Anita Bijelić

Anita Bijelić

orcid

Research Focus & Metrics

Academic Career Length

3Years (2024-Present)

(Calculated once Scilit publication data is synced: current year − year of first publication + 1)

Representative Publications

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Verified
Journal Article
Open access
PDF file
ABAnita Bijelić
Anita Bijelić
TSTajana Silovski
Tajana Silovski
Monika MlinarićMonika Mlinarić
Monika Mlinarić
Ana Cipak GasparovicAna Cipak Gasparovic
Ana Cipak Gasparovic
Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) remains one of the most challenging subtypes since it is initially characterized by the absence of specific biomarkers and corresponding targeted therapies. Advances in methodology, translational informatics, genomics, and proteomics have significantly contributed to the identification of therapeutic targets. The development of innovative treatments, such as antibody–drug conjugates and immune checkpoint inhibitors, alongside chemotherapy, has now become the standard of care. However, the quest for biomarkers defining therapy outcomes is still ongoing. Peroxiporins, which comprise a subgroup of aquaporins, which are membrane pores facilitating the transport of water, glycerol, and hydrogen peroxide, have emerged as potential biomarkers for therapy response. Research on peroxiporins reveals their involvement beyond traditional channeling activities, which is also reflected in their cellular localization and roles in cellular signaling pathways. This research on peroxiporins provides fresh insights into the mechanisms of therapy resistance in tumors, offering potential avenues for predicting treatment outcomes and tailoring successful TNBC therapies.

6 October 2025 in Biomolecules and Biomedicine
Verified
Journal Article
Open access
EVEma Volar
Ema Volar
BVBorna Vuković
Borna Vuković
IFIvan Franin
Ivan Franin
ZMZrinka Madunić
Zrinka Madunić
ABAnita Bijelić
Anita Bijelić
MUMonika Ulamec
Monika Ulamec
Prostate cancer (PC) is a common malignancy driven by interacting genetic, environmental, and lifestyle factors, including hereditary mutations (BRCA1/2, HPC1, AR variants), premalignant lesions [proliferative inflammatory atrophy (PIA), prostatic intraepithelial neoplasia (PIN)], and Western dietary patterns. This narrative review aims to synthesize evidence on the role of microRNAs (miRNAs) in PC pathogenesis and clinical management across diagnosis, prognosis, therapy, and recurrence prediction. We searched PubMed/MEDLINE (2004–present) using predefined terms, screened reference lists, excluded outdated records, and prioritized biomarker studies with AUC ≥ 0.85. Current diagnostic pathways—digital rectal examination, prostate-specific antigen (PSA) testing, multiparametric MRI, and Gleason-based International Society of Urological Pathology (ISUP) grading—are complemented by molecular tools (4Kscore, PHI, SelectMDx, TMPRSS2–ERG, PCA3, ConfirmMDx). MiRNAs, key post-transcriptional regulators, contribute to PC via dysregulated biogenesis and modulation of androgen receptor signaling within an inflamed, remodeled tumor microenvironment. Circulating and exosomal miRNAs (notably miR-21, miR-375, and miR-182-5p) exhibit greater specificity and stability than PSA, enabling non-invasive diagnosis, risk stratification, treatment monitoring, and recurrence prediction. Therapeutic approaches—antagomirs, sponges, miRNA masks, and CRISPR editing—show preclinical promise, while chemical modifications [peptide nucleic acids (PNAs), locked nucleic acids (LNAs), C2′ modifications] improve stability and delivery but remain limited by biodistribution, tissue penetration, off-target effects, and immunogenicity. In conclusion, standardized workflows and multicenter validation, integrated with clinical and imaging data, are essential to translate miRNA-based tools into precision PC management.

6 November 2026 in Antioxidants
Verified
Journal Article
Open access
PDF file
Monika MlinarićMonika Mlinarić
Monika Mlinarić
ABAnita Bijelić
Anita Bijelić
AJAna Josipa Jerončić
Ana Josipa Jerončić
JKJuraj Kolak
Juraj Kolak
KKKristina Kanceljak
Kristina Kanceljak
Ana Cipak GasparovicAna Cipak Gasparovic
Ana Cipak Gasparovic
Cancer remains a primary global health challenge, characterized by high metabolic plasticity and therapy resistance. A critical factor in tumor survival is the fine-tuning of redox homeostasis, governed by the NRF2 signaling pathway. This redox balance is inevitably linked to the cellular metabolic network, where NRF2 drives the pentose phosphate pathway, NADPH production, and lipid metabolism to fuel rapid proliferation and drug detoxification. Recent evidence highlights a functional link between NRF2 and specific aquaporin (AQP) isoforms, peroxiporins and aquaglyceroporins, which facilitate the transmembrane flux of hydrogen peroxide and glycerol. By regulating the movement of these molecules, AQPs can actively contribute to both metabolic reprogramming and redox signaling. This review explores the mechanisms of NRF2 and AQP co-regulation in breast, colon, and liver cancers, illustrating their combined role in driving tumor progression and malignancy. Furthermore, we evaluate the clinical potential of targeting these pathways and discuss the utility of NRF2/AQP co-expression as a predictive biomarker for therapy outcomes. Identifying these molecular signatures offers a promising avenue for patient stratification and the development of novel therapeutic strategies to overcome tumor resistance.