Assoc. Prof. Dr. DaÅ”a ZupanÄiÄ, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ljubljana, Slovenia.
DaÅ”a ZupanÄiÄ is a distinguished academic and researcher specializing in cell biology, urothelial pathology, and medical education. Her extensive contributions to scientific research, particularly in the field of urothelial repair and cancer transformation, have earned her recognition, including the EMBO award. She has played a crucial role in mentoring and teaching, guiding future generations of researchers and medical professionals.
Profile
Orcid
āØ Early Academic Pursuits āØ
DaÅ”a ZupanÄiÄ embarked on her academic journey with an unwavering passion for cell biology and medicine. She earned her Masterās degree in 2002 from the University of Ljubljana, Faculty of Medicine, where she meticulously explored cellular and molecular biological changes in the rat bladder urothelium following cyclophosphamide exposure. This formative research laid the foundation for her Ph.D., which she successfully completed in 2006, investigating the protective role of melatonin in urothelial injury and repair. Her dedication to advancing biomedical knowledge was evident from the very beginning of her scholarly career.
š Professional Endeavors š
Since 2006, DaÅ”a ZupanÄiÄ has been an esteemed Associate Professor at the University of Ljubljana, Faculty of Medicine, Institute of Cell Biology. Prior to this, she gained valuable experience as a Young Researcher and Teaching Assistant from 1999 to 2006. Her extensive expertise and commitment to education have made her an integral part of the institution, where she continuously fosters scientific curiosity and excellence among students and colleagues alike.
š” Contributions and Research Focus š”
Throughout her career, DaÅ”a ZupanÄiÄ has dedicated her research to understanding cellular mechanisms in urothelial biology and pathology. Her investigations into cyclophosphamide-induced urothelial injury, melatoninās protective effects, and retinoid signaling pathways in urothelial cancer transformation have provided valuable insights into cellular repair processes. Her work extends beyond laboratory research, influencing the medical communityās approach to urothelial diseases and potential therapeutic advancements.
š Accolades and Recognition š
Her exceptional contributions to biomedical research have been recognized on multiple platforms. In 2017, she was honored with the prestigious EMBO award for her short-term scholarship project on the role of the retinoid signaling pathway in urothelial cancer transformation. This recognition underscores her significant impact on the scientific community and highlights her pioneering approach to understanding cancer pathophysiology.
šØāš Impact and Influence šØāš
A dedicated mentor, DaÅ”a ZupanÄiÄ has guided numerous students towards academic excellence. Between 2014 and 2025, she has successfully mentored four masterās students and is currently supervising two more. In addition, she has overseen the research endeavors of four Ph.D. candidates, with one having successfully defended their dissertation in 2023 and another expected to graduate in 2025. Her mentorship has shaped the next generation of biomedical researchers, fostering a culture of rigorous inquiry and scientific discovery.
š Legacy and Future Contributions š
Beyond her research, DaÅ”a ZupanÄiÄ plays a pivotal role in academia through her extensive teaching engagements. Since 2000, she has been a cornerstone of education at the University of Ljubljana, contributing to multiple faculties, including Medicine, Biotechnical Sciences, Health Sciences, and Pharmacy. She teaches a range of graduate and doctoral courses, covering essential subjects such as Medical Cell Biology, Immunology, and Research in Medicine. Her dedication to education ensures that her knowledge and expertise continue to shape the minds of aspiring medical professionals and researchers for years to come.
Publication
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Vitamin AāEnriched Diet Increases Urothelial Cell Proliferation by Upregulating Itga3 and Areg After CyclophosphamideāInduced Injury in Mice
Authors: Brina Dragar, Simona Kranjc Brezar, Maja Äemažar, Tanja Jesenko, Rok Romih, Mateja Erdani Kreft, Tadeja Kuret, DaÅ”a ZupanÄiÄ
Year: 2025
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Selective Targeting of Lectins and Their Macropinocytosis in Urothelial Tumours: Translation from in vitro to ex vivo
Authors: NataÅ”a Resnik, Tanja ViÅ”njar, Tomaž Smrkolj, Mateja Erdani Kreft, Rok Romih, DaÅ”a ZupanÄiÄ
Year: 2023
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Transmission Electron Microscopy Demonstration of Reduced Endothelial Glycocalyx in Severe Preeclampsia
Authors: Mugerli S, ZupanÄiÄ D, Rok Romih, LuÄovnik M
Year: 2022
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Vitamin A and Retinoids in Bladder Cancer Chemoprevention and Treatment: A Narrative Review of Current Evidence, Challenges and Future Prospects
Authors: Larisa Tratnjek, Jera Jeruc, Rok Romih, DaÅ”a ZupanÄiÄ
Year: 2021
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Vitamin A Rich Diet Diminishes Early Urothelial Carcinogenesis by Altering Retinoic Acid Signaling
Authors: DaÅ”a ZupanÄiÄ, Jelena KoraÄ-PrliÄ, Mateja Erdani Kreft, Lucija FrankoviÄ, Katarina ViloviÄ, Jera Jeruc, Rok Romih, JanoÅ” TerziÄ
Year: 2020
š Conclusion š
With a career dedicated to pioneering research, impactful mentorship, and transformative education, DaÅ”a ZupanÄiÄ continues to leave a lasting legacy in the scientific and academic communities. Her work not only enhances understanding of urothelial biology but also inspires innovation and discovery among young scientists. As she continues her academic and research endeavors, her influence on the field will undoubtedly grow, shaping the future of biomedical sciences.