Scopus
Authored or co-authored more than 90 peer-reviewed scientific papers. He participated as a mentor or committee member in PhD and MSc theses defense.
Research Focus:
Research of Branko Filipović PhD, focuses on the study of phenomenology of aging in males and remedial application of steroid and peptide hormones, as well as plant polyphenols, with accent on the bone homeostasis and the function of calcitonin-producing thyroid C-cells. Recent research is focused on investigating the effects of incretin treatment in combination with strength-endurance training on the musculoskeletal system of middle-aged rats.
Education:
Faculty of Biology, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia.
• Ph.D. in Biological Sciences, Faculty of Biology, University of Belgrade, Serbia, 2008.
• M.Sc. in Biological Sciences, Faculty of Biology, University of Belgrade, 2003.
• B.Sc. in Biology, Faculty of Biology, University of Belgrade, 1996.
Honors and Awards:
• Highest-ranking scientist (A1), Ministry of Science and Technological Development, Republic of Serbia, 2011–2024.
Scientific research activities:
• Currently engaged in the IBISS Work Program funded by the Ministry of Education, Science and Technological Development of the Republic of Serbia, contract number 451-03-66/2024-143200007.
• 2011 - 2020. Project 173009OI: “The response of rat neuroendocrine system to selected plant extracts, phytoestrogens, steroid and peptide hormones”.
• 2006 - 2010. Project 143007B: “The effects of phytoestrogens, steroid and peptide hormones on the neuroendocrine cells”.
• 2001 - 2005. Project 1710: “Morphofunctional evaluation of the effects of hormones on the neuroendocrine system during the life cycle”.
• 1998 – 2000. Project 03E17: “Cytological evaluation of hormonal effects in functional regulation of neuroendocrine system”.
Professional memberships:
• The European Society of Endocrinology (ESE)
• 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.
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.
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.
ResearchGate
Principal Research Fellow at the Institute for Biological Research “Siniša Stanković”- National Institute of Republic of Serbia, with twenty-five years of research experience in experimental endocrinology. Author/coauthor of nearly 100 peer-reviewed publications. Member of the Science Committee of the European Society for Endocrinology (2018-2021). Mentor of PhD and MSc students. Experienced in communicating science, particularly to the youth.
Research Focus:
Her past and present research primarily focuses on the sex-specific effects of hormone-based treatments and endocrine-active compounds from food plants on the pituitary-thyroid and other endocrine axes, and the liver, as the main target of thyroid and other hormones, using aged rat models.
Currently, she coordinates research that focuses on exploring the potential of incretin - based treatments in combination with strength-endurance training. The aim of the research is to determine the physiological and molecular mechanisms through which these treatments, either individually or in combination, could contribute to maintaining health and longevity in both sexes.
Additionally, she is involved in research on cholesterol metabolism and clinical endocrine tumors, collaborating with institutions from Serbia and the EU.
Education:
• Ph.D. in Biological Sciences, Faculty of Biology, University of Belgrade, Serbia, 2008
• M.Sc. in Biological Sciences, Faculty of Biology, University of Belgrade, 2003
• B.Sc. in Molecular Biology and Physiology, Faculty of Biology, University of Belgrade, 1998
International Postdoctoral Scientific Visits:
• Annual visits to the Institute for Clinical Chemistry and Pharmacology, University of Bonn, Germany, since 2014
• Three-month research visits to Charité University Medicine Berlin, Institute for Experimental Endocrinology, Germany, in 2014 and 2010
Honors and Awards:
• ESE Short–term fellowship, 2014
• Highest-ranking scientist (A1), Ministry of Science and Technological Development, Republic of Serbia, 2011–2024
• DAAD Short-term fellowship, 2010
• Scholarship for Talented Postgraduate Students, Ministry of Science and Technology of Serbia, 2000–2002
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.
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.
