EDUCATION: Ph.D. in Cell biology, The Wenner-Gren Institute, Faculty of Science, Stockholm University, Sweden, 2011. B.Sc. in Molecular biology and physiology, Faculty of Biology, University of Belgrade, 2004.
RESEARCH INTERESTS: Mechanisms of multidrug resistance in cancer and the development of new therapeutics targeting these mechanisms.
WORK EXPERIENCE: Department of Neurobiology, Institute for Biological Research “Siniša Stanković” since 2012. The Wenner-Gren Institute, Stockholm University (2005-2011).
PROJECTS: “Functional diagnostics in non-small cell lung carcinoma−a new concept for the improvement of personalized therapy in Serbian patients” (TargetedResponse,#7739737, 2022-2025), Science Fund of the Republic of Serbia IDEAS; “Biomimetic tumor engineering to enhance drug discovery” (BioengineeredTumor,#7503, 2024-2026), Science Fund of the Republic of Serbia PRISMA; „Biomedical potential of diterpenes newly isolated from latex of milkweeds (Euphorbia L.) wild-growing in Serbia“ (MilkIng, 2022-2025), SASA strategic project; “Innovative hybrid compounds of sclareol and doxorubicin as a new antitumor strategy in glioblastoma therapy” (SCLarDOXInn,2023-2024), SAIGE Proof of concept; “Identification of predictive molecular markers for cancer progression, response to therapy and disease outcome” (#III41031, 2011-2019), Ministry of Education, Science and Technological Development of the Republic of Serbia.
European Cooperation in Science and Technology (COST) Actions: CA22103: A comprehensive network against brain cancer (Net4Brain;2023-2027); IG17104: Pan-European educational platform on multidrug resistant tumours and personalised cancer treatment (PANDORA;2022-2023); CA17104: New diagnostic and therapeutic tools against multidrug resistant tumors (STRATAGEM;2018-2022); CA15138: European network of multidisciplinary research and translation of autophagy knowledge (TRANSAUTOPHAGY;2016-2020); CM1407: Challenging organic syntheses inspired by nature-from natural products chemistry to drug discovery (NATCHEMDRUGS,2015-2019); CM1106: Chemical approaches to targeting drug resistance in cancer stem cells (STEMCHEM;2012-2016).
MEMBERSHIPS IN SCIENTIFIC SOCIETIES: European Association for Cancer Research (EACR), Serbian Association for Cancer Research (SDIR), European Society for Medical Oncology (ESMO), Federation of European Neuroscience Societies (FENS), Serbian Neuroscience Society (DNS), Serbian Biological Society (SBS).
Understanding the physiological and functional characteristics of cancer cells at the individual level, and the tumor tissue as a highly orchestrated multicellular formation, by whose activity the tumor expands, invades and disseminates, is the main goal of cancer biology research today. Defining the causes of abnormal behavior of neoplastic cells individually and in the context of the tumor microenvironment, including the histological, metabolic and immunological specificities of this tissue, represents a platform for designing new approaches in cancer treatment. Investigating the phenomenon of initial or acquired tumor resistance helps to gain deeper insights into the reasons for limited effects of the conventional treatments, enabling the improvement of existing protocols.
Biotechnology is defined as the use of biological processes and systems (living organisms or their parts) to develop or modify different processes or products useful to humans and includes analysis of risks of its implementation (biosafety).
Neurobiology studies the anatomy, physiology, and pathology of the nervous system. From the molecular and biochemical basis of this system, to the study of behavioral plasticity, to understanding the driving forces of neurodegenerative diseases and how they can be treated. Electrophysiology studies biophysical properties in vertebrate neurons and links morphofunctional features of the brain to observed animal behavior. The ultimate goal is to identify active substances that may have a protective effect in neurological and psychiatric diseases.
