My name is Ljiljana Radovanović, and I am currently working as a research assistant at the Department of Neurobiology, Institute for Biological Research "Siniša Stanković" – National Institute of the Republic of Serbia, University of Belgrade. I completed my bachelor's degree in 2017 at the Faculty of Biology - University of Belgrade, on module Molecular Biology and Physiology, and obtained the professional title Bachelor of Biology. In the same faculty, I completed my Master's degree in the module Neurobiology in the academic year 2018/2019 and received the title Master of Biology. I am currently a PhD student on module Neurophysiology: from cell to behavior (NENS PhD Schools). Since June 1, 2019, I have been employed at the Institute of Biological Research "Siniša Stanković" as a research trainee and since February 3, 2022, I have held the position of a research assistant. I am currently in the final phase of my doctoral thesis. My research interests focus on studying the non-motor symptoms of Parkinson's disease, such as sleep disorders (especially local hippocampal sleep) and memory functions in different rat models of Parkinson's disease, with a particular interest in the role of GABA neurotransmission and synaptic reorganization in the hippocampus and reticulo-thalamic nucleus as the basis of pathophysiology.
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.
Education:
• Master of Science, M.Sc. (Faculty of Biology, University of Belgrade, study program: Molecular Biology and Physiology, module: Neurobiology, 2016)
• Bachelor of Science, B.Sc. (Faculty of Biology, University of Belgrade, module: Molecular Biology and Physiology, 2015)
Research Interests:
• In vitro investigation of neuroinflammation, changes in cellular metabolism, and cellular signaling in the central nervous system.
• In vivo examination of inflammatory processes and the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis in an animal model of multiple sclerosis (experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis).
Membership in Scientific Societies:
• Serbian Neuroscience Society (SNS)
• Federation of European Neuroscience Societies (FENS)
• Serbian Society for Molecular Biology (MolBioS)
• Serbian Biological Society (SBS)
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.
The object of Irena's Ph.D. thesis in the Laboratory for Molecular Biology and Behavior is related to the changes in retina during physiological aging and 5xFAD model of Alzheimer's disease, and the effects of fish oil treatment in prevention of age related diseases. She is also exploring the effects of a synthetic neuroactive steroid in male and female APP knock-in mice. 5xFAD and APP KI mice represent models of Alzheimer's disease and are suitable for studying the molecular mechanisms of pathogenesis of the disease. The results may contribute to a better understanding of the mechanisms underlying the onset of Alzheimer's disease and to the development of potential therapeutics.
Education:
• Ph.D. student, Faculty of Biology, University of Belgrade, 2016 -
• M.Sc. in Biological Sciences, Faculty of Biology, University of Belgrade, 2013
• B.Sc. in Molecular Biology and Physiology, Faculty of Biology, University of Belgrade, 2010
Professional Memberships:
• Serbian Neuroscience Society (SNS)
• Federation of European Neuroscience Societies (FENS)
• Serbian Biochemical Society (SBS)
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.
Ema Lupšić graduated with a degree in Biology from the University of Belgrade in 2019. She furthered her education by pursuing a master's degree at Sorbonne University in Paris, specializing in Molecular Biology of the Cell, in 2020. Since 2021, Ema is enrolled in doctoral studies at the Faculty of Biology of the University of Belgrade in the field of physiology - module ,,Translational research in neurobiology and biomedicine”. She achieved the title of research trainee on October 29, 2021 and since 2022, Ema has been employed at the Institute for Biological Research, "Siniša Stanković," within the Department of Neurobiology. Ema actively contributes to two projects funded by the Science Fund of the Republic of Serbia. The first project, "PhotoSCLART," revolves around the development of nature-inspired photoresponsive anticancer agents - sclareol and artemisinin derivatives in cancer multidrug-resistance models, serving as a cornerstone for the theranostic approach. Additionally, she is involved in the "TargetedResponse" project, which focuses on functional diagnostics in Non-Small Cell Lung Carcinoma—a novel approach aimed at enhancing personalized therapy for Serbian patients. Furthermore, Ema is member of the Serbian Academy of Sciences (SANU) project team titled "Biomedical potential of diterpenes newly isolated from latex of milkweeds (Euphorbia L.) wild-growing in Serbia." She actively participated in academic conferences, including the sixth congress of SDIR "From Collaboration to Innovation in Cancer Research" in 2023, the eighth congress of the Serbian Neuroscience Society in Belgrade (Serbia) in 2023, and the annual "STRATAGEM" conference in 2021 in Prague (Czech Republic). Ema Lupšić is affiliated with several professional societies, including the Serbian Society of Cancer Researchers, the Biochemical Society of Serbia, and the Society for Neuroscience of Serbia.