EDUCATION
2020- PhD student in Molecular Biology
Faculty of Biology, University of Belgrade
Molecular Biomedicine
2019-2020 MSc in Molecular Biology and Physiology
Faculty of Biology, University of Belgrade
Experimental Biomedicine
GPA: 9.60/10.00
Master's thesis: "The effect of the late-onset dietary restriction on the development of inflammation in the liver of old Wistar rats"
2015-2019 BSc in Molecular Biology and Physiology
Faculty of Biology, University of Belgrade
GPA: 9.00/10.00
ACADEMIC & PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
2023- Research Assistant
Institute for biological research „Siniša Stanković” - National Institute of the
Republic of Serbia, University of Belgrade
Department of Biochemistry
2020-2023 Junior Research Assistant
Institute for biological research „Siniša Stanković” - National Institute of the
Republic of Serbia, University of Belgrade
Department of Biochemistry
RESEARCH INTERESTS & METHODS
Obesity, Gut microbiota, Molecular endocrinology, Molecular mechanisms of metabolic disorders, Nutritional biochemistry, Aging, Diet restriction
Rodent models, Western blot, qPCR, ELISA, Histology, Bioinformatics analyses of metagenomics data
PROJECTS, FELLOWSHIPS & HONORS
2024-2027 Project STRIMHealth (HORIZON-WIDERA-2023-ACCESS-02-01, proposal number: 101159400)
2021 Recipient of the Ministry of Education, Science and Technological Development contest for the involvement of talented young researchers in SRO's scientific research work
2021 Prize for the best master thesis, Foundation „Goran Ljubijankić“
2020 Scholarship for Students, Ministry of Education, Science and Technological Development of Serbia
2019-2020 Scholarship for the best students from the territory of the Obrenovac Municipality
2015 3rd place at State Competition organized by Regional Talent Center for High School students with research project ’’Dexamethasone affects biometric parameters and corticosterone level in serum and hippocampus of adult male rats’’
PROFESSIONAL SOCIETIES
Serbian Society for Molecular Biology
PUBLICATIONS
Scopus ID: 57329447100
Researcher ID (WoS, Publons): GIK-8625-2022
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).
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.
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.
My IBISS story started at the end of 2011 when I finished bachelor studies in Molecular Biology at the University of Belgrade–Faculty of Biology (2007-2010) and was in the middle of two-year master studies at the same program (2010 – 2012). As a Research Trainee, I have joined the Department for Biochemistry to complete experimental part of my master's thesis. In 2013, I was employed as a Research Assistant at Department for Biochemistry where I performed research for PhD studies (2012 – 2017, University of Belgrade – Faculty of Biology) and successfully defended thesis entitled: The development of metabolic syndrome induced by the combination of stress and fructose enriched diet – the contribution of glucocorticoids in visceral adipose tissue and hypothalamus of female rats. I continued my research (as a Senior Research Associate, from 2023) exploring molecular mechanisms and organ crosstalk leading to development of metabolic syndrome and type 2 diabetes in both genders, as a consequence of modern lifestyle that is characterized by daily exposure to stress and an increased intake of caloric food rich in fructose. In addition, I am dedicated to analyzing and clarifying the role of microbiota in metabolic disturbances and efficient weight loss.
Through years established international collaborations with University in Lausanne (SCOPES project, 2014 – 2017), Danish Diabetes and Endocrine Academy (PhD course, 2014), Laboratory for Systemic and Computational Biology MSKCC, New York (three months postdoctoral training, 2022), Universities of Amsterdam, Lisbon and Örebro (Horizon-Twinning project STRIMHealth, 2024 – 2027). Participated in education of students as Junior Teaching Assistant at University of Belgrade–Faculty of Biology (2012 – 2016) and as mentor of PhD thesis (2019 – 2023). Actively involved in popularizing science through Research Night, Science Fair, IBISS Open Door. Member of Serbian Biochemical Society, Serbian Society for Molecular Biology, Serbian Neuroscience Society, Danish Diabetes and Endocrine Academy.