Natural products are complex chemical compounds synthesised by living organisms through biochemical processes, with a specific physiological or ecological function. Researchers at the Institute study the chemical characterization and isolation of natural products, metabolic engineering, as well as the assessment of the possibility of their application in industry (as medicaments, dietary supplements and functional food, biopesticides).
Redox biology is the study of all aspects of biology mediated or influenced by biochemical processes involving reduction (gain of electrons) and oxidation (loss of electrons). Redox homeostasis is central to the basic functions of life, including metabolism and respiration, and when altered it can promote the progression of disease and ageing.
Scopus Author ID: 55256030500
Summary:
Senior Research Associate in the Laboratory for Molecular Neurobiology and Behavior with more than thirteen years of research experience in the mechanisms of sleep disorders and the molecular neurobiology of ageing and various models of neurodegenerative disease. The focus of Dr. Ciric's research is on the effects of various pharmacological and non-pharmacological interventions that can delay the onset and/or progression of neurological diseases of the ageing brain, such as Alzheimer’s disease. Author/coauthor of more than 15 peer-reviewed publications.
Education:
• Ph.D. in Biological Sciences, Faculty of Biology, University of Belgrade, 2017
• M.Sc. in Biological Sciences, Faculty of Biology, University of Belgrade, 2010
• B.Sc. in Biological Sciences, Faculty of Biology, University of Belgrade, 2008
Honors and Awards:
• Figure 9 of the article entitled Impact of anesthetic regimen on the respiratory pattern, EEG microstructure and sleep in the rat model of cholinergic Parkinson disease neuropathology (Neuroscience, 2015, 304, 1-13) was selected for the Cover Winner, 2015
• Ciric et al., 2019, Front. Neurosci. was selected for the collection Sleep and Circadian Rhythms Editor’s Pick 2021, 2021
• Proposal entitled "Quantitative mapping of metals in KI mouse model of Alzheimer´s disease treated with synthetic neuroactive steroid" Award from Elettra Sincrotrone Trieste as part of the International Users Programme, 2023
Society memberships:
• Serbian Neuroscience Society (SNS)
• Federation of European Neuroscience Societies (FENS)
• Serbian Biochemical Society (SBS)
• Serbian Biological Society
Understanding the physiological and functional characteristics of cancer cells at the individual level, and the tumor tissue as a highly orchestrated multicellular formation, by whose activity the tumor expands, invades and disseminates, is the main goal of cancer biology research today. Defining the causes of abnormal behavior of neoplastic cells individually and in the context of the tumor microenvironment, including the histological, metabolic and immunological specificities of this tissue, represents a platform for designing new approaches in cancer treatment. Investigating the phenomenon of initial or acquired tumor resistance helps to gain deeper insights into the reasons for limited effects of the conventional treatments, enabling the improvement of existing protocols.
Biotechnology is defined as the use of biological processes and systems (living organisms or their parts) to develop or modify different processes or products useful to humans and includes analysis of risks of its implementation (biosafety).
Neurobiology studies the anatomy, physiology, and pathology of the nervous system. From the molecular and biochemical basis of this system, to the study of behavioral plasticity, to understanding the driving forces of neurodegenerative diseases and how they can be treated. Electrophysiology studies biophysical properties in vertebrate neurons and links morphofunctional features of the brain to observed animal behavior. The ultimate goal is to identify active substances that may have a protective effect in neurological and psychiatric diseases.
Natural products are complex chemical compounds synthesised by living organisms through biochemical processes, with a specific physiological or ecological function. Researchers at the Institute study the chemical characterization and isolation of natural products, metabolic engineering, as well as the assessment of the possibility of their application in industry (as medicaments, dietary supplements and functional food, biopesticides).
Redox biology is the study of all aspects of biology mediated or influenced by biochemical processes involving reduction (gain of electrons) and oxidation (loss of electrons). Redox homeostasis is central to the basic functions of life, including metabolism and respiration, and when altered it can promote the progression of disease and ageing.
Jasna Šaponjić received MD degree in 1986, MSci degree in 1990 and PhD degree in 1996 at Medical School University of Belgrade, Republic of Serbia (former Yugoslavia).
