The research profile of the Department is characterized by several principal directions of investigation: developmental plant physiology, with a focus on photomorphogenesis, in vitro morphogenesis and cytodifferentiation, stress physiology, genetic engineering, synthesis and accumulation of secondary metabolites, ex situ conservation of medicinal, rare and endangered plant species and fungal growth and development.

Investigations of the role of light and plant growth regulators in plant growth and development are centered at developmental processes controlled by these factors, including seed germination, plant body growth, flowering, sex determination and senescence. Studies of in vitro morphogenesis are aimed at understanding and distinction of regenerative pathways – androgenesis, somatic embryogenesis and organogenesis as influenced by plant growth regulators and other regulatory factors. Commercial application are focused mostly on using in vitro techniques for propagation and production of healthy plantlets enabling also ex situ production of rare, endangered species. Stress physiology research are mostly dedicated to plant responses to abiotic (salinity, drought, extreme temperatures) and biotic (pathogen) stress factors. Transformation of plants, comprising transfer of certain genes of interest into plants, is done on routine basis in studies of morphogenesis, plant growth regulator metabolism, resistance to stress and various pathogens as well as flower color determination in ornamental plants. Studies of secondary metabolite production are targeted at factors affecting their production under in vitro culture conditions, production in small bioreactors and improvement of analytic procedures.

Mycological Research in the Department of Plant Physiology are related to the morphology, pathogenicity and life cycle of plant, animal, human fungal pathogens and food contaminants (Aspergillus spp., Penicillium spp., Candida spp., etc.). Testing of antimicrobial activity of secondary metabolites of plants and fungi in order to obtain new, natural antimicrobial agents that do not have harmful effects on plants, animals and humans is done using different methods. Mushrooms have great potential for the production of bioactive metabolites, and studies have focused on the use of medicinal mushrooms for the purpose of obtaining pharmacologically relevant products and their use in human and veterinary medicine.

Laboratories at the Department of Plant Physiology

The work at the Department is organized in the following labs and facilities:

Tissue culture lab with a preparative lab and sterile block
Citology lab
Molecular biology lab
Micological lab
Phytochemistry lab
Analitical lab
Lab for photomorphogenesis (dark room)
Two green houses

Researchers at the Department of Plant Physiology

There are currently 50 researchers employed at the Department, Among the employees, there are 13 principal research fellows, 8 senior research fellows, 16 research associates, 11 research assistants, 1 research trainees, and one technical adviser.

Projects

Plant Physiology department scientist are engaged with three Basic Research Projects (ON173015, ON173024 and ON173032), two Technological Projects (TR31019 and TR31049), two Integrative and Interdisciplinary Research Projects (III41011 and III46007),

Main topics:

Physiology of plant growth
Photomorphogenesis
In vitro morphogenesis and cytodifferentiation
Stress physiology
Genetic Engineering
The synthesis and accumulation of secondary metabolites
Ex situ conservation of medicinal, rare and endangered species
Growth and development of fungi

Selected publications - Biotechnology in vitro – crop, medicinal and endangered plant species

