►Research Institute from University of Belgrade ►Affiliated center of ICGEB, Trieste, Italy

►Research and Advanced Education in Molecular Biology

►Services

►Promotion of Science

At the Conference in Belgrade, July 1982July 1982, organized by Yugoslav Federal Government and UNIDO, representatives of sixty countries decided to establish International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (ICGEB), an international organization, consisting of one Center and a network of Affiliated National Centers.

On February, 26 1986February, 26 1986 SFRY Parliament proclaimed the Law of Ratification of the Statute of ICGEB and the Institute of Molecular Genetics and Genetic Engineering (IMGGE) was established as Affiliated Centre.

A brief history….

IMGGE: research focal points

FUNDAMENTAL RESEARCH

molecular genetics recombinant DNA technology biotechnology

Institute's projects are mostly focused on research related to analysis of genome organisation and regulation of gene

expression in various organisms

molecular biology

APPLICATION

76 Researchers8 Administration and Support Units Staff

7 Principal Research Fellows

7 Senior Research Associates1 Scientific advisor29 Research Associates32 Research Assistants

Research Trainees

B.Sc.= 168 Theses: M.Sc.= 87 Ph.D.= 52

Completed theses and dissertations

Experimental and theoretical education

Total: over 400 h-index: 31

IMGGE projects:

Ministry of Education and Science, R. SerbiaICGEBUNIDOEuropean projects (FP6, FP7, SEE-ERA-NET, REGPOT)Department of Energy (DOE), USANational Institute of Health (NIH), USAWellcome Trust, UKBillateral cooperation (Bulgaria, France, the Netherlands, Czech Republic Spain, Portugal, Slovenia)

Laboratory for molecular hematology

Laboratory for molecular biology

Laboratory for human molecular genetics

Laboratory for microbial molecular genetics and ecology

Laboratory for molecular genetics of industrial microorganisms

Laboratory for plant molecular biology

Science outreach activities

Researcher’s Nights Science Fair Open Day

Interactions with schools

Elementary and High School visits Little School of DNAlogy

Laboratory for molecular hematologyLaboratory for molecular hematology

Head: Sonja PAVLOVIĆ, PhD (e-mail: sonya@sezampro.rs) Associates:Maja STOJILJKOVIĆ PETROVIĆ, PhDGordana NIKČEVIĆ, PhDBranka ZUKIĆ, PhDNataša TOŠIĆ, PhDTatjana KOSTIĆ, PhDTeodora KARAN-ĐURAŠEVIĆ, BScVesna SPASOVSKI, BScMilena RADMILOVIĆ, BScBiljana STANKOVIĆ, BScNikola KOTUR, BScKristel KLAASSEN, BScSanja SRZENTIĆ, BSc

Laboratory for molecular hematologyLaboratory for molecular hematologyResearch FocusResearch Focus

MOLECULAR GENETICS of leukemia, thalassemia syndromes,

inflammatory bowel diseases, phenylketonuria

PHARMACOGENETICS - novel pharmacogenomic markers

Genetic diagnosis and molecular monitoring in the management of leukemia

Knowledge acquired through the fundamental research has been applied in diagnostic and therapeutic protocols in Serbia and region

Laboratory for molecular hematologyLaboratory for molecular hematologyOngoing ProjectsOngoing Projects

Integrative Interdisciplinary Research Project:

•Rare diseases: Molecular Pathophysiology, Diagnostic and Therapeutic

Modalities and Social, Ethical and Legal Aspects (MESRS, 2011-2014)

Collaborative International Projects:

•European LeukemiaNet - “Strengthen and develop scientific and technological excellence

in research and therapy of leukemia (CML, AML, ALL, CLL, MDS, CMPD) by integration

of the leading national leukemia networks and their interdisciplinary partner groups in Europe”

(EU, FP6-LSHC-CT-2004, 2004-2011)

• ENERCA 3 – “Framework of Community Action Programme on Rare Diseases” (2009-11)

Projects for Promotion of Science:

