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Laboratory for Human Molecular Genetics (LHMG) has a long standing expertise in studying the expression and function of human SOX genes and the roles of signaling pathways and epigenetic mechanisms in the regulation of their activities. In addition, we investigate the effects of the modulations of SOX genes expression on neural differentiation and malignant potential of cells. Also, we analyze the role of SOX genes in maintenance of pluripotency and tumorigenic potential of cancer stem cells, as well as in their response on chemoradiotherapy.
Due to increasing interest for alternative therapeutic approaches in the treatment of various pathological conditions (tumors, neurodegenerative diseases), one of our research goals is to evaluate potential antitumour, anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective properties of bioactive and synthetic compounds using in vitro tests for cytotoxicity, viability, intracellular stress, proliferation, apoptosis, adhesion and migration.
LHMG is studying the mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) variability in population of Serbia from population genetics, phylogenetic and phylogeographic aspects in order to get a better insight into the contribution of demographic and other processes in modeling the contemporary mitochondrial gene pool of the Serbian population.
One of our research interests is focused on studying the pathophysiological mechanisms that lead to neurodevelopmental disorders in patients with 22q11.2 microdeletion.
LHMG provides:
- Prenatal and postnatal detection of structural chromosomal abnormalities (microdeletions) using fluorescent in situ hybridization (FISH)
- Analysis of sperm DNA fragmentation which complements the existing protocols for sterility therapy
- Detection of polymorphisms in the gene for the follicle-stimulating hormone receptor (FSHR) which are associated with the ovarian response to FSH in women undergoing assisted reproductive technology
- Determination of polymorphisms in genes which are important for selection of economic trait loci in domestic animals.
LHMG is modern well-equipped laboratory with highly competent researchers in the field of human molecular genetics. Аssociates actively participate in theoretical education and practical training of students at the Faculty of Biology, University of Belgrade.
- IMGGE work program for 2021
Ministry of Education, Science and Technological Development of the Republic of Serbia, 451-03-9/2021-14/200042, 2021
Principal Investigator: Dr Jelena Begovic, IMGGE
Participants from IMGGE: all employed researchers - Maximising Impact of research in NeuroDevelopmental DisorderS
COST Action CA16210, 2017-2021
Participants from IMGGE: Dr Danijela Drakulic, dr Milena Stevanovic - Molecular basis of response to chemioradiotherapy in rectal cancer
Strategic project of Serbian Academy of Arts and Sciences, F-69, 2019-2022
Principal Investigator: Prof. Zoran Krivokapic, Faculty of Medicine, University of Belgrade
Participants from IMGGE: Dr Milena Stevanovic, dr Isidora Petrovic, dr Marija Svirtlih - SCREEN - Searching for molecular signatures of Mulvihill-Smith syndrome
Serbian Science and Diaspora Collaboration Program: Knowledge Exchange Vouchers, Science Fund of the Republic of Serbia, 6436164, 2020-2021
Principal Investigator: Dr Natasa Kovacevic Grujicic, IMGGE
Participant from IMGGE: Dr Danijela Drakulic - NEURAD - Testing neurogenic potential of induced pluripotent stem cells derived from alzheimer’s disease patients
Serbian Science and Diaspora Collaboration Program: Knowledge Exchange Vouchers, Science Fund of the Republic of Serbia, 6436225, 2020-2021
Principal Investigator: Dr Marija Svirtlih, IMGGE
