Dr. Mojca Pavlin, Group Leader
Assist. Prof. in Biophysics at the Faculty of Medicine, University of Ljubljana
https://orcid.org/0000-0001-5477-7833, ResearchGate
Contact
Institute of biophysics, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ljubljana
Vrazov trg 2, 1000, Ljubljana, Slovenia
tel.: +386 1 5437613
e-mail: mojca.pavlin at mf.uni-lj.si
The Pavlin Lab is an interdisciplinary research group at the Institute of Biophysics within the Faculty of Medicine at the University of Ljubljana. The Institute has a long-standing tradition of excellent interdisciplinary research in biophysics and biomedicine. Our team comprises physicists, biologists, and biochemists, as well as undergraduate and graduate students from diverse fields in life sciences and medicine.
Our primary research areas include:
- Cellular Metabolism: We investigate the metabolic pathways of immune and cancer cells. By targeting the metabolism of T lymphocytes, we aim to enhance their function in the context of immune checkpoint inhibitors and CAR T-cell therapy. Additionally, we explore metabolic alterations in cancer cells that support the metastatic process and enable anchorage-independent growth.
- Nanomaterials: Our work focuses on the immunotoxicity of nanomaterials and the development of nanoparticles for cell labeling and drug delivery. We analyze nanoparticle-protein interactions and the signaling pathways related to inflammation and carcinogenesis in cell lines and PBMCs.
Current projects
1. Enhancing CAR-T Cell Therapy Through Metabolic Modulation
CAR T-cell therapy has revolutionized the treatment of B-cell malignancies. However, the immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment often leads to T-cell exhaustion, which limits long-term success. Our project focuses on using innovative pharmacological and genetic strategies to improve the metabolic fitness, persistence, and overall function of CAR T cells, aiming for more durable and effective treatment outcomes.
2. Metabolism, Mitochondria, and the Aging Immune System (SENSCENCE 2030 CA2311)
Metabolism, Mitochondria, and the Aging Immune System (SENSCENCE 2030 CA2311) As part of the COST Action SENSCENCE 2030 consortium, we are dedicated to advancing research on cellular senescence. Our work explores how metabolism and mitochondria relate to the aging immune system and various age-related conditions, including cardiometabolic and neurodegenerative diseases.
3. Biomarkers for Improved Cancer Immunotherapy (in collaboration with the Medical University of Graz)
mmune checkpoint inhibitors have transformed cancer treatment, but many patients still do not respond. We are investigating novel biomarkers to identify which patients are most likely to benefit from treatments targeting molecules like CTLA-4 and PD-1. This will help us better predict treatment response and improve patient outcomes.
4. Cancer Metabolism: Understanding Anchorage-Independent Growth
We are exploring the metabolic alterations that enable cancer cells to grow without being attached to a surface, a critical step in the metastatic process. Our research uses transcriptomics and metabolic profiling to investigate how mitochondria and metabolic pathways support this anchorage-independent growth, providing insight into how cancer metastasis develops.
Former projects
J3-3077 (ARIS) Multilayer network analysis of collective cellular activity in normal and diabetic pancreatic islets 2021 – 2024, PI M Gosak
We explored the collective multifaceted oscillatory behavior of beta cells in mouse and human islets in relation to the mitochondrial activity and secretory responses and quantifyed different aspects of changes in cellular signaling associated with the pathogenesis of diabetes.
COST CA16122 BIONECA: Biomaterials and advanced physical techniques for regenerative cardiology and neurology 2017-2022 M. Pavlin vice chair of WG3, MC for Slovenia
The project is platform for interdisciplinary interaction of scientists in the fields of regenerative cardiology, neurology, stem cell biology, physics, material science, and computational modelling. We exchange of expertise in field of realistic in vitro models for nano-neurotoxicity and expertise in field of magnetic NPs for cell labeling.
J7-8276 (ARIS) Effect of antirheumatic drugs on insulin resistance and energy metabolism in skeletal muscle 2017 – 2020, PI S Pirkmajer
Inflammatory rheumatic diseases are associated with insulin resistance and increased risk of type 2 diabetes. Therapies that simultaneously suppress inflammation and exert beneficial metabolic effects would therefore be particularly useful. In the project we explored new pharmacological strategies to activate AMPK and reduce insulin resistance in skeletal muscle.
J7-7424 (ARIS) Evaluation of possible harmful effects of nanoparticles and underlying mechanisms: from physico-chemical and in vitro toxicity characterisation to innate immune system activation 2016―2018 PI: VB. Bregar, M Pavlin
In this project we focus on the in situ and in vitro assessment of possible harmful effects of NPs designed for biomedical applications and commercially available NPs. We specifically focus on toxicology and potential activation of innate immunity.
J3-6794 (ARIS) Cellular energy metabolism as a target for cancer therapy – genetic and pharmacological approach 2014-2017, PI M. Pavlin
Recently metabolic reprogramming in cancer cells has been recognized as a new cancer hallmark that enables new approaches. We performed in vitro studies where we test drugs that are already approved for the therapy of non-neoplastic conditions but that may exert anti-cancer effects via modulation of metabolic pathways.
COST CA16113 CliniMARK : ‘good biomarker practice’ to increase the number of clinically validated biomarkers 2017-2021
M. Pavlin – MC
The project aim is networking of scientists working on biomarkers that are hallmarks of emerging disease, response to treatment, or a patients’ prognosis. The identification of molecular biomarkers is crucial for improvement of personalized medicine. Within this action we exchanged the expertise in relation to biomarkers for cancer progression and immune response.
J2-6758 (ARIS) Development and in vitro characterization of multimodal magnetic nanoparticles for drug delivery and cell tracking PI: VB. Bregar 2014―2017, M. Pavlin leader of WP 3
We focused on development and thorough characterisation of new formulations of magnetic nanoparticles for visualization, cell tracking and drug delivery that are stable in physiological conditions. Developed formulations were tested on advance 3D urothelial models. The results were selected as outstanding achievement by ARRS in year 2013.
J4-4324 (ARIS) Gene electrotransfer of muscle – from studies on single cells to numerical optimization of parameters in tissue 2011-2014, PI: M Pavlin
We theoretically and experimentally analyzed electrotransfer in 3D collagen models and determined optimal pulsing conditions for delivery of RNAs in human myoblasts; we developed a 3D numerical model of a skeletal muscle for optimization of in vivo electrotransfer. Our experimental results and theoretical description enable faster optimization of the gene electrotransfer protocols for in in vitro and in vivo.
J2-2249 (ARIS) Analysis of functionalization and mobility of magnetic nanoparticles in vitro for application in biomedical applications 2009- 2012, PI: V.B. Bregar, M. Pavlin leader WP3
We developed new formulations of stable, surface functionalized magnetic nanoparticles that have excelnt stability and enable labelling and tracking of cells in vitro and in vivo. We described mechanisms of stability and developed protocols for labelling and cells tracking compatible with TEM and NMR in vitro. The nanoparticles enable tracking of migration of cancer cells.
