic analyzer

A system for STR genotyping, microsatellite and fragment analysis, as well as Sanger sequencing and DNA fragment length determination.

AutoMate Express

Automated nucleic acid extraction system

A platform for standardized automated extraction of DNA and RNA from biological materials, with sample preparation for PCR and sequencing.

QuantStudio 5

Real-time PCR amplifier

A real-time PCR system for detection of infectious agents, resistance genes, and quantitative monitoring of amplification in real time.

ProFlex PCR System

Conventional PCR thermocycler

A thermocycler for molecular genetic research, used for amplification of target DNA fragments and preparation of samples for further analysis.

SimpliAmp Thermal Cycler

Gradient thermal cycler

A gradient thermocycler used to optimize PCR conditions and ensure reproducible amplification of target DNA sequences.

NanoDrop OneC

Cuvette-free spectrophotometer

A device for rapid assessment of the concentration and purity of DNA, RNA, and proteins using minimal sample volumes.

QUANTUM 1100 SUPER

Gel documentation system

A system for visualization and documentation of DNA, proteins, and chemiluminescent signals after electrophoresis.

Hettich MIKRO 185

Benchtop laboratory centrifuge

A centrifuge used for blood sample separation, cell pelleting, and preparation of biological materials for molecular research.