1. Milojević J, Tubić Lj, Zdravković-Korać S, Dragićević I, Ćalić-Dragosavac D, Vinterhalter B. Increased regeneration capacity in spinach lines obtained by in vitro self-fertilisation. Sci Horti. 2011;130(4):681-690.
2. Raspor M, Motyka V, Žižková E, Dobrev PI, Trávníčková A, Zdravković-Korać S, Simonović A, Ninković S, Dragićević I. Cytokinin profiles of AtCKX2 overexpressing potato plants and the impact of altered cytokinin homeostasis on tuberization in vitro. J Plant Growth Regul. 2012;31(3):460-470.
3. Stanisavljević N, Savić J, Jovanović Ž, Miljuš-Djukić J, Radović S, Vinterhalter D, Vinterhalter B. Antioxidative-related enzyme activity in Alyssum markgrafii shoot cultures as affected by nickel level. Acta Physiol Plant. 2012;34(5):1997–2006.
4. Ćosić T, Vinterhalter B, Vinterhalter D, Mitić N, Cingel A, Savić J, Bohanec B, Ninković S. In vitro plant regeneration from immature zygotic embryos and repetitive somatic embryogenesis in kohlrabi (Brassica oleracea var. gongylodes). In Vitro Cell Dev-Pl. 2013;49(3):294-303.
5. Petrić M, Jevremović S, Trifunović M, Tadić V, Milošević S, Dragićević M, Subotić A. The effect of low temperature and GA3 treatments on dormancy breaking and activity of antioxidant enzymes in Fritillaria meleagris bulblets cultured in vitro. Acta Physiol Plant. 2013;35(12):3223-3236.
6. Nikolić R, Zdravković-Korać S, Ninković S, Dragićević M, Miljuš-Dukić J, Banović B, Bohanec B, Savić J, Mitić N. Fertile transgenic Lotus corniculatus resistant to the non-selective herbicide phosphinothricin. Ann Appl Biol. 2013;163(3):475-493.
7. Tubić Lj, Anačkov G, Milojević J, Ghalawenji N, Mitić N, Igić R, Zdravković-Korać S High variability in the tissue culture response of root-tips of Allium ascalonicum individuals and optimization of the regeneration procedure. Plant Cell Tiss Organ Cult. 2014;118(1):101-110.
8. Trifunović M, Tadić V, Petrić M, Jontulović D, Jevremović S, Subotić A. Quantification of arabinogalactan proteins during in vitro morphogenesis induced by β-D-glucosyl Yariv reagent in Centaurium erythraea root culture. Acta Physiol Plant. 2014;36(7):1187-1195.
9. Cingel A, Savić J, Vinterhalter B, Vinterhalter D, Kostić M, Šešlija Jovanović D, Smigocki A, Ninković S. Growth and development of Colorado potato beetle larvae, Leptinotarsa decemlineata, on potato plants expressing the oryzacystatin II proteinase inhibitor. Transgenic Res. 2015;24(4):729-740.
10. Vinterhalter B, Zdravković-Korać S, Mitić N, Bohnec B, Vinterhalter D, Savić J. Effect of sucrose on shoot regeneration in Agrobacterium transformed Hypericum perforatum L. roots. Acta Physiol Plant. 2015;37(2):37
11. Vinterhalter B, Krstić-Milošević D, Janković T, Pljevljakušić D, Ninković S, Smigocki A, Vinterhalter D. Gentiana dinarica Beck. hairy root cultures and evaluation of factors affecting growth and xanthone production. Plant Cell Tissue Organ Cult. 2015;121(3):667-679.
12. Stojičić D, Tošić S, Slavkovska V, Zlatković B, Budimir S, Janošević D, Uzelac B. Glandular trichomes and essential oil characteristics of in vitro propagated Micromeria pulegium (Rochel) Benth. (Lamiaceae). Planta. 2016;244:393-404
13. Vinterhalter D, Savić J, Stanišić M, Jovanović Ž, Vinterhalter B. Interaction with gravitropism, reversibility and lateral movements of phototropically stimulated potato shoots. J. Plant Res. 2016;129:759-770.
14. Uzelac B, Janošević D, Simonović A, Motyka V, Dobrev P, Budimir S. Characterization of natural leaf senescence in tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum) plants grown in vitro. Protoplasma. 2016;253:259-275.

Selected publications - Physiological, chemical and molecular analysis of the selected rare and endangered plant species diversity with the aim of ex situ conservation and production of biologically active compounds