• Researchers’Night Fever „RENIFEVER“

(EU, CSA-SA, FP7-PEOPLE-2011-NIGHT- 287432, 2011)

• A short course of DNAlogy (MNTRS, 2011)

Laboratory for molecular hematologyLaboratory for molecular hematologyOngoing ProjectsOngoing Projects

Integrative Interdisciplinary Research Project:

•Rare diseases: Molecular Pathophysiology, Diagnostic and Therapeutic

Modalities and Social, Ethical and Legal Aspects (MESRS, 2011-2014)

Collaborative International Projects:

•European LeukemiaNet - “Strengthen and develop scientific and technological excellence

in research and therapy of leukemia (CML, AML, ALL, CLL, MDS, CMPD) by integration

of the leading national leukemia networks and their interdisciplinary partner groups in Europe”

(EU, FP6-LSHC-CT-2004, 2004-2011)

• ENERCA 3 – “Framework of Community Action Programme on Rare Diseases” (2009-11)

Projects for Promotion of Science:

• Researchers’Night Fever „RENIFEVER“

(EU, CSA-SA, FP7-PEOPLE-2011-NIGHT- 287432, 2011)

• A short course of DNAlogy (MNTRS, 2011)

Laboratory for molecular hematologyLaboratory for molecular hematologyApplicationApplication

Molecular diagnostics• Monogenic diseases (thalassemia syndromes, phenylketonuria)• Hematological malignancies (ALL, AML, CML, CLL, lymphomas)• Inflammatory diseases (Crohn’s disease, Perthes disease and rheumatoid

arthritis)

Pharmacogenomics • Mercaptopurine drug therapy (TPMT )• Irinotecan drug therapy (UGT1A1)

Head: Dragica RADOJKOVIĆ, PhDProfessor Emeritus: Professor Ana SAVIĆ, PhD

Snežana KOJIĆ, PhDJelena KUŠIĆ, PhDAleksandra DIVAC, PhDDjordje FRANCUSKI, PhDAleksandra NIKOLIĆ, PhDValentina ĐORĐEVIĆ, PhDLjiljana RAKIĆEVIĆ, PhDMarija STANKOVIĆ, PhDBranko TOMIĆ, BScMila LJUJIĆ, BScAleksandra NESTOROVIĆ, BScIva PRUNER, BSc

Laboratory for molecular biologyLaboratory for molecular biology

Laboratory for molecular biologyLaboratory for molecular biologyResearch FocusResearch Focus

- Genotype–phenotype correlation

-Identification of mutations and polymorphisms in CFTR gene in CFTR related disease (first data on type and frequency of CFTR mutations in Serbian population - CF Network)

Application of molecular biology in medicine

- Study of skeletal muscle specific genes and DNA replication in eukaryotes (DNA-protein interactions during the initiation of DNA replication)

Representatives of the Republic of Serbia in ORPHANET (The portal of rare diseases and orphan drugs) and EPMA (The European Association for Predictive, Preventive & Personalised Medicine)

Laboratory for molecular biologyLaboratory for molecular biologyOngoing ProjectsOngoing Projects

Complex diseases as a model system for phenotype modulation - structural and functional analysis of molecular biomarkers (funded by MESRS, 2011-2014)

Structural alterations of DNA induced by initiator protein (funded by ICGEB, 2009-2011)

Evaluation of muscle specific protein Ankrd2/Аrpp in different myopathies and its potential use as a diagnostic marker (funded by MESRS/DAAD, 2011-2012)

EU project “EuroGentest2“, FP7-261469 (2011-2013)

Laboratory for molecular Laboratory for molecular biolbiologyogyApplicationApplication

MOLECULAR DIAGNOSTICSCystic fibrosisAlpha1 antitrypsin deficiency ThrombophiliaLactose intolerance

PHARMACOGENETICS tailoring anticoagulant therapy (VKORC1, CYP2C9)tailoring antiagregation therapy (CYP2C19)

