Laboratory for Radiobiology and Molecular Genetics, Vinca Institute of Nuclear Science

The research includes the analysis of key signaling pathways in malignant cells with the aim of identifying target molecules with oncogene and/or tumor suppressor function that are responsible for the transmission and control of mitogenic and cell survival signals in multiple signaling pathways. The focus of the research is, therefore, genes/proteins important for the development and progression of the most common types of human malignancies of various origins and etiologies. Specifically, the following cancers will be included in the research: breast cancer, colorectal cancer, hepatocellular carcinoma, thyroid, parathyroid and adrenal gland carcinoma, and others. Research is performed at the level of gene expression (RNA and proteins) but also at the DNA level, examining alterations in both the primary structure of the gene and epigenetic changes. From the aspect of origin, the selected tumor models can be classified as hormone-dependent, hormone-independent, environmentally or virus-promoted malignant tumors. The main goal of the project is to define the significance of selected molecular markers as indicators of the course of the disease and response to therapy, but also to possibly detect new target molecules for prediction, prognosis and therapy. Research is carried out using various methods of molecular biology and genetics, and the Laboratory of Radiobiology and Molecular Genetics and the Vinča Institute have the necessary equipment. The results of this research will contribute to a better understanding of the role of the investigated markers with the potential for implementing the results in clinical practice. Activities on our topic are the result of decades of research work, started in the late eighties, the development of scientific personnel, especially young scientists, and as such represent continuity.