After her postdoctoral period, first at the Department of Neurophysiology, of Medical School University of Patras, Greece (2000-2001), as a fellow of the European Concerted Action and Epilepsy Research (EUCARE, Brussels, Belgium) and at Medical School University of Illinois at Chicago (2001-2002), she was a Research Assistant Professor at the Department of Pharmacology and the Center for Narcolepsy Research at the Medical School University of Illinois, Chicago, USA (2003-2006).
She returned to the Institute for Biological Research – Sinisa Stankovic, first as Research Associate (2006-2007), then as Senior Research Associate (2007-2012).
Since 2012 she is Principal Research Fellow in the Department of Neurobiology at the Institute for Biological Research – Sinisa Stankovic, - National Institute of the Republic of Serbia, University of Belgrade, Republic of Serbia.
Her area of expertise is neuroscience and neurobiology of sleep. Her current research focuses on the neurobiology of sleep disorders and disturbances of motor control during sleep in in vivo animal models of healthy aging and neurodegenerative diseases of the elderly, in particular sleep disorders as a prodromal symptom of Parkinson’s disease and the risks of general anesthesia for postoperative outcomes in neurodegenerative diseases.
She has been a reviewer for numerous international journals, supervisor of three PhD theses and member of seven PhD thesis evaluation and defense committees between 2011 and 2024.
She is a member of ESRS, FENS, Serbian Neuroscience Society and Serbian Biophysical Society.
Behavioural biology studies animal behaviour at a systemic level by integrating behavioural, ecological, physiological, and molecular approaches to describe how different behavioral elements have been shaped through evolution.
The biology of ageing is focused on better understanding the molecular, cellular and physiological processes underlying the ageing process and the diseases associated with this process.
Animal physiology studies how biological processes work, how they operate under different environmental conditions, and how these processes are regulated and integrated. They can be studied at different levels of organisation, from organelles and cell membranes to cells, tissues, organ systems, and the whole animal, both during development and in adulthood.
Neurobiology studies the anatomy, physiology, and pathology of the nervous system. From the molecular and biochemical basis of this system, to the study of behavioral plasticity, to understanding the driving forces of neurodegenerative diseases and how they can be treated. Electrophysiology studies biophysical properties in vertebrate neurons and links morphofunctional features of the brain to observed animal behavior. The ultimate goal is to identify active substances that may have a protective effect in neurological and psychiatric diseases.
Animal physiology studies how biological processes work, how they operate under different environmental conditions, and how these processes are regulated and integrated. They can be studied at different levels of organisation, from organelles and cell membranes to cells, tissues, organ systems, and the whole animal, both during development and in adulthood.
Inflammation is a response to damage and danger in organisms and is an integral part of research in immunology, but also in other scientific disciplines, since inflammation occurs in numerous pathological conditions like diabetes or cancer. Immunology studies body’s defence mechanisms at cellular and molecular level in infective diseases, as well as immune system malfunctions in autoimmune diseases and allergies Modification of body’s immune system is useful in treatment of these diseases, and can be performed through pharmacological modulation or immunotherapy, where immune cells or their parts are used. Acute-phase proteins and potential biological markers of inflammation involved in the modification and integration of signalling pathways are being investigated in order to predict and intervene in diseases.
Neurobiology studies the anatomy, physiology, and pathology of the nervous system. From the molecular and biochemical basis of this system, to the study of behavioral plasticity, to understanding the driving forces of neurodegenerative diseases and how they can be treated. Electrophysiology studies biophysical properties in vertebrate neurons and links morphofunctional features of the brain to observed animal behavior. The ultimate goal is to identify active substances that may have a protective effect in neurological and psychiatric diseases.