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.
Dr. Nataša Veličković was born on November 4, 1971 in Belgrade. She completed her bachelor's degrees, Master's and Doctoral studies at the Faculty of Biology, University of Belgrade, in 1996, 2001 and 2009, respectively. She was employed at the Institute for Nuclear Sciences "Vinča" (1996 – 2010), and since 2010, she has been employed at the Institute for Biological Research "Siniša Stanković" at the Department of Biochemistry. The main research field of Dr. Veličković's is examination of pathophysiological changes of energy metabolism in animal models of metabolic syndrome and in patients with metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD), with a focus on lipid and glucose metabolism disturbances. The main research topics are characterization of animal models of metabolic syndrome, investigation of molecular mechanisms of lipid metabolism disorders, inflammation and insulin sensitivity in adipose tissue and liver, examination of lipid and metabolite profiles in patients with MASLD, study of the role of microbiota in metabolic disorders related to excessive caloric diets and MASLD. A special research focus is on examining the role of glucocorticoid hormones in metabolic disorders linked to obesity and fatty liver disease. As postdoctoral researchers, Dr. Veličković spent two weeks at the Department of Physiology of the University of Lausanne, Switzerland (2017). Dr. Veličković is a recipient of a fellowship for a successful master's thesis (1996-1997) and award for an outstanding research contribution (2003) from the Ministry of Science and Environmental Protection of the Republic of Serbia, recipient of a scholarship from IBRO (2003), CASCADE Network of Excellence (2005) and FEBS Society (2009) for participation in workshops and congresses. She was participant in a Joint research project of Serbia and Switzerland SCOPES (project number IZ73Z0_152331) (2014-2017). Dr. Veličković is the coordinator of the HORIZON-WIDERA-2023-ACCESS-02 Twinning call entitled "Strengthening Translational Research for Improved Metabolic Health" (STRIMHealth) (project number 101159400) (2024-2027).
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).
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.
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.
• Born in Kruševac, Serbia, on March 27, 1961. He attended elementary school and grammar school in Belgrade.
Academic education
• BSc: Molecular biology and physiology at the Faculty of Natural Sciences, University of Belgrade, 1983.
• MSc: in Neuroscience, at the Center for Multidisciplinary Studies, University of Belgrade, 1987.
• PhD: in Biochemistry, Faculty of Chemistry, University of Belgrade, 1992.
Scientific title
• Scientific Advisor, since 2013.
Work experience
• Since 1987 he has been employed in the Institute for Biological Research "Siniša Stanković", Department of Molecular Biology and Biochemistry, Department of Biochemistry.
Professional interests
• Neurochemical basis of the effects of stress on the dopamine system for neurotransmission in the brain of rats.
• Pharmacological studies of newly synthesized and natural neuro/psychoactive substances in animal model systems of mental disorders, with a special focus on the interactions of these substrates with monoaminergic systems for neurotransmission and consequent effects on motor skills and general behavior of animals.
• Neurochemical and behavioral effects of supplementation with polyunsaturated fatty acids and folate on experimental animals.
• The specifics of nutritional effects on mental activity and behavior.
Teaching activity
• Lecturer on the subject Basics of Molecular Biology in the Department of Biology, Faculty of Natural Sciences, University of Novi Sad, 1993-1996.
• Lecturer in elective courses General and applied enzymology / Enzymology II, in the departments of Molecular Biology/Biochemistry, Faculty of Natural Sciences, University of Belgrade, 1999-2008.
Study stays
• Predoctoral scientific training for 12 months in the laboratory of Dr. Philip Seeman, Department of pharmacology, School of Medicine, University of Toronto, Canada; 1990-1991.
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.
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.
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).
Marina gained her Master’s (M.Sc.) in Molecular Biology and Physiology (2010), as well as her Ph.D. degree in 2016 at the University of Belgrade Faculty of Biology.