1. Mišić D, Šiler B, Gašić U, Avramov S, Živković S, Nestorović Živković J, Milutinović M, Tešić Ž. Simultaneous UHPLC/DAD/(+/_)HESI–MS/MS Analysis of Phenolic Acids and Nepetalactones in Methanol Extracts of Nepeta Species: A Possible Application in Chemotaxonomic Studies. Phytochem Analysis. 2015;26:72–85.
2. Jelić M, Patenković A, Skorić M, Mišić D, Kurbalija Novičić Z, Bordács S, Várhidi F, Vasić I, Benke A, Frank G, Šiler B. Indigenous forests of European black poplar along the Danube River: genetic structure and reliable detection of introgression. Tree Genet Genomes. 2015;11:1-14.
3. Šiler B, Živković S, Banjanac T, Cvetković J, Nestorović Živković J, Ćirić A, Soković M, Mišić D. Centauries as underestimated food additives: antioxidant and antimicrobial potential. Food Chem. 2014;147:367-376.
4. Dragićević M, Todorović S, Bogdanović M, Filipović B, Mišić D, Simonović A. Knockout mutants as a tool to identify the subunit composition of Arabidopsis glutamine synthetase isoforms. Plant Physiol Bioch. 2014;79:1-9.
5. Puač N, Živković S, Selaković N, Milutinović M, Boljević J, Malović G, Petrović Z.Lj. Long and short term effects of plasma treatment on meristematic plant cells. Appl Phys Lett 2014;104(21):214106-214106-5.
6. Bogdanović M, Dragićević M, Tanić N, Todorović S, Mišić D, Živković S, Tissier A, Simonović A. Reverse transcription of 18S rRNA with Poly(dT)18 and other homopolymers. Plant Mol Biol Rep. 2013;31:55-63.
7. Mišić D, Šiler B, Skorić M, Djurickovic M, Nestorović Živković J, Jovanović V, Giba Z. Secoiridoid glycosides production by Centaurium maritimum L. Fritch hairy root cultures in temporary immersion bioreactor. Process Biochem. 2013;48:1587-1591.
8. Šiler B, Avramov S, Banjanac T, Cvetković J, Nestorović Živković J, Patenković A, Mišić D. Secoiridoid glycosides as a marker system in chemical variability estimation and chemotype assignment of Centaurium erythraea Rafn from the Balkan Peninsula. Ind Crops Prod. 2012;40:336–44.
9. Mišić D, Šiler B, Nestorović Živković J, Simonović A, Maksimović V, Budimir S, Janošević D, Đuričković M, Nikolić M. Contribution of inorganic cations and organic compounds to osmotic adjustment in root cultures of two Centaurium species differing in tolerance to salt stress. Plant Cell, Tissue Organ Cult. 2012;108(3):389–400.
10. Mišić D, Dragićević M, Šiler B, Nestorović Živković J, Maksimović V, Momčilović I, Nikolic M. Sugars and acid invertase mediate the physiological response of Schenkia spicata root cultures to salt stress. J Plant Physiol. 2012;169(13):1281–9.
11. Skorić M, Todorović S, Gligorijević N, Janković R, Živković S, Ristić M, Radulović S. Cytotoxic activity of ethanol extracts of in vitro grown Cistus creticus subsp. creticus L. on human cancer cell lines. Ind Crops Prod. 2012;38:153-9.

Selected publications - Characterization of metabolites of fungi and identifying potential new biofungicide