Irena Lavrnja, PhD, is currently a Principal Research Fellow at IBISS in the Department of Neurobiology. She graduated with a Bachelor's degree in Biology in 2000, defended her Master's thesis in 2003 and received her PhD in Neurobiology from the Faculty of Biology, University of Belgrade in 2008. During her career she held the following positions: Research Trainee (2001), Research Assistant (2003), Research Associate (2008), Senior Research Associate (2013), and since 2018 she is Principal Research Fellow at IBISS. Dr. Irena Lavrnja's research focuses on elucidating the cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying neuroinflammation, identifying potential targets and testing the efficacy of various therapeutic agents to suppress harmful and enhance beneficial inflammatory mechanisms. She utilises a variety of experimental approaches, including animal models of neuroinflammatory diseases such as experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis and traumatic brain injury, in vitro cell culture systems, molecular and cellular biology techniques, and neuroimaging techniques. In 2010, she was awarded an STSM fellowship for postdoctoral studies by the European Commission (COST B30) at the Medical University of Innsbruck (Division of Neuroanatomy), Innsbruck, Austria, and in 2015 an EMBO short-term fellowship at the Karolinska Institute in Stockholm, Sweden. So far, she has been involved in solving 3 national projects and 2 international bilateral DAAD projects (German Knowledge Exchange Projects) and one project (Serbian Science and Diaspora Collaboration Programme: Knowledge Exchange Vouchers) funded by the Science Fund of the Republic of Serbia as Principal Investigator. Since 2018 she is a member of the Editorial Board of the journal ``Scientific Reports`` (Springer Nature Publishing AG), and since 2022 she is Review Editor for Frontiers in Cellular Neuroscience. She was supervisor of 2 PhD theses, both awarded as best PhD theses in physiology, and one Master thesis. As a committee member she was involved in 5 PhD theses and 2 Master theses.
Neurobiology studies the anatomy, physiology, and pathology of the nervous system. From the molecular and biochemical basis of this system, to the study of behavioral plasticity, to understanding the driving forces of neurodegenerative diseases and how they can be treated. Electrophysiology studies biophysical properties in vertebrate neurons and links morphofunctional features of the brain to observed animal behavior. The ultimate goal is to identify active substances that may have a protective effect in neurological and psychiatric diseases.
Dr. Milanovic is a molecular biologist specialized in neurobiology. Her work has involved investigation of molecular mechanisms underlying neurotoxicity of anesthetics during development, and nutritive approaches in ameliorating aging, neuro-inflammation and Alzheimer’s disease.
Neurobiology studies the anatomy, physiology, and pathology of the nervous system. From the molecular and biochemical basis of this system, to the study of behavioral plasticity, to understanding the driving forces of neurodegenerative diseases and how they can be treated. Electrophysiology studies biophysical properties in vertebrate neurons and links morphofunctional features of the brain to observed animal behavior. The ultimate goal is to identify active substances that may have a protective effect in neurological and psychiatric diseases.
Scientific position
• Principal Research Fellow, 2022.
Education
• Ph. D. (Neurobiology, Faculty of Biology, University of Belgrade, 2012)
• M. Sc. (Neurobiology, Faculty of Biology, University of Belgrade, 2005)
• B. Sc., Molecular Biology and Physiology, Faculty of Biology, University of Belgrade 2002)
Research interests
• Neuroinflammation
• Neuroendocrinology
• Neurodegenerative diseases
Supervision
Current
• „Antioxidative and antiinflammatory effect of agmatine pretreatment in LPS-activated mouse microglial cell line“, Ph.D. – Principal Advisor
Completed
• „The role and metabolism of copper in human hippocampal sclerosis associated with temporal lobe epilepsy”, Ph.D., 2022. – Principal Advisor
• „Spatial and time-dependent expression of cholesterol-24-hydroxylase in the spinal cord during experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis, M. Sc., 2016. – Principal Advisor
• „Expression of panexin and P2X7 receptor after traumatic brain injury induced in rats”, M. Sc., 2013. – Principal Advisor
Fellowships
• COST-STSM-B30-04014 Grant for Short Term Scientific Mission from within a COST scientific program on Neuronal Regeneration and Plasticity: NEREPLAS in Institute of Pharmacology, University Hospital Schleswig-Holstein, Campus Kiel, Germany, 2008.
