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).
1997.- attended summer school at the University of Illinois in Chicago, USA, where she gained experience in the field of genetic engineering at the Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology.
EDUCATION
1998.- B.Sc. Biochemistry, Faculty of Chemistry, University of Belgrade
2000.- M.Sc. in Biochemistry, Faculty of Chemistry, University of Belgrade
Title of master thesis: “Cloning, expression and interaction of fragments of third intracellular loop of human dopaminergic D2l receptor with G protein alpha-subunit.
2010.- PhD Biology, Faculty of Biology, University of Belgrade
Title of dissertation: “Evaluation of atypical antipsychotic potential of new phenylpiperazines in vitro and ina animal models of psichosis”
WORK EXPERIENCE
1999-2005.- lab for biochemistry of Department for Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry of Institute for Chemistry, Technology and Metallurgy (IHTM) in Belgrade
2005. – present, Department for Biochemistry of Institute for Biological Research „Siniša Stanković“ (IBISS), University of Belgrade
Communication and Outreach
She gave invited lectures at two conferences "Biology of Autism" in Zagreb (Croatia) in April 2014 and in Thermana Laško (Slovenia) in October 2014. In order to popularize science, she held a lecture "Microbiota and the central nervous system" in 2017, organized by the Center for Teaching Activity of the Endowment of Ilija M. Kolarac.
Dr. Ignjatović was the mentor of candidate Katarina D. Bojović's doctoral dissertation entitled: "Relationship of neurodevelopmental disorders with gene variants for lactase, human leukocyte antigen and vitamin D receptor, as well as with the presence of opioid peptides in urine and intestinal dysbiosis", defended at the Faculty of Biology in 2021.
She has been engaged in research in the fields of medicinal chemistry, pharmacology and phytotherapy as well as neurobiology and nutritional sciences using in vitro tests on several cell lines and animal models of behavior.
In recent years, she has focused on investigating the etiology of neurodevelopmental 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.
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.
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.
I am a Principal Research Fellow at the Department of Biochemistry. I graduated from the Faculty of Biology University of Belgrade, where I also obtained my PhD. Throughout my professional career, I have been involved in several national and international projects, including the European Commission FP6 project “Psychobiology of Posttraumatic Stress Disorder” (#INCO-CT-2004-509213, 2004-2008), and the ongoing Horizon Europe project “Strengthening Translational Research for Improved Metabolic Health” (STRIMHealth) (#101159400, 2024-2027). From 2011 to 2020, I was a lecturer at the Faculty of Biology, teaching PhD students in Molecular Biology of the Cell II.
My expertise is in the field of molecular endocrinology, with focus on steroid signaling in various pathophysiological conditions related to metabolic disorders, obesity, insulin resistance, Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS), and Post-traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). Particularly I am interested in the pathophysiology of PCOS, i.e. the vicious cycle that develops between excess androgens, obesity, and insulin resistance in this syndrome. Therefore, I have devoted most of my research to elucidating the molecular mechanisms of these metabolic disturbances in the adipose tissue, muscles, and liver of the PCOS animal model. In long term, my aim is to identify potential drug targets for the treatment of androgen excess and its adverse metabolic consequences in PCOS.
Currently, I am member of the Scientific Committee of the European Society of Endocrinology. I am also Associate Editor for the Journal of Endocrinological Investigation, member of the Editorial Board of Hormones International Journal of Endocrinology and Metabolism, and member of the Joint Danube Survey of the International Commission for the Protection of the Danube River. Besides these, I am a member of the Knowledge and Technology Transfer team at IBISS, which has a role in identifying and translating the obtained results from different research areas into protected intellectual property and further products or services.
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.
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.
Dr. Ana Teofilovic completed her bachelor studies in 2010 at the Faculty of Biology of the University of Belgrade, program Molecular Biology and Physiology. She performed her graduation thesis at the Laboratory of Medical Genetics of the Institute for Mother and Child Health Care "Dr. Vukan Čupić". She defended her PhD thesis at the Faculty of Biology at the University of Belgrade in 2014. She conducted the experimental part of PhD thesis at the Department of Biochemistry of the Institute for Biological Research "Siniša Stanković" – National Institute of the Republic of Serbia, where she has been employed since 2011. Her previous scientific work is related to the study of energy metabolism and inflammation in metabolically active tissues of fructose-fed stressed rats, with special emphasis on the role of glucocorticoid hormones in the regulation of these processes. She is currently investigating the influence of dietary supplements and gut microbiota on signaling pathways and metabolic processes in animal models of obesity and metabolic syndrome. To date, she has published more than 20 articles in leading international journals and made more than 30 announcements at scientific conferences. She participated in one national project (No. III41009) and two international projects (SCOPES JRP: IZ73ZO_152331; HORIZON-WIDERA-2023-ACCESS-02-01: 101159400). She was the supervisor of two master theses defended at the Faculty of Biology, University of Belgrade, and is currently supervising a PhD thesis. She received a scholarship from the European Society of Endocrinology to participate in the Summer School of Endocrinology in Bregenz. She participated in the organization of scientific conferences, educational programs, and science fairs. She is a member of the Serbian Society for Molecular Biology and the Biochemical Society of Serbia.