NONINVASIVE MOLECULAR DIAGNOSTICS OF SOLID TUMORS

FV Leiden FII G20210A

PAI-1 4g/5g MTHFR C677T

Associates: • Marija MOJSIN, PhD• Nataša KOVAČEVIĆ-GRUJIČIĆ, PhD • Jelena POPOVIĆ, PhD• Andrijana KLAJN, PhD• Danijela DRAKULIĆ, MSc

• Isidora PETROVIĆ, MSc• Milena MILIVOJEVIĆ, BSc• Jovana JASNIĆ, BSc• Dijana TAKIĆ, BSc• Slobodan DAVIDOVIĆ, BSc

Head: Milena STEVANOVIĆ, PhD Corresponding member of Serbian Academy of Sciences and Arts

Laboratory for human molecular geneticsLaboratory for human molecular genetics

Laboratory for human molecular geneticsLaboratory for human molecular geneticsResearch FocusResearch Focus

- Studying the regulation of expression and function of the human SOX genes (cloning and characterization of new human SOX genes - SOX14, SOX18 and SOX20)

- Application of fluorescent in situ hybridization (FISH) for detection of

numerical and structural chromosome aberrations in humans

- Devlopement of methods for genotyping of κ-casein and β-lactoglobulin and for the selection of desirable variants that have an effect on milk production traits in cattle- Ancient DNA studies Molecular genetic analysis of the populations residing in the Southwestern region of the Serbia from Bronze Age up to Middle Ages

Laboratory for human molecular geneticsLaboratory for human molecular geneticsOngoing ProjectsOngoing Projects

Studying signal transduction pathways and epigenetic mechanisms that control human SOX genes expression: further insight into their roles in cell fate determination and differentiation (project No.: 173051). Ministry of Science and Technological Development, Republic Serbia, 2011-2014.

Ethnogenesis of the Serbs during the Middle Ages (until c.1250): a comparative analysis of the historic-cultural heritage, genetic material and artifacts of material culture from the aspect of analytical chemistry (project No.: 47025). Subproject: Molecular genetic analysis of the populations residing in the Southwestern region of the Serbia from Bronze Age up to Middle Ages. Ministry of Science and Technological Development, Republic Serbia, 2011-2014.

Studying the molecular mechanisms involved in maintaining pluripotency and differentiation of stem cells (No.: Ф-24). Serbian Academy of Sciences and Arts, 2010-.

Regulation of human SOX18 gene expression and its role in angiogenesis (project No.: CRP/YUG07-01). The International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (ICGEB), Italy, 2008-2010.

Laboratory for human molecular geneticsLaboratory for human molecular geneticsApplicationApplication

FISH (Fluorescent in situ hybridization ) based diagnostics for the detection:

Microdeletion syndromes (DiGeorge and Prader-Willi / Angelman)Rare mosaic karyotypes

Complex structural chromosomal rearrangements.

Marker assisted selection for the economic trait loci in cattle Genotyping of κ-casein and β-lactoglobulin and selection of desirable variants

that have an effect on milk production traits in cattle. Мolecular diagnostics of BLAD (Bovine Leukocyte Adhesion

Deficiency) and porcine stress syndrome.

Laboratory for microbial genetics and ecology

Head: Branka VASILJEVIĆ, PhD (e-mail: vasiljb@eunet.rs)

Associates: • Ivana MORIĆ, PhD • Jasmina NIKODINOVIĆ RUNTIĆ, PhD• Lidija ŠENEROVIĆ, PhD• Lidija ĐOKIĆ, PhD• Tatjana ILIĆ TOMIĆ, PhD• Sandra VOJNOVIĆ, PhD• Tanja Narančić, PhD• Nada STANKO• Sanja BAJKIĆ, BSc

Laboratory for Laboratory for microbial genetics and ecology

Research Focus Research Focus

- former Laboratory for Molecular Genetics of Actinomycetes

MICROBIAL DIVERSITY ASSESSMENT

Metagenomic assessment of bacterial communities (cultural heritage, air, water, sediment samples)

GREEN BIOTECHNOLOGYBioremediations (aromatic hydrocarbons, heavy metals)Waste conversion to value-added materialsBiocatalysis

PRODUCTION OF BIOACTIVE COMPOUNDSIsolation and screening for novel bioactive compounds (such as antibiotics, antitumor drugs, immunosuppressants etc.)

