Education: University of Belgrade, Faculty of Chemistry – BSc in Biochemistry (1996); MSc in Biochemistry (field Immunochemistry) (2000); PhD in Biochemistry (field Immunology) (2009)
Career history and research interest: Dr. Marijana Stojanović started her research career at the Immunology Research Center "Branislav Janković," Belgrade, where she entered the field of immunology (1997-1998). She continued her scientific outreach at the Institute of Virology, Vaccines, and Sera "Torlak", Belgrade, where she gained strong expertise in immunology and vaccinology over a period spanning from 1998 to 2023. During this time, her research primarily focused on investigating the impact of various conditions, including adjuvants, immunomodulatory agents, and antigen exposure routes, on subsequent immune responses, particularly in the context of vaccination, autoimmune diseases (such as anti-phospholipid syndrome), and inflammatory conditions (such as ocular chlamydial infections and inflammatory bowel disease). Dr. Stojanović also explored the potential of modulating the severity and progression of inflammatory diseases in animal models by targeting innate immunity with immunomodulators. Additionally, she conducted extensive research on characterizing and validating monoclonal antibodies for their application as alternatives to antisera in cases of suspected tetanus toxin intoxication. Throughout her career, Dr. Stojanović has been actively establishing, implementing, validating, and standardizing various biological assays to assess specific immunological parameters. In 2023, she joined the Department of Molecular Biology at the Institute of Biological Research "Siniša Stanković," University of Belgrade, where her research focus shifted to the immunological aspects of attenuating type 1 diabetes.
Memberships in academic organizations: Serbian Biochemical Society, Immunological Society of Serbia, Serbian Society for Molecular Biology
Education:
2023 - PhD, Faculty of Biology (BF), University of Belgrade (UB)
Thesis title: "Transdifferentiation of mouse pancreatic alpha to insulin-producing cells using Epi-CRISPRs directed DNA methylation "
2014 - MSc, module: molecular biology of eukaryotes, BF, UB
2013 - BSc, study program: molecular biology and physiology, BF, UB
Research interests:
My scientific research work is focused on examining the critical role of epigenetic mechanisms in influencing the transformation of pancreatic endocrine cells' identity. Additionally, I am exploring the potential application of a synthetic epigenetic tool, the modified CRISPR/dCas9 system, to reprogram cells as a potential approach to diabetes treatment.
Participation in projects:
National projects: IBISS work program financed by the Ministry of Education, Technological Development and Innovation, Republic of Serbia (2020-), contract number 451-03-66/2024-03/200007; OI173020 of the Ministry of Research and Technological Development of the Republic of Serbia (2011 - 2019);
International projects: COST actions: CA21113 (2022/2026); CA18127 (2019/2023); CA16112 (2017/2021); CA16119 (2017/2021); EFSD: Transdifferentiation of pancreatic alpha to beta cells via targeted epigenome editing using Epi-CRISPRs directed DNA methylation (2015/2016); Globaqua - European Communities 7th Framework Program Funding [603629-ENV-2013-6.2.1-Globaqua], (2014 – 2019).
Reward:
2024 - "Goran Ljubijankić" Foundation award for the best doctoral dissertation in the field of molecular biology defended in 2023.
Membership:
• Serbian Society for Molecular Biology
• Serbian Biological Society
• Biochemical Society of Serbia
Epigenetics studies changes in gene expression that are not accompanied by changes in the sequence of DNA molecules, as well as their transmission and transgenerational maintenance. Researchers at the Institute study the mechanisms of stable maintenance of expression of certain genes (mechanisms of changes in the DNA methylation pattern), as well as the possibility of changing epigenetic marks for therapeutic purposes using CRISPR/Cas9 fused constructs. The target diseases researchers are focused on are diabetes and triple negative breast cancer.
EDUCATION
2020 - Ph.D., Module: Molecular Biology of Eukaryotes, Faculty of Biology (BF), University of Belgrade (UB)
2014 - M.Sc., Module: Human Molecular Biology, BF, UB
2013 - B.Sc., Study Programme: Molecular Biology & Physiology, BF, UB
RESEARCH EXPERIENCE
2015 - Research Trainee, Department of Molecular Biology, Institute for Biological Research "Siniša Stanković", National Institute of the Republic of Serbia, UB (IBISS)
2018 - Research Assistant, Department of Molecular Biology, IBISS
2021 - Research Associate, Department of Molecular Biology, IBISS
RESEARCH INTEREST
• Epigenetic and transcriptional regulation of gene expression related to the onset and progression of diabetes
• Phenomenon of epithelial to mesenchymal transition involved in different physiological and pathophysiological mechanisms
• Epigenetic regulation of gene expression during cell differentiation and trans-differentiation
• Therapeutic approaches based on the modulation of epigenetic patterns
MEMBERSHIPS
• Serbian Society for Molecular Biology
• Serbian Biological Society
• Biochemical Society of Serbia
Epigenetics studies changes in gene expression that are not accompanied by changes in the sequence of DNA molecules, as well as their transmission and transgenerational maintenance. Researchers at the Institute study the mechanisms of stable maintenance of expression of certain genes (mechanisms of changes in the DNA methylation pattern), as well as the possibility of changing epigenetic marks for therapeutic purposes using CRISPR/Cas9 fused constructs. The target diseases researchers are focused on are diabetes and triple negative breast cancer.
