Probiotics and Microbiota-Host Interaction

Group for Probiotics and Microbiota-Host Interaction (GPMHI) has been recognized for the pioneering work in Serbia in the field of probiotics, host-microbe interactions and gut microbiota. The GPMHI team encompassing molecular microbiologists, molecular geneticists, immunologists, pharmacists and bioinformatics. Our research is devoted to studying the interactions between beneficial bacteria and their human or animal hosts and to deciphering the molecular mechanisms staying behind the cross-talk between microbes and their hosts.

Research of the GPMHI focuses the following research topics:

Relationship between microbiota composition and immunotherapy efficacy
Microbiota in neurodevelopmental and autoimmune diseases
Involvement of microbiota in aging process (in model system Caenorhabditis elegans)
Molecular characterization of probiotic potential of dairy isolates of lactic acid bacteria (LAB)
Molecular mechanisms of action of non-cytotoxic bioactive compounds produced by LAB
The role of exopolysaccharides (EPS) as postbiotic in prevention and alleviation of cadmium induced toxicity
Development of probiotic and postbiotic therapies
Probiotic administration in reduction of inflammation and oxidative stress in lungs
The role of microbiota and probiotic treatment in stimulation of farmed fish growth
The role of the microbiota of flour and sourdough on the bio- and techno-functionality of bread and the effects of bread on intestinal cell models

Innovation activities of LPMHI are focused on formulations of innovative probiotics and starter cultures for production of functional food for humans and animals.

Nataša Golić

Full Research Professor

Group for Probiotics and Microbiota-Host Interaction
Department of Microbiology and Plant Biology

natasa.golic@imgge.bg.ac.rs

Nataša Golić is a Full Research Professor and Head of the Probiotics and Microbiota-Host Interaction Group. She has been employed by IMGGE since 1994.

Since 2024, she has been the Head of the Department of Microbiology and Plant Biology.

The main research interest of Nataša Golić is related to the role of gut microbiota and probiotics in various autoimmune diseases, aging and the gut-brain axis. In particular, she is interested in the development of novel therapeutics and the application of probiotics for the prevention and treatment of various non-communicable diseases and conditions (type 2 diabetes, multiple sclerosis, autism, inflammatory pain, depression, aging). Her recent work is related to the characterization of novel extremely oxygen-sensitive gut bacteria as potential next-generation probiotics (PI of NextGenBiotics project funded by Science Fund, Republic of Serbia). She is a mentor of a number of master's and doctoral theses and the author of 93 research papers published in peer-reviewed international journals, five book chapters and one national and international patent (PCT).

Nataša Golić is active in technology transfer, as the first Head of Technology Transfer Sector at IMGGI since 2016 to 2023. She is a mentor and motivational trainer to encourage researchers to commercialize their knowledge and innovations and start their own business. Nataša Golić is cofounder of two spinout companies of IMGGE: Invetlab, founded with the aim of development and commercialization of innovative probiotics for humans and animals and DIASOLUTION, founded with the aim of commercialization of innovative probiotic for diabetes management, the first probiotic developed in IMGGE that passed clinical trial at the University Clinical Centre in Belgrade, Serbia, at the Department of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolic Diseases.

IMGGE work program for 2025 - Ministry of Science, Technological Development and Innovation of the Republic of Serbia, 451-03-136/2025-03/200042, 2025

Antibacterial and immunostimulatory effect of ivACME: a new approach to combat respiratory infections (DefensivACME) (2024-2025)

FULL RESEARCH PROFESSOR

ASSOCIATE RESEARCH PROFESSOR

ASSISTANT RESEARCH PROFESSOR

RESEARCH ASSISTANT

Publications