1. Zoumpoulakis P, Camoutsis C, Pairas G, Soković M, Glamočlija J, Potamitis C, Pitsas A. Synthesis of novel sulfonamide-1,2,4-triazoles, 1,3,4-thiadiazoles and 1,3,4-oxadiazoles, as potential antibacterial and antifungal agents. Biological evaluation and conformational analysis studies. Bioorganic Med Chem. 2012;20(4):1569–83.
2. Soković M, Glamočlija J, Ćirić A, Kataranovski D, Marin PD, Vukojević J, Brkić D. Antifungal activity of the essential oils and components in vitro and in vivo on experimentally induced dermatomycoses at rats. Dig J Nanomater Biostructures. 2012;7(3):959–66.
3. Mirkov I, Glamoclija J, Stosic-Grujicic S, Zolotarevski L, Kataranovski D, Kataranovski M. Differential strain-related tissue immune response to sublethal systemic Aspergillus fumigatus infection in mice. APMIS. 2013;121(3):211–20.
4. Soković MD, Glamočlija J, Ćirić A. Natural Products from Plants and Fungi as Fungicides. In: Nita M, editor. Fungicides - Showcases of Integrated Plant Disease Management from Around the World. Rijeka:InTech;2013. p. 185–232
5. Stojković DS, Barros L, Calhelha RC, Glamočlija J, Ćirić A, van Griensven LJLD, Soković M, Ferreira ICFR. A detailed comparative study between chemical and bioactive properties of Ganoderma lucidum from different origins. Int J Food Sci Nutr. 2014;65(1):42–7.
6. Nikolić M, Glamočlija J, Ferreira ICFR, Calhelha RC, Fernandes Â, Marković T, Marković D, Giweli A, Soković M. Chemical composition, antimicrobial, antioxidant and antitumor activity of Thymus serpyllum L., Thymus algeriensis Boiss. and Reut and Thymus vulgaris L. essential oils. Ind Crops Prod. 2014;52:183–90.
7. Soković M, Ćirić A, Glamočlija J, Nikolić M, van Griensven LJLD. Agaricus blazei hot water extract shows anti quorum sensing activity in the nosocomial human pathogen Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Molecules. 2014;19(4):4189–99.
8. Petrović J, Glamočlija J, Stojković DS, Ćirić A, Nikolić M, Bukvički D, Guerzoni ME, Soković MD. Laetiporus sulphureus, edible mushroom from Serbia: Investigation on volatile compounds, in vitro antimicrobial activity and in situ control of Aspergillus flavus in tomato paste. Food Chem Toxicol. 2013;59:297–302.
9. Glamočlija J, Ćirić A, Nikolić M, Fernandes Â, Barros L, Calhelha R.C, Ferreira CFRI, Soković M, JLD van Griensven L. Chemical characterization and biological activity of Chaga (Inonotus obliquus), a medicinal "mushroom". J Ethnopharmacol. 2015;162:323-332.
10. Marković T, Nikolić M, Glamočlija J, Ćirić A, Emerald M, Radanović D, Zheljazkov V, Soković M. Essential oils for the prevention and treatment of human opportunistic fungal diseases (Book Chapter). ACS Symposium Series 2016;1218:247-277.

Selected publications - Development and application of biotechnological methods for obtaining healthy plants of ornamental species

1. Jevremović S, Jeknić Z, Subotić A. Micropropagation of Iris sp. In: Lambardi M, Ozudogru EA, Jain SM, editors. Protocols for Micropropagation of Selected Economically-Important Horticultural Plants. Humana Press;2013. p. 291–303.
2. Milošević S, Simonović A, Cingel A, Jevremović S, Todorović S, Filipović B, Subotić A. Response of antioxidative enzymes to long-term Tomato spotted wilt virus infection and virus elimination by meristem-tip culture in two Impatiens species. Physiol Mol Plant Pathol. 2012;79:79–88.
3. Jeknić Z, Morré JT, Jeknić S, Jevremović S, Subotić A, Chen THH. Cloning and functional characterization of a gene for capsanthin-capsorubin synthase from tiger lily (Lilium lancifolium Thunb. "Splendens"). Plant Cell Physiol. 2012;53(11):1899–912.
4. Milošević S, Simonović A, Cingel A, Nikolić D, Ninković S, Subotić A. Introduction of dsRNA-specific ribonuclease pac1 into Impatiens walleriana provides resistance to Tomato spotted wilt virus. Sci Hortic (Amsterdam). 2013;164:499–506.
5. Jeknić Z, Jeknić S, Jevremović S, Subotić A, Chen THH. Alteration of flower color in Iris germanica L. "Fire Bride" through ectopic expression of phytoene synthase gene (crtB) from Pantoea agglomerans. Plant Cell Rep. 2014;33(8):1307–21.

