معرفی
Mihaela Matovina is a Researcher and Head of the Laboratory for Protein Biochemistry and Molecular Modelling at the Ruđer Bošković Institute, Croatia. Her work focuses on enzymology, protein interactions, and molecular mechanisms in oncology, with a particular emphasis on dipeptidyl peptidase III and its role in oxidative stress pathways. She leads the Croatian Science Foundation project investigating DPP III interactions and collaborates on international projects like the Unity through Knowledge Fund initiative. Dr. Matovina holds a PhD in Biology from the University of Zagreb and has authored over 50 peer-reviewed articles, with notable contributions to understanding HPV integration in cervical cancer and antibiotic resistance mechanisms. She teaches Genetic Engineering at the University of Osijek and has mentored multiple graduate students. Her awards include the 2010 Annual Award from the Ruđer Bošković Institute for molecular medicine achievements.
- Education:
- PhD in Natural Sciences (Biology), University of Zagreb, 2006
- MSc in Molecular and Cellular Biology, University of Zagreb, 2002
- BSc in Molecular Biology, University of Zagreb, 1997
- Research Interests: Enzyme function, protein-protein interactions, oxidative stress, cancer biology, HPV pathogenesis, antibiotic resistance.
Her articles highlight interdisciplinary approaches, combining biochemistry, molecular biology, and computational modeling to explore enzyme roles in disease. Recent work emphasizes DPP III’s interaction with KEAP1 in cancer contexts and its structural features in thermophilic organisms. Collaborative projects span Croatia, Germany, and the US, addressing clinical and basic science questions.
- Awards:
- 2010 Annual Award for Molecular Medicine (Ruđer Bošković Institute)
- Grants/Projects:
- CSF Project: DPP III-SH2D3C Interaction (€130k, 2021-2025)
- UKF Project: Human DPP III Physiological Roles (€185k, 2015-2017)
Dr. Matovina’s lab investigates molecular mechanisms underpinning disease, with implications for drug development and clinical diagnostics. She actively contributes to teaching and mentoring in molecular biosciences.