Her most relevant scientific interests include molecular pathophysiology of obesity, insulin and leptin resistance, inflammation and comorbidities of the Metabolic and Polycystic Ovary syndromes, including the influence of the variations in ecology, genetic and metabolic features of the gut microbiome in these diseases. Her latest publications review the epidemiological, therapeutic and molecular aspects of antimicrobial resistance, including the potential influence of the presence of its genetic markers in probiotic bacteria on the gut microbiome ecology and antibiotic resistance.
Marina has continuously been an employee of the Institute for Biological Research ""Siniša Stanković"", National Institute of the Republic of Serbia since 2011, although, she shortly occupied а remote scientific writer position at Cambridge Cell net Ltd., Novi Sad.
To this day, she actively participated in the realization of one national project titled “The Role of Steroid Hormones in the Neuroendocrine Adaptation to Stress and Pathophysiology of the Metabolic Syndrome – Molecular Mechanisms and Clinical Implications” (2011-2019), as well as in the international project financed by the Swiss National Science Foundation (Berne, CH) called “Interactions between stress and dietary fructose in the development of the metabolic syndrome: role of glucocorticoids” (2014-2017). Starting from June 2024, her involvement in HORIZON-WIDERA-2023 Twinning project named „Strengthening Translational Research for Improved Metabolic Health” (acronym: STRIMHealth, proposal No 101159400) is planned.
Marina is an active member of the Serbian Society for Molecular Biology (MolBioS) as well as of the Serbian Biochemical Society.
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.
Microbiology studies the structure, function, genetics, and ecology of microorganisms, including bacteria, viruses, fungi, and protozoa. Within the Institute, important areas of microbiological research include medical microbiology, environmental microbiology and industrial microbiology.
After completing my undergraduate studies in Molecular Biology (2014), I enrolled in doctoral studies at the Faculty of Biology, University of Belgrade, in the module Molecular Biology of Eukaryotes. In 2015, I was employed as a Research Trainee at the Department of Biochemistry of the Institute for Biological Research "Siniša Stanković". In 2017 I received the title of Research Assistant, and in 2022 I successfully defended my dissertation entitled: "Lipid metabolism and glucocorticoid signaling pathway in visceral adipose tissue and liver of Mif -/- mice on fructose-enriched diet" within the project "The role of steroid hormones in neuroendocrine adaptation to stress and pathophysiology of metabolic syndrome - molecular mechanisms and clinical implications", which was funded by the Ministry of Education, Science and Technological Development of the Republic of Serbia. As a participant in the international project "Interaction between stress and dietary fructose in the development of the metabolic syndrome: role of glucocorticoids" (SCOPES project, 2015-2017), I was involved in conducting experiments aimed at clarifying the combined effects of chronic stress and a high-fructose diet on the development of metabolic syndrome and type 2 diabetes in male and female rats. As a Research Associate (since 2023), I continued my research investigating the effects of probiotic bacteria on weight loss and the improvement of metabolic parameters, as well as the anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects of saffron extract in obese mice fed a commercial high-fat diet.
I have received a grant from the European Society of Endocrinology to participate in the Young Scientists Program at the 27th FAOBMB and 44th MSBMB conference in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia (2019). I am actively involved in numerous events aimed at popularizing science (Researcher's Night, Science Fair, IBISS Open Doors). I am a member of Serbian Society for Molecular Biology, Serbian Biochemical Society and Serbian Neuroscience 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.
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.
SCOPUS ID: 54420835400
Education
2011: Ph.D. in Biology. Faculty of Biology, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia
2004: M.Sc. in Biology. Faculty of Biology, Study programme Molecular Biology and Biochemistry, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia
2000: B.Sc. in Biochemistry. Faculty of Chemistry, Study programme Biochemistry, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia
Appointments
2001 – present: Researcher (Principal Research Fellow since 2021), Department of Biochemistry, Institute for Biological Research “Siniša Stanković“ - National Institute of Republic of Serbia (IBISS), University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia
2014-2015: Post-doctorate Fellow at the Molecular Endocrinology Programme, Institute of Biology, Medicinal Chemistry and Biotechnology, National Hellenic Research Foundation, Athens, Greece
Research interests:
Effects of modern lifestyle characterized by pervasive exposure to stressors and unhealthy dietary habits, on lipid and glucose metabolism, inflammatory and redox status.