Selected publications - Development and application of protein markers in the selection of potato varieties resistant to high temperatures

1. Momčilović I, Fu J. Protein Synthesis Elongation Factors EF-Tu and eEF1A: Biosynthesis, Functions and Application in the Improvement of Heat Tolerance in Plants. In: Bethaz C, Puma VL, editors. New research on protein synthesis. New York: Nova Science Publishers;2013. p. 1–49.
2. Momčilović I, Pantelić D, Hfidan M, Savić J, Vinterhalter D. Improved procedure for detection of superoxide dismutase isoforms in potato, Solanum tuberosum L. Acta Physiol Plant. 2014;36(8):2059–66.
3. Fu J, Momčilović I, Vara Prasad P V. Molecular bases and improvement of heat tolerance in crop plants. In: Josipović S, Ludwig E, editors. Heat Stress: Causes, Treatment and Prevention. New York: Nova Science Publishers, Inc.;2012. p. 185–214.
4. Fu J, Momčilović I, Prasad PVV. Roles of Protein Synthesis Elongation Factor EF-Tu in Heat Tolerance in Plants. J Bot. 2012;2012:1–8.
5. Prasad PV V., Pisipati SR, Momčilović I, Ristic Z. Independent and Combined Effects of High Temperature and Drought Stress During Grain Filling on Plant Yield and Chloroplast EF-Tu Expression in Spring Wheat. J Agron Crop Sci. 2011;197(6):430–41.

Selected publications- Molecular and physiological biomonitoring of aerobic organisms based on the determination of biochemical biomarkers of oxidative stress

Book chapters:

1. Stojiljković, Kasapović J, Pejić S, Gavrilović Lj, Radlović N, Saičić Z, Pajović S. Antioxidant status of the celiac mucosa: implications for disease pathogenesis. In: Kruzliak P, Bhagat G, editors. Celiac Disease - From Pathophysiology to Advanced Therapies. Rijeka:InTech;2012.p.17–36.

Scientific papers:

1. Gavrilović BR, Despotović SG, Gavrić JP, Borković-Mitić SS, Ognjanović BI, Pavlović SZ, Saičić ZS. Changes in antioxidant enzyme activities in the livers and gills of three cyprinids after exposure to a cyanobacterial bloom in the Gruža Reservoir, Serbia. Ecol Indic. 2014;38:141–8.
2. Mladenović J, Ognjanović B, Dorđević N, Matić M, Knežević V, Stajn A, Saičić Z. Protective effects of oestradiol against cadmium-induced changes in blood parameters and oxidative damage in rats. Arh Hig Rada Toksikol. 2014;65(1):37–46.
3. Borković-Mitić S, Pavlović S, Perendija B, Despotović S, Gavrić J, Gačić Z, Saičić Z. Influence of some metal concentrations on the activity of antioxidant enzymes and concentrations of vitamin E and SH-groups in the digestive gland and gills of the freshwater bivalve Unio tumidus from the Serbian part of Sava River. Ecol Indic. 2013;32:212–21.
4. Pejić S, Kasapović J, Todorović A, Stojiljković V, Gavrilović Lj, Popović N, Pajović S. Antioxidant enzymes in women with endometrial polips: relation with sex hormones. Eur J Obstet Gynecol Reprod Biol. 2013;170:241-6.
5. Pavlović S, Borković-Mitić S, Gavrilović B, Despotović S, Gavrić J, Saičić Z. Seasonal Changes of Oxidative Stress Biomarkers in White Muscle of Longfin Gurnard (Chelidonychthys obscurus) from the Adriatic Sea. Water Research and Management. 2013;3:19-25.
6. Pavlović SZ, Borković-Mitić SS, Radovanović TB, Perendija BR, Despotović SG, Gavrić JP, Saičić ZS. Antioxidant enzymes in the liver of Chelidonichthys obscurus from the Montenegrin coastline. Cent Eur J Biol. 2013;8(8):747–55.
7. Ognjanović BI, Djordjević NZ, Matić MM, Obradović JM, Mladenović JM, Stajn AŠ, Saičić ZS. Lipid peroxidative damage on Cisplatin exposure and alterations in antioxidant defense system in rat kidneys: a possible protective effect of selenium. Int J Mol Sci. 2012;13(2):1790–803.
8. Stojiljković V, Pejić S, Kasapović J, Gavrilović Lj, Stojiljković S, Nikolić D, Pajović S. Glutathione redox cycle in small intestinal mucosa and peripheral blood of pediatric celiac disease patients. An Acad Bras Cienc, 2012;84:175-84.
9. Kasapović J, Stojiljković V, Gavrilović Lj, Popović N, Milićević Z. Antioxidant protection against curative and palliative doses of ionizing irradiation in human blood decreases with aging. Sci World J. 2012;2012:1-8.
10. Despotović SG, Perendija BR, Gavrić JP, Borković-Mitić SS, Paunović MM, Pavlović SZ, Saičić ZS. Seasonal changes in oxidative stress biomarkers of the snail Viviparus acerosus from the Velika Morava River, Serbia. Arch Biol Sci. 2012;64(3):953–62.
11. Borkovic-Mitic S, Kovacevic T, Perendija B, Despotovic S, Gavric J, Pavlovic SZ, Saicic Z. Superoxide dismutase and catalase activities in the digestive gland and gills of the freshwater bivalve Unio pictorum from the Sava river. Arch Biol Sci. 2011;63(1):185–92.
12. Perendija B, Despotović S, Radovanović T, Gavrić J, Borković-Mitić S, Pavlović S, Ognjanović B, Simić S, Pajović S, Sačić Z. Biochemical and ultrastructural changes in the liver of european perch (Perca fluviatilis L.) in response to cyanobacterial bloom in the Gruža reservoir. Arch Bio Sci. 2011;63:979-89.