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.
I am a Principal Research Fellow and Head of the Department of Biochemistry at the Institute for Biological Research "Siniša Stanković", University of Belgrade. From 2006 to 2010, I worked at the Institute of Nuclear Sciences "Vinča", where I conducted the experimental part of my doctoral thesis. I received my PhD in 2010 from the Faculty of Biology, University of Belgrade, where I had completed my undergraduate studies in molecular biology and physiology in 2005. I have participated in several national and international projects, the most recent of which is the Twinning project “Strengthening Translational Research for Improved Metabolic Health” (STRIMHealth) (#101159400, 2024-2027). I was the PI of the national project “Role of steroid hormones in neuroendocrine adaptation to stress and pathophysiology of Metabolic Syndrome – molecular mechanisms and clinical implications” (grant III41009). Early in my research career I focused on stress biology, and for the last 10 years my research is still in the field of molecular endocrinology, but concentrating on diet-induced metabolic disorders, particularly type 2 diabetes and obesity. I am particularly interested in the role of the gut microbiota in the development and treatment of obesity and have focused my recent research on the manipulation of the microbiota with new generation probiotics and bioactive plant extracts, with the idea of providing applicable solutions for the treatment of obesity and related metabolic disorders in the near future. In 2016, I received the “Start Up for Science Grant” from the Centre for Leadership Development. Since 2011, I have been a lecturer in undergraduate and doctoral studies at the Faculty of Biology, University of Belgrade. I am the author of a university textbook and two biology textbooks for elementary schools. I am currently the Vice President of the Serbian Society for Molecular Biology. During the COVID-19 pandemic, I was a team leader at the National Laboratory for Molecular Detection of Infectious Agents “Fire Eye” in Belgrade. In my spare time, I illustrate scientific books.
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.
Bojana Mićić received her PhD from the Faculty of Biology, University of Belgrade in 2023. Her research interests focus on metabolic diseases, primarily on the contribution of obesity to metabolic disorders associated with polycystic ovary syndrome, but also on the biological effects of pollutants in the environment, with an emphasis on those that disrupt reproduction and the function of the endocrine system. She started her research work at the Faculty of Sciences, University of Novi Sad in the Laboratory for Ecotoxicology, where she worked from 2015 to 2019. So far, she has been involved in several national and international projects and will participate in the STRIMHealth project within the Twinning initiative of the Horizon Europe programme from June 2024.
In addition to her research activities, she is also dedicated to the scientific education of youth and the popularisation of science. In the period 2015-2020, she worked first as Assistant Head and then as Head of the Department of Biology at the Petnica Science Center, where she gained valuable pedagogical experience working with secondary and primary school students as well as with university students. In September 2023, she was elected President of the Governing board of the Petnica Science Center.
Since 2020, she has been part of the IBISS team for the organisation of the European Researchers' Night and a participant in several projects dedicated to this event: ReFocuS 3.0 (HORIZON-MSCA-NIGHT-2020 955020, 2020-2021), ReFocuS Art (HORIZON-MSCA-2022-CITIZENS-01 101061356, 2022-2023) and ReFocus FLOW (HORIZON-MSCA-2023-CITIZENS-01-01, 2024-2025).
She is a member of the Serbian Society for Molecular Biology and the European Society of Endocrinology.
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.
IBISS had a team for the Serbia Business Run this year as well. 10 colleagues participated. Some ran and some walked, and all in IBISS T-shirts proudly completed the 5-kilometer course and took 57th place out of 346 teams.
Congratulations!
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.
In the Microgallery of the Center for the Promotion of Science (Kralja Petra 46), from September 14 to the end of October 2023, passers-by can experience live a part of the research project conducted by researchers from the Institute for Biological Research "Siniša Stanković".
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.
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