Dr. Andreja Ambriović Ristov
Division of Molecular Biology
Ruđer Bošković Institute
Bijenička 54
10000 Zagreb
Croatia
Education
1989, Zagreb, Croatia, Faculty of Pharmacy and Biochemistry, University of Zagreb, B. Sc.(clinical chemistry)
1993, Zagreb, Croatia, Faculty of Science, University of Zagreb, Mr.Sc. (biology)
1997, Zagreb, Croatia, Faculty of Science, University of Zagreb, Ph. D. (biology)
Projects
(2014-2018) HRZZ Research Project
„Molecular mechanisms of chemosensitisation of human breast carcinoma and melanoma cell lines by silencing of integrins“
Role on the project: Leader
(2014-2015): bilateral project with Germany
”Sensitization of melanoma and glioma cells to alkylating drugs by integrin αvβ3, αvβ5, α3β1 and α4β1 silencing”
Role on the project: Leader
(2013-2016) FP7-REGPOT project
”Enhancement of the Innovation Potential in SEE through New Molecular Solutions in Research and Development” leader dr. sc. Oliver Vugrek
Role on the project: Co-worker
(2012-2013) bilateral project with Germany
„Platinum compounds: Drug-induced stress responses and mechanisms of drug- resistance“ Institute for toxicology, Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf, Germany
Role on the project: Co-worker
(2008-2009) bilateral project with Germany
„Molecular mechanisms that deterimines cell sensitivity to platinum compounds” Institut for toxicology, Johannes Gutenberg University, Mainz, Germany
Role on the project: Co-worker
(2007-2013) Ministry of Science, Education and Sports, “Increase of adenovirus transduction efficacy and resistance to cytostatics”
Role on the project: Leader
(2007-2013) Ministry of Science, Education and Sports, “Cell respones to cytotoxic agents and resistance development “
Role on the project: Co-worker
(2007-2010) Technological project awarded by Ministry of Science, Education and Sports, “Regeneration of knee articular cartilage”
Role on the project: Leader
(2004-2006) Integrated action: Ministry of Science, Education and Sports and French Government: COGITO, “Adenovirus retargeting to aminopeptidase N and potential use in gene therapy of cystic fibrosis”
Role on the project: Leader
(2002-2004) NATO Science Program, Collaborative linkage grant, “Human adenovirus type 5 retargeted on aminopeptidase N”
Role on the project: Leader
(1990-1995) Ministry of Science, Education and Sports Science and Technology
“The investigation of cell resistance to genotoxic agents”
Role on the project: Co-worker
(1998-2000) Ministry of Science, Education and Sports, Young researcher grant
“Vector vaccines against pseudorabies virus”
Role on the project: Leader
(1996-2002) Ministry of Science, Education and Sports, Cell response to physical, chemical and biological noxa
Role on the project: Co-worker
Awards and Achievements
Annual award for the best publication in Division of molecular biology, Ruđer Bošković Institute, in 2024 (Samaržija et al., Frontiers in Cell and Developmental Biology 2024 12:1452463.
Annual award for the best publication in Division of molecular biology, Ruđer Bošković Institute, in 2023 (Lončarić et al., Cellular and Molecular Biology Letters 2023 28(1):56).
Annual award for the best publication in Division of molecular biology, Ruđer Bošković Institute, in 2021 (Tadijan et al., Frontiers in Cell and Developmental Biology, 9:786758, 2021).
Annual award for the best publication in Division of molecular biology, Ruđer Bošković Institute, in 2020 (Paradžik et al., Frontiers in Cell and Developmental Biology, 8:125, 2020).
Annual award for the best publication in Division of molecular biology, Ruđer Bošković Institute, in 2018 (Stojanović et al., Molecular Pharmacology, 94(6):1334-1351, 2018).