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.
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).
Željko Z. Pavković was born on October 20, 1986. in Belgrade. He attended the Faculty of Biology, University of Belgrade from 2005 to 2010. He completed his diploma thesis entitled "Odonata population in the Belgrade coast during the summer period of 2010: dynamism and habitat preferences of the most common species" at the Department of Animal Ecology and Geography. After six months of work at the elementary school "Radoje Domanović" in Belgrade, in 2011 he enrolled in doctoral studies at the Faculty of Biology, University of Belgrade. He began his scientific research work at the Laboratory for Human Molecular Genetics, Institute for Molecular Genetics and Genetic Engineering, University of Belgrade, where he was employed from 2011 to 2012. Since 2012, he has been employed at the Laboratory for Molecular Neurobiology and Behavior, Institute for Biological Research "Siniša Stanković", University of Belgrade, a National Institute of the Republic of Serbia. He completed his doctoral dissertation entitled "Effects of propofol-induced anesthesia on synaptic plasticity, activity of the dopamine system and behavior of juvenile rats", for which he received the Ivan Đaja award (best doctoral thesis in the field of Physiology in 2017/2018). He participated in the realization of two projects financed by the Ministry of Education, Science and Technological Development of the Republic of Serbia (173051 and 173056). During 2020/21, he was engaged as a collaborator in the Covid-19 laboratory, Directorate for National Laboratories, Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Water Management of the Republic of Serbia. His area of research includes examining pharmacological and social factors in neurodegenerative disorders and neurodevelopment. He is a member of the Neuroscience Society of Serbia (DNS), the Serbian Biological Society and the Federation of European Neuroscience Societies (FENS).
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.
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.
Education
2001-2009 Ph.D., Molecular Biology and Physiology, Faculty of Biology, University of Belgrade
1998-2001 M.S., Molecular Biology and Physiology, Faculty of Biology, University of Belgrade
1992-1998 B.S., Molecular Biology and Physiology, Faculty of Biology, University of Belgrade
Employment
Department of Neurobiology, Institute for Biological Research "Siniša Stanković" - National Institute of Republic of Serbia, University of Belgrade, Serbia
2016- Principal Research Fellow
2009-2016 Senior Research Associate
2001-2009 Research Assistant
1998-2001 Junior Research Assistant
Research field/area
Behavioral neurosciences (biological psychology); Neurobiology of behavior
Research interest
Pharmacological and social factors in neurodevelopment and neurodegenerative disorders
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.
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.
Education
2010 BSc in Biology, Faculty of Sciences, University of Novi Sad
2017 PhD in Biology, Animal and Human Physiology, Faculty of Biology, University of Belgrade
Research Topics
Reproductive Endocrinology, Endocrinology, Neurobiology
Career
2011-2014 Junior Research Assistant, Laboratory for Reproductive Endocrinology, Faculty of Sciences, University of Novi Sad
2014-2018 Teaching Assistant, Animal Physiology, Faculty of Sciences, University of Novi Sad
2018-2019 Research Assistant, Laboratory for molecular neurobiology, Department of Neurobiology, Institute for Biological Research ”Sinisa Stankovic”, National Institute of the Republic of Serbia, University of Belgrade
2019- Research Associate, Laboratory of molecular neurobiology, Department of Neurobiology, Institute for Biological Research ”Sinisa Stankovic”, National Institute of the Republic of Serbia, University of Belgrade
Postdoctoral Fellowship
2019-2022 Section on Cellular Signaling,NICHD, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, USA
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.
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.