Education:
• 2011: PhD, Faculty of Biology, University of Belgrade
Thesis title: "Molecular mechanism of induction of haptoglobin gene expression in rat liver cells during experimentaly induced diabetes"
• 2003: BSc, study program: molecular biology and physiology (9.11/10), Faculty of Biology, University of Belgrade
Research title:
• 2022: Principal Research Fellow
• 2017: Senior Research Associate
• 2012: Research Associate
• 2008: Research Assistant
• 2003: Research Collaborator in the Department of Molecular Biology of IBISS
Research interest:
• The study of diabetes, the most common chronic disease today, with a special interest in integrative and nutritional therapies for the prevention and treatment of diabetes and diabetes-related complications; Examining the role of epigenetic mechanisms that influence the change in the identity of pancreatic endocrine cells using a synthetic epigenetic tool (modified CRISPR/dCas9 system) in order to reprogram pancreatic alpha cells into beta-like cells that have the ability to produce and secrete insulin, which in the future may represent a new platform for clinical use in diabetes therapy.
Participation in projects:
• National projects: The IBISS work program financed by the Ministry of Science, Technological Development and Innovation, Republic of Serbia, broj ugovora 451-03-47/2023-01/ 200007 (2023-); , broj ugovora 451-03-9/2021-14/200007 (2020-2022); OI173020 of the Ministry of Research and Technological Development, Republic of Serbia (2011 - 2019); OI143002B of the Ministry of Science and Environmental Protection, Republic of Serbia (2006 - 2010); OI1722 of the Ministry of Science, Technology and Development, Republic of Serbia ( (2001 - 2005).
• International projects and collaborations: Bilateral project between Montenegro and Serbia (2016 - 2018); Project of 7th Framework Programme of European Commission, No. 603629-ENV-2013-6.2.1-Globaqua (2014 - 2019); Participation and coordination of international cooperation with dr. Tomasz Jurkowski, Institute for Biochemistry, University of Stuttgart, Germany („Transdifferentiation of pancreatic alpha to beta cells via targeted epigenome editing using Epi-CRISPRs directed DNA methylation", European Foundation for the Study of Diabetes-EFSD); COST: Epigenetics - Bench to Bedside (TD0905, 2010-2014).
Memberships in scientific societies:
• Serbian Society for Molecular Biology
• Serbian Biochemical Society
• Serbian Biological Society
Epigenetics studies changes in gene expression that are not accompanied by changes in the sequence of DNA molecules, as well as their transmission and transgenerational maintenance. Researchers at the Institute study the mechanisms of stable maintenance of expression of certain genes (mechanisms of changes in the DNA methylation pattern), as well as the possibility of changing epigenetic marks for therapeutic purposes using CRISPR/Cas9 fused constructs. The target diseases researchers are focused on are diabetes and triple negative breast cancer.
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.
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.
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.
Epigenetics studies changes in gene expression that are not accompanied by changes in the sequence of DNA molecules, as well as their transmission and transgenerational maintenance. Researchers at the Institute study the mechanisms of stable maintenance of expression of certain genes (mechanisms of changes in the DNA methylation pattern), as well as the possibility of changing epigenetic marks for therapeutic purposes using CRISPR/Cas9 fused constructs. The target diseases researchers are focused on are diabetes and triple negative breast cancer.
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.
Epigenetics studies changes in gene expression that are not accompanied by changes in the sequence of DNA molecules, as well as their transmission and transgenerational maintenance. Researchers at the Institute study the mechanisms of stable maintenance of expression of certain genes (mechanisms of changes in the DNA methylation pattern), as well as the possibility of changing epigenetic marks for therapeutic purposes using CRISPR/Cas9 fused constructs. The target diseases researchers are focused on are diabetes and triple negative breast cancer.
Education:
• 2009: Ph.D. Faculty of Biology, University of Belgrade.
• 2002: M.Sc. Faculty of Chemistry (Biochemistry), University of Belgrade.
• 1997: B.Sc. (8.79/10), Faculty of Chemistry (Biochemistry), University of Belgrade.