Laboratory for Laboratory for microbial genetics and ecology

Ongoing ProjectsOngoing Projects

• Search for new bioactive secondary metabolites (Bilateral cooperation, Countries: Serbia, Czech Republic, 2006-)

• Microbial diversity in the copper mine Bor (ICGEB/CRP/YUG09-03, 2010-2012)

• Microbial diversity study and characterization of beneficial environmental microorganisms (funded by MES, 173048, 2011-2014)

Laboratory for Laboratory for microbial genetics and ecology ApplicationApplication

Bioremediation

Microbial degradation of different pollutants such as phenol, benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene, xylenes, styrene etc.

Potential pharmaceutical applicationProduction of secondary metabolites such antibiotics,

antitumor drugs, immunosuppressants etc.

Laboratory for molecular genetics of industrial microorganisms

Head: Milan KOJIC, PhDAssociates: Ljubisa TOPISIROVIC, PhD Ivana STRAHINIC, PhD Djordje FIRA, PhD Natasa GOLIC, PhD Jelena LOZO, PhD Amarela TERZIC-VIDOJEVIC, PhD Jelena BEGOVIC, PhD Branko JOVCIC, PhD Sanja MIHAJLOVIC, Ph.D Maja TOLINACKI, PhD Katarina VELJOVIC, PhD Milica NIKOLIC, PhD Jovanka LUKIC, BSci Goran VUKOTIĆ, BSc Gordana UZELAC, BSc

Laboratory for molecular genetics of industrial microorganisms

Research FocusResearch Focus

COLLECTION OF AUTOCHTONOUS LACTIC ACID BACTERIA (LAB) from different homemade, artisanal fermented products traditionally manufactured in households at very specific ecologically isolated regions throughout Western Balkan region

Molecular characterization of LAB (genome organization, proteinase production, aggregation factors, exopolysaccharide characterization, in vitro an in vivo probiotic properties)

Construction of vectors for genetic manipulation of LAB that facilitate elucidation of gene cloning and investigation of their expression and regulation

Molecular characterization of natural isolates of Bacillus sp. and Pseudomonas sp.

Laboratory for molecular genetics of industrial microorganisms

Ongoing ProjectsOngoing Projects- Genes and molecular mechanisms promoting probiotic activity of LAB from Western Balkan - Molecular characterization of bacteria from the genera Bacillus and Pseudomonas, as potential

agents for biological control - Development of new incapsulation and enzyme technology for the production of biocatalysts

and bioactive food components to increase its competitiveness, quality and safety funded by MESRS

- In vitro and ex vivo interaction of probiotic strains, producers of exopolysaccharides, with intestinal epithelial cells (GUT-EPS) funded by Serbian-Spain Bilateral Scientific Collaboration

- Study of proteolitic activity of lactic acid bacteria funded by Serbian-France Bilateral Scientific Collaboration “Pavle Savic”

- Characterisation of spectinomycin induced chromosomal inversion in Lactococcus lactis subsp. lactis bv. diacetylactis S50

funded by ICGEB-CRP Project, Italy

- Conservation and standardisation of traditional technologies of fermented milk products based on autochthonous lactic acid bacteria funded by SEE-ERA.NET (under FP7)

ApplicationApplication

Bacteriocinproduction

Proteinaseproduction

Production ofaggregation

factors

DNA fingerprintingDNA sequencing

Isolation and

characterization

LMGIM bacterial culture collection serves as a source of bacteria for:

Application of different probiotic cultures

in food and pharmaceutical industry

II - of human origin

Collection of autochtonous lactic acid bacteria

I - from traditionaly manufactured fermented food products

Laboratory for plant molecular biology

Head: Vesna MAKSIMOVIĆ, PhD

Associates: • Svetlana Radović, PhD• Jovanka Miljuš Đukić, PhD • Jelena Samardžić, PhD• Gordana Timotijević, PhD• Dragana NIKOLIĆ• Jelena ALEKSIĆ ,PhD• Bojana BANOVIĆ, BSC• Živko JOVANOVIĆ, BSc• Nemanja STNISAVLJEVIĆ, BSc• Dragana NIKOLIĆ, BSc

