Nazarbayev University works on creation of stem cells

The scientists of the Center for Life Science of the Nazarbayev University are involved in research in the sphere of bioengineering, medicine of longevity and regenerative, translational and personal medicine, Deputy Chairman of the Executive Council of the Nazarbayev University Almaz Sharman said in the interview for Pm.kz site.

"We conduct research in four spheres - regenerative, translational, personal and global medicine which are priorities for Kazakhstan and meet the world standards and trends," A. Sharman said.

Personal medicine is focused on the study of a disease at an individual, genetic level. Another direction which is very popular in medicine is regenerative medicine involved in creation of artificial internals and growth of stem cells.

"Regenerative medicine is a very popular direction now. We started its practical implementation. Now we artificially implant left ventricle in the Cardiology Center and then we plan to implant artificial lungs," Almaz Sharman said.

Presently, the Center for Life Science jointly with the McGowan Institute for Regenerative Medicine at the University of Pittsburgh work on projects in the sphere of bioreactor technologies. Besides, cardiopulmonary mechanical devices, tissue engineering in pediatrics and the program of studying of cancer stem cells are among the research projects.

The third direction is translational medicine which provides for quick realization of fundamental results in clinical practice. It is connected to testing of new medications and methods of treatments.

The global medicine is a medicine of longevity which the fourth priority direction of the activity of the Center of Life Science where diseases of global importance are studied. "The medicine of longevity is obviously important as long as there a goal to increase life expectancy to 70 year and then to 72, in future," the professor added.