North Kazakhstan State University

Late blight, caused by oomycete pathogen Phytophthora infestans, is one of the most devastating diseases of potato and tomato. Plant resistance to pathogens relies on a sophisticated innate immune system, which is often targeted by pathogen-derived effectors. P. infestans secretes numerous RXLR effectors to suppress host immunity. In this study, we show that the P. infestans core effector Pi05910 functions as a virulence factor and targets the host scaffold protein Receptor for Activated C Kinase 1 (RACK1), which is identified to positively regulate potato resistance to late blight. Functional analyses showed that StRACK1-silencing in potato, and tobacco rattle virus (TRV)-based virus-induced NbRACK1-silencing in Nicotiana benthamiana, consistently increased host susceptibility to P. infestans colonisation, whereas transient expression of NbRACK1 in N. benthamiana or stable overexpression of StRACK1 in potato enhanced late blight resistance. Pi05910 physically interacts with RACK1 and promotes its destabilisation via the host 26S proteasome pathway. The destabilisation of RACK1 led to the inhibition of PAMP elicitor INF1-triggered plant immune responses, including reactive oxygen species burst and expression of defence-related genes such as StWRKY7 and StWRKY8, and suppression of potato and N. benthamiana growth and global protein translation. Our findings reveal a strategy whereby a pathogen effector sabotages a key potato immune scaffold StRACK1 to promote plant susceptibility to P. infestans infection, providing new insight into mechanisms of effector-triggered plant susceptibility.

Multidrug‑resistant Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa have become a serious problem in Kazakh hospitals, and new treatment options are urgently needed. We investigated whether five locally collected plant extracts could inhibit clinical MDR isolates and suppress the expression of key resistance genes. The work was performed between January and July 2025 in Almaty, Kazakhstan, using 15 S. aureus (10 MRSA) and 15 P. aeruginosa (7 carbapenem‑resistant) isolates. Minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) were determined by broth microdilution. Subinhibitory (½ MIC) exposure was followed by quantitative real‑time PCR to measure mecA (MRSA), mexB and ampC (P. aeruginosa) transcripts. Thymus serpyllum (wild thyme) showed the strongest activity, with MIC₅₀ of 16 µg mL-1 against MRSA and 32 µg mL-1 against carbapenem‑resistant P. aeruginosa. No cross‑resistance was observed: MICs did not differ significantly between MRSA and methicillin‑susceptible strains (p = 0.34). At half the MIC, T. serpyllum reduced mecA expression by 59% (mean fold change 0.41, 95% CI 0.36–0.46, p < 0.001). For P. aeruginosa, mexB and ampC transcripts fell to 0.61‑fold (95% CI 0.54–0.68) and 0.71‑fold (0.64–0.78), respectively (both p < 0.001). Suppression was more pronounced in carbapenem‑resistant isolates than in susceptible ones. None of the tested extracts caused upregulation of resistance genes. Glycyrrhiza uralensis was inactive against P. aeruginosa (MIC > 512 µg mL-1). These results demonstrate that T. serpyllum is not only a direct inhibitor of MDR pathogens but also a potent modifier of resistance gene expression. Further studies should identify the active compounds and test combinations with conventional antibiotics.

There is a growing body of research regarding the potential reproductive toxicity of microplastics and nanoplastics. However, the underlying mechanisms by which nanoplastics exposure adversely affects the testes remain poorly understood. Our study aims to clarify the relationship between ferritinophagy and mitochondrial dysfunction based on polystyrene nanoplastics (PS-NPs)-caused testicular damage in mice. The current study demonstrates that 50 nm PS-NPs accumulate in mouse testes and lead to a decrease in sperm quality and disruption of spermatocyte. Furthermore, PS-NPs trigger ferroptosis in GC-2 cells, which can be mitigated by deferiprone and 3-methyladenine. Further investigation reveals that PS-NPs initially aggregate in lysosomes and subsequently transfer to the mitochondria. This process increases mitochondrial Fe2+ and mitochondrial ROS levels, as well as reduces the expression of CISD1, a protein that inhibits the uptake and transport of Fe2+ into the mitochondrial matrix. These changes ultimately result in disturbances to mitochondrial structure and function. In terms of mechanism, pioglitazone, a drug that stabilizes CISD1, has been demonstrated to mitigate ferroptosis induced by NCOA4-mediated ferritinophagy in GC-2 cells. Our results indicate that PS-NPs cause mouse testicular damage through ferroptosis. Mechanistically, we confirmed that PS-NPs trigger NCOA4-mediated ferritinophagy and CISD1 downregulation in spermatocyte, which aggravates the flow of ferrous iron from the cytoplasm to the mitochondria.

The COVID-19 pandemic and the subsequent global shift toward remote work have significantly accelerated interest in freelancing as a form of self-employment that integrates creativity, intellectual labor, and digital flexibility. This paper presents a systematic literature review of scholarly publications from 2001 to 2024 to examine the evolving relationship between freelancing and intellectual capital, and to explore the transformation of freelance into a new innovation-driven business model within the digital economy. To ensure transparency and reproducibility, the review methodology follows a systematic approach with a PRISMA-style flowchart to illustrate the selection stages of relevant literature. The findings reveal that, despite conceptual similarities, the potential synergy between freelancing and intellectual capital remains underexplored in academic discourse. Furthermore, the study highlights the limitations of traditional educational qualifications in predicting freelance success, emphasizing the growing importance of skills, knowledge, and innovation capabilities. Based on the findings, having identified the theoretical basis of freelance, its evolution, and intellectual capital as the basis for the development of freelancing in the new management and economic contexts, the authors propose the development of a multifunctional online freelance platform as a strategic initiative to support innovation-driven economic development in Kazakhstan. This paper contributes to the fields of innovation management, entrepreneurship, and the gig economy by framing freelancing as a dynamic, knowledge-intensive phenomenon with significant implications for future business models and labor market policies.

This article examines the role of Special Economic Zones (SEZs) as instruments of state regional and educational policy, using the example of the “Qyzyljar” SEZ located in the border region of Northern Kazakhstan.The study aims to identify the potential, constraints, and development prospects of the zone under conditions of cross-border interaction and demographic challenges. Special attention is given to how SEZs can contribute to human capital development through education, vocational training, and collaboration with universities. Based on a multi-criteria comparative analysis of other Kazakhstani SEZs and the application of an integrated efficiency index, the competitiveness of the “Qyzyljar” SEZ was assessed across key parameters: investment attractiveness, sectoral diversification, export orientation, infrastructure quality, and workforce education. A SWOT analysis was conducted to provide a comprehensive assessment of internal and external factors influencing the development of the “Qyzyljar” SEZ, supplemented by policy, socio-economic, and educational evaluation methods. The research highlights the need to improve the institutional and educational environment, modernize infrastructure, enhance human capital through targeted training programs, and strengthen cross-border cooperation. Practical recommendations are proposed for optimizing state policy in regional, social, and educational development. The scientific novelty lies in formalizing an approach to evaluating SEZ efficiency that integrates economic, social, and educational dimensions, positioning the “Qyzyljar” SEZ as a pilot model for cross-border and knowledge-based growth. Received: 26 August 2025 / Accepted: 19 October 2025 / Published: 05 November 2025