Memberships
• Federation of European Neuroscience Societies, Serbian Neuroscience Society, Serbian Biological Society.
Behavioural biology studies animal behaviour at a systemic level by integrating behavioural, ecological, physiological, and molecular approaches to describe how different behavioral elements have been shaped through evolution.
Inflammation is a response to damage and danger in organisms and is an integral part of research in immunology, but also in other scientific disciplines, since inflammation occurs in numerous pathological conditions like diabetes or cancer. Immunology studies body’s defence mechanisms at cellular and molecular level in infective diseases, as well as immune system malfunctions in autoimmune diseases and allergies Modification of body’s immune system is useful in treatment of these diseases, and can be performed through pharmacological modulation or immunotherapy, where immune cells or their parts are used. Acute-phase proteins and potential biological markers of inflammation involved in the modification and integration of signalling pathways are being investigated in order to predict and intervene in diseases.
Metabolism is the totality of all chemical reactions that provide energy to cells and maintain the vital state of cells and organisms. Metabolism is a tightly regulated process, and control of metabolic pathways allows organisms to successfully interact with their environment. Metabolic regulation is key to understanding and treating a number of chronic diseases, including diabetes, obesity, hypertension, and cancer.
Neurobiology studies the anatomy, physiology, and pathology of the nervous system. From the molecular and biochemical basis of this system, to the study of behavioral plasticity, to understanding the driving forces of neurodegenerative diseases and how they can be treated. Electrophysiology studies biophysical properties in vertebrate neurons and links morphofunctional features of the brain to observed animal behavior. The ultimate goal is to identify active substances that may have a protective effect in neurological and psychiatric diseases.
Natural products are complex chemical compounds synthesised by living organisms through biochemical processes, with a specific physiological or ecological function. Researchers at the Institute study the chemical characterization and isolation of natural products, metabolic engineering, as well as the assessment of the possibility of their application in industry (as medicaments, dietary supplements and functional food, biopesticides).
Redox biology is the study of all aspects of biology mediated or influenced by biochemical processes involving reduction (gain of electrons) and oxidation (loss of electrons). Redox homeostasis is central to the basic functions of life, including metabolism and respiration, and when altered it can promote the progression of disease and ageing.
EDUCATION:
2013. PhD degree in Biology, University of Belgrade, Faculty of Biology, Serbia
2006. BSc degree in Molecular Biology and Physiology, University of Belgrade, Faculty of Biology, Belgrade, Serbia
RESEARCH EXPERIENCE: Head of the Laboratory of Molecular Neuro-Oncology at the Institute for Biological Research "Siniša Stanković" - National Institute of the Republic of Serbia (IBISS); employed at IBISS in 2007 as a research trainee in the Department of Neurobiology; in 2009 appointed as a research assistant, in 2014 as a research associate and in 2019 as a senior research associate.
RESEARCH FIELD: Investigating the mechanisms of action of new antitumor agents with the potential to overcome multidrug resistance in cancer and developing new therapeutic approaches for the treatment of malignant tumors.
PROJECT HISTORY: Work package leader of the "TargetedResponse" project funded by the IDEJE program of the Science Fund of the Republic of Serbia and work package coordinator of the "MilkIng" project“, a strategic project of SANU; participation in the "PhotoSCLART" project funded by the PRIZMA program of the Science Fund of the Republic of Serbia; participated in two international multidisciplinary projects: „Therapy optimization in glioblastoma: An integrative human-data based approach using mathematical models“ (funded by the James S. McDonnell Foundation) and “THIOREDIN” (ERA.Net RUS+ project); member of the Management Board of COST Action CA22125 (Precision-BTC-Network) and management board member substitute for two completed COST Actions: CM1407 (NATCHEMDRUGS) and CA17104 (STRATAGEM).