RESEARCH FIELD
Multidrug resistance in cancer; Mechanisms of action of new antitumor agents with the potential to overcome multidrug resistance; Development of new cell models and assays for preclinical testing of antitumor agents
EDUCATION
2011-2018 PhD degree at the Faculty of Biology, University of Belgrade, Serbia
2004-2011 Undergraduate studies of Molecular Biology and Physiology; University of Belgrade, Faculty of Biology, Belgrade, Serbia
EMPLOYMENT HISTORY
2019-present Department of Neurobiology, Institute for Biological Research “Siniša Stanković” - National Institute of Republic of Serbia (Belgrade, Serbia)
2012-2019 Department of Molecular Biology, Institute for Biological Research “Siniša Stanković” - National Institute of Republic of Serbia (Belgrade, Serbia)
SCIENTIFIC PROJECTS AND COLLABORATIONS
• Team member on Project: The Program PRISMA - Biomimetic tumor engineering to enhance drug discovery (BioengineeredTumor), Science Fund of the Republic of Serbia (2024-2027)
• Team member on Project: The Program IDEAS - Functional diagnostics in non-small cell lung carcinoma – a new concept for the improvement of personalized therapy in Serbian patients (TargetedResponse), Science Fund of the Republic of Serbia (2022–2024)
• Team member on Project: 173020 “Signaling Molecules in Diabetes: Search for Potential Targets in Intrinsic Pathways for Prediction and Intervention in Diabetes” Ministry of Education, Science and Technological Development (MPNTR), Republic of Serbia (2012 – 2019)
• Member of COST Action CA17104: New Diagnostic and Therapeutic Tools Against Multidrug Resistant Tumors (STRATAGEM) (2018 – 2022)
PROFESSIONAL MEMBERSHIP
1. Member of the Federation of European Neuroscience Societies from 2023
2. Member of the Serbian Biological Society from 2022
2. Member of the Serbian Association for Cancer Research from 2020
3. Member of the European Association for Cancer Research from 2020
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.
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
2010-2019 - Ph.D. in Neuroscience, Faculty of Biology, University of Belgrade, Serbia, (2 years of maternity leave). Title: The effect of long-term dietary restriction on insulin signaling pathway in rat brain during aging.
2000-2009 - B.Sc. in Molecular Biology and Physiology (subfield: Molecular neurobiology), Faculty of Biology, University of Belgrade, Serbia (average grade 9.03/10)
RESEARCH INTEREST
My research field is grounded on the effects of different nutritional approaches such as dietary restriction and fermented food, on behavioral and molecular patterns during aging and on the relations between healthspan and nourishment for the brain. One of the prime ambitions of my research is to establish the optimal food intake as well as pattern of food intake for healthy brain aging. Up to now, I have revealed that the beneficial effect of dietary restriction is highly dependent on the time of its commencement and duration in one’s lifetime.
POSITIONS AND EMPLOYMENT
Employment:
2010 – to date: Institute for Biological Research “Sinisa Stankovic” (IBISS), National Institute of Republic of Serbia, University of Belgrade
Research or academic titles:
2020-present Research Associate
ACADEMIC & TEACHING EXPERIENCE
Ph.D. theses supervisor
2021-present: Title: The Effect of fermented cabbage brine on lipopolysaccharide-induced oxidative stress and inflammation in C57BL/6 mice. Anđela Vukojević, University of Belgrade/Faculty of Biology (mentor)
Teaching experience:
2021- to date Faculty of Biology, University of Belgrade:
Lecturer: Neuroscience graduate programs - Methods in Neurobiology (2021-present)
OTHER ACHIEVEMENTS
1. 2021-to date: Co-leader of WG3 in COST action Promoting Innovation of ferMENTed fOods (PIMENTO) CA20128, member of the Core Group of PIMENTO
2. 2023-to date Reviewer for: Biofactors (IF:6.438), Dose-Response (IF: 2.623), Mechanisms of Ageing and Development (IF:4.3)
3. Rapporteur for TEATIME Cost Action
MEMBERSHIP
1. Federation of European Neuroscience Society (FENS)
2. Serbian Neuroscience Society (SNS)
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.
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.
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.
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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