Selected publications - Role of reactive oxygen and nitrogen species in reproduction: possible application in the treatment of human sterility

1. Otasevic V, Korac A, Vucetic M, Macanovic B, Garalejic E, Ivanovic-Burmazovic I, Filipovic MR, Buzadzic B, Stancic A, Jankovic A, Velickovic K, Golic I, Markelic M, Korac B. Is manganese (II) pentaazamacrocyclic superoxide dismutase mimic beneficial for human sperm mitochondria function and motility? Antioxid Redox Signal. 2013;18(2):170–8.
2. Jovic M, Stancic A, Nenadic D, Cekic O, Nezic D, Milojevic P, Micovic S, Buzadzic B, Korac A, Otasevic V, Jankovic A, Vucetic M, Velickovic K, Golic I, Korac B. Mitochondrial molecular basis of sevoflurane and propofol cardioprotection in patients undergoing aortic valve replacement with cardiopulmonary bypass. Cell Physiol Biochem. 2012;29(1-2):131–42.
3. Otasevic V, Korac A, Buzadzic B, Stancic A, Jankovic A, Korac B. Nitric oxide and thermogenesis - Challenge in molecular cell physiology. Front Biosci - Sch. 2011;3 S(3):1180–95.
4. Markelic M, Velickovic K, Golic I, Otasevic V, Stancic A, Jankovic A, Vucetic M, Buzadzic B, Korac B, Korac A. Endothelial cell apoptosis in brown adipose tissue of rats induced by hyperinsulinaemia: The possible role of TNF-?? Eur J Histochem. 2011;55(4):187–93.
5. Vucetic M, Otasevic V, Korac A, Stancic A, Jankovic A, Markelic M, Golic I, Velickovic K, Buzadzic B, Korac B. Interscapular brown adipose tissue metabolic reprogramming during cold acclimation: Interplay of HIF-1α and AMPKα. Biochim Biophys Acta. 2011;1810(12):1252–61.
6. Petrović V, Buzadžić B, Korać A, Vasilijević A, Janković A, Korać B. NO modulates the molecular basis of rat interscapular brown adipose tissue thermogenesis. Comp Biochem Physiol C. 2010;152:147-59.
7. Vasilijević A, Vojčić Lj, Dinulović I, Buzadžić B, Korać A, Petrović V, Janković A, Korać B. Expression pattern of thermogenesis-related factors in interscapular brown adipose tissue of alloxan-treated rats: Beneficial effect of L-arginine. Nitric Oxide. 2010;23:42-50.
8. Petrović V, Buzadžić B, Korać A, Vasilijević A, Janković A, Korać B. L-Arginine supplementation induces glutathione synthesis in interscapular brown adipose tissue through activation of glutamate-cysteine ligase expression: The role of nitric oxide. Chem Biol Interact. 2009;182:204-12.
9. Korać A, Buzadžić B, Petrović V, Vasilijević A, Janković A, Korać B. The role of nitric oxide in remodeling of capillary network in rat interscapular brown adipose tissue after long-term cold acclimation. Histol Histopathol. 2008;23:441-50.
10. Petrović V, Korać A, Buzadžić B, Vasilijević A, Janković A, Mićunović K, Korać B. Nitric oxide regulates mitochondrial re-modeling in interscapular brown adipose tissue: ultrastructural and morphometric-stereologic studies. J Microsc. 2008232:542-8.
11. Vasilijević A, Buzadžić B, Korać A, Petrović V, Janković A, Korać B. Beneficial effects of L-arginine-nitric oxide-producing pathway in rats treated with alloxan. J Physiol. 2007;584:921-33.
12. Cimbaljević B, Vasilijević A, Cimbaljević S, Buzadžić B, Korać A, Petrović V, Janković A, Korać B. Interrelationship of antioxidative status, lipid peroxidation and lipid profile in insulin-dependent and non-insulin-dependent diabetic patients. Can J Physiol Pharmacol. 2007;85:997-1003.
13. Petrović V, Buzadžić B, Korać A, Vasilijević A, Janković A, Korać B. Free radical equilibrium in interscapular brown adipose tissue: relationship between metabolic profile and antioxidative defense. Comp Biochem Physiol C. 2006;142:60-5.
14. Buzadžić B, Blagojević D, Korać B, Saičić Z, Spasić MB, Petrović VM. Seasonal variation in the antioxidant defence system of the brain of the ground squirrel (Citellus citellus) and response to low temperature compared to rat. Comp Biochem Physiol. 1997;117C:141-9.
15. Spasić MB, Saičić ZS, Buzadžić B, Korać B, Blagojević D, Petrović VM. Effect of long-term exposure to cold on the antioxidant defense system in the rat. Free Radical Bio Med. 1993;15:291-9.