AWARDS, PRIZES AND FELLOWSHIPS: Fellowship of European Association for Cancer Research (EACR) for participation in the ESMO Congress 2017 in Madrid; Award of Foundation “Goran Ljubijankic” for the best doctoral thesis in molecular biology defended in 2013; Fellowship of COST Action BM0703 (CANGENIN) to attend the Biomedical Research Foundation of the Academy of Athens in Greece, 2010.
Understanding the physiological and functional characteristics of cancer cells at the individual level, and the tumor tissue as a highly orchestrated multicellular formation, by whose activity the tumor expands, invades and disseminates, is the main goal of cancer biology research today. Defining the causes of abnormal behavior of neoplastic cells individually and in the context of the tumor microenvironment, including the histological, metabolic and immunological specificities of this tissue, represents a platform for designing new approaches in cancer treatment. Investigating the phenomenon of initial or acquired tumor resistance helps to gain deeper insights into the reasons for limited effects of the conventional treatments, enabling the improvement of existing protocols.
Natural products are complex chemical compounds synthesised by living organisms through biochemical processes, with a specific physiological or ecological function. Researchers at the Institute study the chemical characterization and isolation of natural products, metabolic engineering, as well as the assessment of the possibility of their application in industry (as medicaments, dietary supplements and functional food, biopesticides).
Redox biology is the study of all aspects of biology mediated or influenced by biochemical processes involving reduction (gain of electrons) and oxidation (loss of electrons). Redox homeostasis is central to the basic functions of life, including metabolism and respiration, and when altered it can promote the progression of disease and ageing.
Neurobiology studies the anatomy, physiology, and pathology of the nervous system. From the molecular and biochemical basis of this system, to the study of behavioral plasticity, to understanding the driving forces of neurodegenerative diseases and how they can be treated. Electrophysiology studies biophysical properties in vertebrate neurons and links morphofunctional features of the brain to observed animal behavior. The ultimate goal is to identify active substances that may have a protective effect in neurological and psychiatric diseases.
Dr. Aleksandra Mladenovic is a research professor at the Institute for Biological Research "Sinisa Stankovic", University of Belgrade. She received her B.Sc. in Molecular Biology and Physiology from the Faculty of Biology, University of Belgrade in 1998. Holding a prestigious scholarship for her postgraduate studies, awarded to the 200 best students in the country, she obtained her M.Sc. in 2002, followed by a Ph.D. in Neuroscience in 2008.
In 2003, she got a permanent position at Laboratory of Molecular Neurobiology, where she worked on neurodegenerative diseases, apoptosis and synaptic plasticity. Dr. Mladenovic deepened her knowledge through postdoctoral training at the Laboratory for Molecular and Cellular Ageing, NHRF Institute, Greece.
Dr. Mladenovic is an Associate Editor of high-ranking journals such as BioFactors (Q1) and Mechanisms of Ageing and Development (Q1), one of the oldest and most important journals in the field of ageing. She is also an Associate Editor for FEBS Open Bio.
She has been a Serbian representative in several COST Actions and is actively involved in the Serbian Neuroscience Society and the global ALBA network of neuroscientists. She is a member of the Scientific Committee of the European Society of Preventive, Regenerative, and Anti-Aging Medicine.
She was the Serbian leader in three international projects with Switzerland, Croatia and the UK. She was also awarded with FEBS and IUBMB grants for the organization of Advanced Course "Molecular Targets for Anti-Aging Interventions", which took place in 2022 on the island of Spetses, Greece.
She has been a guest speaker at several international conferences. She is a reviewer for more than 15 journals and is actively involved in the supervision of PhD and Master students.
Currently, her research focuses on exploring promising anti-aging interventions, with particular emphasis on optimizing nutritional patterns for healthy ageing, and paying special attention to the nervous system.
