Human Molecular Genetics
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Laboratory for Human Molecular Genetics (HMG) 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.
HMG 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.
HMG 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.
HMG 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.
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Danijela Drakulic, Full Research Professor
E-mail: danijeladrakulic@imgge.bg.ac.rs
Tel: +381 65 3976212
Vojvode Stepe 444a, 11042 Belgrade 152, Serbia -
Strengthening regional stem cells based research for advancement of multi modal innovative strategy for modelling neurodevelopmental disorders (STREAMLINE) (2022-2025)
Studying the roles of SOX proteins in promoting malignant cell phenotypes (SOPROMAL) (2020-2024)
Biomimetic tumor engineering to enhance drug discovery (BioengineeredTumor) (2024-2026)
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FULL RESEARCH PROFESSOR
ASSOCIATE RESEARCH PROFESSOR
- Marija Mojsin
- Nataša Kovačević Grujičić
- Marija Švirtlih
- Andrijana Lazić
- Danijela Drakulić
- Isidora Petrović
ASSISTANT RESEARCH PROFESSOR
RESEARCH ASSISTANT
JUNIOR RESEARCHERS