Participant from IMGGE: Dr Isidora Petrovic - Effects of miR-219 and miR-221on radiosensitivity of glioblastoma cells
Research project within scientific and technological cooperation between Republic of Serbia and Federal Republic of Germany 2021-2022
Principal Investigator: Dr Danijela Stanisavljevic Ninkovic
Participants from IMGGE: Academician Milena Stevanovic, dr Danijela Drakulic, Vanda Balint, Jelena Pejic - Studying the effects of microdelection of chromosome 22 (22q11) on the occurrence of neurodevelopmental disorders and neurodegenerative diseases
Strategic project of Serbian Academy of Arts and Sciences, 2021-2023
Principal investigator: Academician Milena Stevanović, IMGGE
Participants from IMGGE: Dr Danijela Drakulic, dr Natasa Kovacevic-Grujicic, dr Marija Svirtlih, dr Marija Mojsin, dr Andrijana Lazic - Studying the roles of SOX proteins in promoting malignant cell phenotypes (SOPROMAL)
Serbian Academy of Sciences and Arts, F24, 2020-2022
Principal investigator: Academician Milena Stevanovic, IMGGE
Participants from IMGGE: Dr Danijela Drakulic, dr Isidora Petrovic, dr Marija Svirtlih, dr Marija Mojsin, dr Natasa Kovacevic-Grujicic, dr Andrijana Lazic, dr Milena Milivojevic
- SOX3 can promote the malignant behavior of glioblastoma cells
Cell Oncol (Dordr) 2019;42(1):41-54
Marjanovic Vicentic J, Drakulic D, Garcia I, Vukovic V, Aldaz P, Puskas N, Nikolic I, Tasic G, Raicevic S, Garros-Regulez L, Sampron N, Atkinson MJ, Anastasov N, Matheu A, Stevanovic M - Neuroprotective Role of Selected Antioxidant Agents in Preventing Cisplatin-Induced Damage of Human Neurons In Vitro
Popović J, Klajn A, Paunesku T, Ma Q, Chen S, Lai B, Stevanović M, Woloschak G
Cell Mol Neurobiol 2019;39(5):619-636 - Benzothiazole carbamates and amides as antiproliferative species
Videnović M, Mojsin M, Stevanović M, Opsenica I, Srdić-Rajić T, Šolaja B
Eur J Med Chem 2018;157:1096-1114 - Early Impairments of Hippocampal Neurogenesis in 5xFAD Mouse Model of Alzheimer's Disease Are Associated with Altered Expression of SOXB Transcription Factors
Zaletel I, Schwirtlich M, Perović M, Jovanović M, Stevanović M, Kanazir S, Puškaš N
J Alzheimers Dis 2018;65(3):963-976 - Mitochondrial super-haplogroup U diversity in Serbians
Davidovic S, Malyarchuk B, Aleksic J, Derenko M, Topalovic V, Litvinov A, Skonieczna K, Rogalla U, Grzybowski T, Stevanovic M, Kovacevic-Grujicic N
Ann Hum Biol 2017;44(5):408-418 - SOX14 activates the p53 signaling pathway and induces apoptosis in a cervical carcinoma cell line
Stanisavljevic D, Petrovic I, Vukovic V, Schwirtlich M, Gredic M, Stevanovic M, Popovic J
PLoS One 2017;12(9):e0184686 - Chemical composition of the mushroom Meripilus giganteus Karst. and bioactive properties of its methanolic extract
Stojkovic D, Kovacevic-Grujicic N, Reis FS, Davidovic S, Barros L, Popovic J, Petrovic I, Pavic A, Glamoclija J, Ciric A, Stevanovic M, Ferreira ICFR, Sokovic M
LWT-Food Sci Technol 2017;79:454-462 - Epigenetic regulation of human SOX3 gene expression during early phases of neural differentiation of NT2/D1 cells
Topalovic V, Krstic A, Schwirtlich M, Dolfini D, Mantovani R, Stevanovic M, Mojsin M
PLoS One 2017;12(9):e0184099 - Improving the Diagnosis of Children with 22q11.2 Deletion Syndrome: A Single-center Experience from Serbia
Cuturilo G, Drakulic D, Jovanovic I, Krstic A, Djukic M, Skoric D, Mijovic M, Stefanovic I, Milivojevic M, Stevanovic M
Indian Pediatr 2016;53(9):786-789. - SOX18 Is a Novel Target Gene of Hedgehog Signaling in Cervical Carcinoma Cell Lines
Petrovic I, Milivojevic M, Popovic J, Schwirtlich M, Rankovic B, Stevanovic M
PLoS One 2015;10(11):e0143591
Head Office / Mailing address:
Vojvode Stepe 444a,
11042 Belgrade 152, Serbia
Tel: +381 11 3976212, +381 65 3976212
Faks: +381 11 3975808