Behavioural biology studies animal behaviour at a systemic level by integrating behavioural, ecological, physiological, and molecular approaches to describe how different behavioral elements have been shaped through evolution.
The biology of ageing is focused on better understanding the molecular, cellular and physiological processes underlying the ageing process and the diseases associated with this process.
Animal physiology studies how biological processes work, how they operate under different environmental conditions, and how these processes are regulated and integrated. They can be studied at different levels of organisation, from organelles and cell membranes to cells, tissues, organ systems, and the whole animal, both during development and in adulthood.
Inflammation is a response to damage and danger in organisms and is an integral part of research in immunology, but also in other scientific disciplines, since inflammation occurs in numerous pathological conditions like diabetes or cancer. Immunology studies body’s defence mechanisms at cellular and molecular level in infective diseases, as well as immune system malfunctions in autoimmune diseases and allergies Modification of body’s immune system is useful in treatment of these diseases, and can be performed through pharmacological modulation or immunotherapy, where immune cells or their parts are used. Acute-phase proteins and potential biological markers of inflammation involved in the modification and integration of signalling pathways are being investigated in order to predict and intervene in diseases.
Nutrition is the process by which the body uses food to produce energy and sustain life. The science of nutrition studies the role of nutrients and other food components in the growth, reproduction, health and disease of the organism. Food ingredients with medicinal properties are called nutriceuticals and can be used to treat or prevent disease. There are more and more alternative sources of food, such as edible insects, which should limit the negative impact of food production on the environment.
Metabolism is the totality of all chemical reactions that provide energy to cells and maintain the vital state of cells and organisms. Metabolism is a tightly regulated process, and control of metabolic pathways allows organisms to successfully interact with their environment. Metabolic regulation is key to understanding and treating a number of chronic diseases, including diabetes, obesity, hypertension, and cancer.
Neurobiology studies the anatomy, physiology, and pathology of the nervous system. From the molecular and biochemical basis of this system, to the study of behavioral plasticity, to understanding the driving forces of neurodegenerative diseases and how they can be treated. Electrophysiology studies biophysical properties in vertebrate neurons and links morphofunctional features of the brain to observed animal behavior. The ultimate goal is to identify active substances that may have a protective effect in neurological and psychiatric diseases.
Natural products are complex chemical compounds synthesised by living organisms through biochemical processes, with a specific physiological or ecological function. Researchers at the Institute study the chemical characterization and isolation of natural products, metabolic engineering, as well as the assessment of the possibility of their application in industry (as medicaments, dietary supplements and functional food, biopesticides).
Education:
Doctorate, Faculty of Biology, University of Belgrade (since 2021)
MsC, Master studies, Faculty of Biology, University of Belgrade (2019-2020)
BsC, Bachelor studies, Faculty of Biology, University of Belgrade (2015-2019)
Interests: neurobiology, immunobiology
Memberships:
Serbian Neuroscience Society (SNS)
Federation of European Neuroscience Societies (FENS)
Inflammation is a response to damage and danger in organisms and is an integral part of research in immunology, but also in other scientific disciplines, since inflammation occurs in numerous pathological conditions like diabetes or cancer. Immunology studies body’s defence mechanisms at cellular and molecular level in infective diseases, as well as immune system malfunctions in autoimmune diseases and allergies Modification of body’s immune system is useful in treatment of these diseases, and can be performed through pharmacological modulation or immunotherapy, where immune cells or their parts are used. Acute-phase proteins and potential biological markers of inflammation involved in the modification and integration of signalling pathways are being investigated in order to predict and intervene in diseases.
Neurobiology studies the anatomy, physiology, and pathology of the nervous system. From the molecular and biochemical basis of this system, to the study of behavioral plasticity, to understanding the driving forces of neurodegenerative diseases and how they can be treated. Electrophysiology studies biophysical properties in vertebrate neurons and links morphofunctional features of the brain to observed animal behavior. The ultimate goal is to identify active substances that may have a protective effect in neurological and psychiatric diseases.
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