Research title:
• 2020: Principal Research Fellow
• 2015: Senior Research Associate
• 2009: Research Associate
• 2002: Research Assistant
• 1997: Research Collaborator
Research interest:
• The protective mechanisms involved in the alleviation of diabetes (T1D and T2D) and diabetic complications; the basic mechanisms of DNA demethylation and regulation of TET enzyme activity that mediates active DNA demethylation by oxidizing 5-methylcytosine in DNA; to elucidate whether PARP inhibitors could affect cancer cells viability via induced TET activity and DNA demethylation, which could expand the application of PARP inhibition-based therapy beyond the treatment of BRCA-mutated ovarian and breast cancers (where PARP inhibitors were introduced due to the jointly effects with deficiency in homologous recombination which is synthetically lethal).
Participation in projects:
• National projects: The IBISS work program financed by the Ministry of Education, Technological Development and Innovation, Republic of Serbia (2020-), contract number 451-03-66/2024-03/200007; OI173020 of the Ministry of Research and Technological Development, Republic of Serbia (2011-2019); #143002B of the Ministry of Science and Environmental Protection, Republic of Serbia (2006-2010); #1722 of the Ministry of Science, Technology and Development, Republic of Serbia (2002-2006).
• International projects and collaborations: Bilateral project between Montenegro and Serbia (2016 - 2018); Project of 7th Framework Programme of European Commission „Managing the effects of multiple stressors on aquatic ecosystems under water scarcity“ No. 603629-ENV-2013-6.2.1-Globaqua (2014 - 2019); Participation and coordination of international cooperation with dr. Tomasz Jurkowski, Institute for Biochemistry, University of Stuttgart, Germany; COST actions: TD0905 (2010-2014), CA15219 (2016-2020), CA16119 (2017-2021).
Memberships in scientific societies:
• Serbian Society for Molecular Biology
• Serbian Biochemical Society – Member of the Publication Committee (since 2014)
• Serbian Proteomic Association (SePA)
• Serbian Biological Society
Epigenetics studies changes in gene expression that are not accompanied by changes in the sequence of DNA molecules, as well as their transmission and transgenerational maintenance. Researchers at the Institute study the mechanisms of stable maintenance of expression of certain genes (mechanisms of changes in the DNA methylation pattern), as well as the possibility of changing epigenetic marks for therapeutic purposes using CRISPR/Cas9 fused constructs. The target diseases researchers are focused on are diabetes and triple negative breast cancer.
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.
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).
Epigenetics studies changes in gene expression that are not accompanied by changes in the sequence of DNA molecules, as well as their transmission and transgenerational maintenance. Researchers at the Institute study the mechanisms of stable maintenance of expression of certain genes (mechanisms of changes in the DNA methylation pattern), as well as the possibility of changing epigenetic marks for therapeutic purposes using CRISPR/Cas9 fused constructs. The target diseases researchers are focused on are diabetes and triple negative breast cancer.
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.
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:
2020 – Ph.D. student, Molecular Biology – Molecular Biomedicine Program, Faculty of Biology, University of Belgrade
2020 – M.Sc., Biology – Applied Genetics Program, Faculty of Biology, University of Belgrade
2018 – B.Sc., Molecular Biology and Physiology Program, Faculty of Biology, University of Belgrade
Research Interests:
• epigenetic regulation of gene expression and molecular mechanisms of DNA methylation
• epigenetic editing of DNA methylation using Epi-CRISPR/Cas9 tool for establishing novel cellular phenotypes
• application of PARP inhibitors in cancers with homologous recombination deficiency to induce synthetic lethality
Other Activities:
2023 – participant in the international project "Targeted Rewriting of Epigenetic Marks as a New Therapeutic Approach in Triple Negative Breast Cancers" in collaboration with the German Cancer Research Center in Heidelberg, funded by the Alexander von Humboldt Foundation
2022 – one-month study visit at the Cell and Tissue Analysis and Imaging Core Facility, Institute of Animal Reproduction and Food Research of the Polish Academy of Sciences in Olsztyn, Poland
2019 – participant in the international project "Detection of DNA methylation profile changes using FTIR micro-spectroscopy: a method for possible implementation as a diagnostic tool in diabetes" in collaboration with ALBA Synchrotron Center in Barcelona, Spain
Since 2012 – volunteer at the Researchers' Night and other science promotion events
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.
Epigenetics studies changes in gene expression that are not accompanied by changes in the sequence of DNA molecules, as well as their transmission and transgenerational maintenance. Researchers at the Institute study the mechanisms of stable maintenance of expression of certain genes (mechanisms of changes in the DNA methylation pattern), as well as the possibility of changing epigenetic marks for therapeutic purposes using CRISPR/Cas9 fused constructs. The target diseases researchers are focused on are diabetes and triple negative breast cancer.
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