The Department of Physiology studies the molecular mechanisms of redox signaling and the maintenance of redox balance in homeostasis, adaptation and pathology. The research is oriented in two directions:
1. Biomedical and
2. ecophysiological research.

Biomedical research includes the study of the influence of various substances on the redox status in the tissues of laboratory animals: the role of plant extracts in redox-mediated contractility, the redox effects of atypical antipsychotics, the influence of various dietary supplements, studies of redox physiology and metallomics in various pathological conditions in humans, tests of various dietary supplements and drugs in laboratory animals, etc.

Ecophysiological research is carried out on various species of invertebrates and vertebrates under ex situ conditions (mussels, fish, amphibians, reptiles). The effects of diurnal activity fluctuations, hibernation, cosmetic additives, the influence of traffic noise, nanoparticles, herbicides and artificial light are investigated.

Research on laboratory animals is conducted in accordance with the principles of the institutional and national ethics committees, the ARRIVA (Animal Research: Reporting of In Vivo Experiments) and 3R (Replacement, Reduction, Refinement) guidelines, and in human research in accordance with the rules of the Declaration of Helsinki (Helsinki, 1975) and the SAGER guidelines (The Sex and Gender Equity in Research). The holistic principles of systems biology, i.e. the in silico approach, are increasingly being applied.

Four teams work in the Department of Physiology. Two teams deal with biomedical research, one team with ecophysiological research and one team with both biomedical and ecophysiological research. The research teams of the department cooperate with all departments of the Institute and institutions in the country and abroad. This enables specific multidisciplinary and interdisciplinary research and breaks down the traditional boundaries between biological disciplines, which forms the basis for the development of integrative biology.

Basic topics:
• Effects of various substances such as plant extracts, atypical antipsychotics, selenium nanoparticles, various restrictive diets, glucagon-like peptide-1 agonist liraglutide on parameters of oxidative stress in humans and animals.
• Effects of various environmental factors on the oxidative status of herpetofauna and their ability to adapt to changing environmental conditions. Effects of anesthetics, exposure to nanoparticles of titanium dioxide, anesthetic MS-222, effects of glyphosate, day-night variations in antioxidant status.