Laboratory for plant molecular biologyResearch FocusResearch Focus

GENETIC ENGINEERING TECHNIQUES IN CROP IMPROVEMENT: Plant diversity as a rich source of genetic diversity – new genes for improvement

of economically important crop species (tolerance to drought, cold, nutrient

deficiency and metal stress)

- Structure and expression of buckwheat genes related to stress response: a) known function (seed storage proteins) b) undefined function (possibly involved in

protein degradation and processing - apsartic proteinase and metallothionenin) c) transcription factors (DREB1 and DREB2) - expression profiling of conserved micro RNAs (miR398 and miR408), importantregulatory molecules influencing plant stress responses (Fabaceae and Poaceae)

- Molecular analysis of self-incompatibility (SI) in Prunus sp. (gametophytSI) and buckweat (dimorphic SI)

- Research on genetic diversity of wild plant species and landraces (genealogical and evolutionary relations)

Laboratory for plant molecular biologyOngoing ProjectsOngoing Projects

Basic research project funded by MESRS (2011-2014) “Molecular mechanisms of plant response to abiotic stress and genetic biodiversity of plant species important for agriculture and biotechnology”

Approaches : Molecular geneticsTHE ROLE OF TRANSCRIPTION FACTORS AND SMALL RNAs IN ABIOTIC STRESS RESPONSE IN PLANTSMolecular ecologyGENETIC DIVERSITY OF PLANT SPECIES Balkan region as hot spot of biodiversity- wild populations and landraces

SEE ERA NET Plus, Joint European Research Project, 2011-2012“Sustainable preservation of indigenous South East European legumes and their traditional food and feed products-SEE LEGUMES”

Bilateral collaboration : France, Portugal, Slovenia

Laboratory for plant molecular biologyApplicationApplication

APPLICATION OF GENETIC ENGINEERING TECHNIQUES IN AGRICULTURE:

Plant diversity as a rich source of genetic diversity – new genes for improvement ofeconomically important crop species (tolerance to drought, cold, metal stress).Collaborations with agricultural institutes:

Institute of Field and Vegetable Crops, Novi SadFruit Research Institute - ČačakInstitute for Vegetable Crops, Smederevska PalankaInstitute for Forage Crops, Kruševac

SERVICEGMO TESTING (Authorized by Ministry of Agriculture, Trade,

Forestry and Water Managementt, Republic of Serbia)

BIOTECHNOLOGICAL APPLICATION OF BUCKWHEAT GENES/PROMOTERS: Storage proteins, Metallothioneins, Aspartic proteinases GM plant with high nutritional quality proteins;

bioremediation biosensors

COLLABORATION WITH INSTITUTESCOLLABORATION WITH INSTITUTESFROM ITALYFROM ITALY

University of Padova, CRIBI Genomics GroupUniversit degli Studi di Milano, Dipartimento di Scienze Biomolecolari

e BiotecnologieIstituto San Raffaele, Dipartimento di Neuroscienze, Unit di Ricerca in

Neuroscienze Molecolari e Cellulari. MilanoICGEB, TriesteCentro Ricerca M. Tettamanti, Clinica Pediatrica Universita di Milano-

Biccoca, H. San Gerardo, MonzaUniversity of Cagliari, Dipartimento di Scienze Biomediche e Biotecnologie,

Cagliari, Sardinia, Universit di Roma La Sapienza, Dpt. Biologia e Biotecnologie

'Charles Darwin'European Institute of Oncology, Milano, Proteomics and Functional

Genomics, Dept. of Experimental OncologyUniversity of Turin-DIVAPRA

THANK YOUTHANK YOU

www.imgge.bg.ac.rswww.imgge.bg.ac.rs