Kazakh woman makes breakthrough in Parkinson’s research

ASTANA, Kazakhstan (MNTV) — In a milestone for Kazakhstan’s growing scientific community, a team of researchers led by Aizhan Ahmadi, a doctoral graduate from Nazarbayev University, has uncovered a new function of a key protein linked to Parkinson’s disease — a breakthrough that could pave the way for future treatments.

Ahmadi’s research focuses on DJ-1, a mutated protein previously found in patients suffering from Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s diseases. Although first identified over two decades ago by European scientists, DJ-1’s exact function remained a mystery. Now, Ahmadi and her team have proven for the first time that DJ-1 plays a crucial role in protecting biomolecules — an insight that could fundamentally shift the global understanding of neurodegenerative diseases.

“Our study is the first from independent Kazakhstan to be published in Nature Communications, a world-renowned scientific journal. This marks a historic moment for our country’s scientific reputation,” Ahmadi told The Times of Central Asia.

The research, conducted entirely within Kazakhstan, also challenges prevailing skepticism about the country’s capacity for high-level biological discoveries. “Many still doubt whether serious scientific breakthroughs can come from Kazakhstan, especially in biochemistry,” Ahmadi said.

Ahmadi emphasized the importance of long-term investment in science. “Biological research is extremely resource-intensive and has no guaranteed results. But when a discovery happens, its value to science and medicine is immeasurable,” she said, adding that millions of dollars’ worth of equipment were used during the research.

Ahmadi credited much of the achievement to her mentor, Professor Darkhan Utepbergenov, a Kazakhstani scientist with experience in Germany and the U.S., who returned home to contribute to local science education and research. “This is his most significant work to date, and even he finds it hard to believe such a breakthrough was made here,” Ahmadi noted.

As one of the few young women in Kazakhstan’s scientific community, Ahmadi also spoke about the need to improve the status of scientists, particularly women. “Better financial support, fewer bureaucratic obstacles, and stronger science communication are essential. The COVID-19 pandemic showed us how much people lack scientific knowledge,” she said.

Driven by curiosity and a passion for understanding molecular processes, Ahmadi hopes her work will have a real-world impact. “I sincerely hope that in 10 to 20 years, our discovery will help develop a drug that improves patients’ lives. We have laid a small but crucial foundation,” she said.

As Kazakhstan aims to position itself as a hub for scientific innovation, Ahmadi’s breakthrough stands as a testament to what can be achieved when local talent is supported and equipped.