Potential beneficial effects of fruits and natural products on ameliorating diet-induced metabolic disturbances.
Glucocorticoid signaling in different pathophysiological states (metabolic syndrome, PTSD, PCOS).
Recent research projects:
a) International funding:
• 2024- Strengthening Translational Research for Improved Metabolic Health (Twinning - European Commission)
• 2013-2017: Interactions between stress and dietary fructose in the development of the metabolic syndrome: role of glucocorticoids (SCOPES, Swiss National Science Foundation)
• 2004-2008: Psychobiology of Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (FP6, European Commission)
b) National funding
• Currently engaged in the IBISS Work Program funded by the Ministry of Education, Science and Technological Development of the Republic of Serbia.
• 2011-2019: The role of steroid hormones in the neuroendocrine adaptation to stress and the pathophysiology of the metabolic syndrome - molecular mechanisms and clinical implications.
• 2006-2010: Glucocorticoid receptor and heat shock proteins expression and function in pathophysiological states and stress.
• 2002-2005: Modulation of glucocorticoid receptor function during cellular stress response.
Members of Professional Societies:
• Serbian Biochemical Society
• Serbian Society for Molecular Biology
• Serbian Biological Society
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.
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.
Gordana Tovilovic Kovacevic graduated from the Faculty of Pharmacy at the University of Belgrade in 2002. Since October 2003 she has been working at the Institute for Biological Research “Sinisa Stankovic” – National Institute of the Republic of Serbia, Department of Biochemistry. She defended Master's thesis entitled “Biochemical and neuropharmacological study of the diethyl ether extract of Gentiana kochiana” at the Faculty of Chemistry, University of Belgrade in 2007. In 2012, she received PhD title from the Faculty of Biology, University of Belgrade, with a dissertation entitled “Protective mechanism of arylpiperazine-dopaminergic D2 ligands on nitric oxide and 6-hydroxydopamine induced SH-SY5Y human neuroblastoma cell death”.
Her first research interest was in neuropharmacology, when she investigated the interaction between newly synthesized antipsychotic ligands and dopaminergic/serotonergic neurotransmitter systems in the rat brain. Subsequently, she studied the role of autophagy in neurodegeneration (Parkinson’s disease, Alzheimer’s dementia, neuroinflammation) and in anticancer activity of new, potential chemotherapeutics. She is particularly dedicated to researching the biological and pharmacological potential of xanthones, secondary metabolites from plants belonging to the Gentianaceae family.
In her work she uses immunoblot, flow cytometry and cell culture transfection techniques.
Dr. Tovilovic Kovacevic gave invited lectures at the 1st International Conference on Plant Biology in Subotica (2013) and the 3rd Serbian Congress of Biology in Zlatibor (2022).
As a member of the team with Dr. Kristina Janjetovic (team leader) and Dr. Marina Stamenkovic, she received a “Pokreni se za nauku” grant in 2019 to study the anti-cancer effect of pantoprazole.
Since 2021, her research has been supported by an institutional grant awarded to the Institute for Biological Research “Sinisa Stankovic” by the Ministry of Science, Technological Development and Innovation of the Republic of Serbia.
Dr. Tovilovic Kovacevic is a member of the Serbian Society of Neuroscience (DNS) and the Federation of European Neuroscience Societies (FENS).
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.
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.
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).
Phone: +381 11 20 78 300
Fax: +381 11 27 61 433
Email: ibiss@ibiss.bg.ac.rs
Bulevar despota Stefana 142
11108 Belgrade
Serbia
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