2008. Award J. J. Strossmayer (Croatian Academy of Sciences and Arts/ Zagreb fair), for the best publishing venture in science, for the book «Methods in molecular biology» by Andreja Ambriović Ristov (Editor-in-chief) and Anamaria Brozović, Branka Bruvo Mađarić, Helena Ćetković, Maja Herak Bosnar, Dubravka Hranilović, Silva Katušić, Hećimović, Nevenka Meštrović Radan, Snježana Mihaljević, Neda Slade, Dušica Vujaklija (Eds.).
2004. The award of director of Ruđer Bošković Institute for contribution in Institute development and common prosperity.
Classes
2008-, Course leader «Gene therapy», graduate Studies programme in Molecular Biotechnology, Faculty of Food Technology and Biotechnology, University of Zagreb.
2008-, Course leader «Methods in molecular biology and medicine», The Ph.D. study in biophysics, Faculty of Science, University of Split.
2007-, Course co-leader «Methods in molecular biology and medicine», PhD Studies in Molecular Biosciences, University of Osijek, University of Dubrovnik and Ruđer Bošković Institute,
2007-, Course co-leader «Methods in molecular biology and medicine-practicum», PhD Studies in Molecular Biosciences, University of Osijek, University of Dubrovnik and Ruđer Bošković Institute.
2002-, Course Leader «Molecular basis of Gene Therapy» PhD Studies in biology, Faculty of Science, University of Zagreb.
Featured Publications
full list: Andreja Ambriovic Ristov - Google Scholar
Stojanović N, Rac A, Lončarić M, Tadijan A, Paradžik M, Acman M, Humphries JD, Humphries MJ, Ambriović-Ristov A. KANK2 at focal adhesions regulates their maintenance and dynamics, while at fibrillar adhesions it influences cell migration via microtubule-dependent mechanism. Cell Communication and Signaling. 2026 Mar 3;24(1):224. doi: 10.1186/s12964-026-02771-w.
Rac A, Lončarić M, Stojanović N, Fatima M, Rešetar M, Hršak D, Humphries JD, Humphries MJ, Ambriović-Ristov A. Regulation of reticular adhesions by KANK2 and talin2 in two melanoma cell lines. Cell Communication and Signaling. 2026 Apr 24. doi: 10.1186/s12964-026-02904-1.
Lončarić M, Stojanović N, Rac-Justament A, Coopmans K, Majhen D, Humphries JD, Humphries MJ, Ambriović-Ristov A. Talin2 and KANK2 functionally interact to regulate microtubule dynamics, paclitaxel sensitivity and cell migration in the MDA-MB-435S melanoma cell line. Cellular and Molecular Biology Letters, 28(1):56, 2023.
Samaržija I, Lukiyanchuk V, Lončarić M, Rac-Justament A, Stojanović N, Gorodetska I, Kahya U, Humphries JD, Fatima M, Humphries MJ, Fröbe A, Dubrovska A, Ambriović-Ristov A. The extracellular matrix component perlecan/HSPG2 regulates radioresistance in prostate cancer cells. Frontiers in Cell and Developmental Biology 12:1452463, 2024
Tadijan A., Humphries J.D., Samaržija I., Stojanović N., Zha J., Čuljak K., Tomić M., Paradžik M., Nestić D., Kang H., Humphries M.J, Ambriović-Ristov A. The tongue squamous carcinoma cell line Cal27 primarily employs integrin α6β4-containing type II hemidesmosomes for adhesion which contribute to anticancer drug sensitivity, Frontiers in Cell and Developmental Biology, 9:786758, 2021.
Tadijan A., Samaržija I., Humphries J.D., Humphries M.J., Ambriović-Ristov A. KANK family proteins in cancer, International Journal of Biochemistry & Cell Biology, 131:105903, 2021.
Samaržija I., Dekanić A., Humphries J.D., Paradžik M., Stojanović N., Humphries M.J., Ambriović-Ristov A. Integrin Crosstalk Contributes to the Complexity of Signalling and Unpredictable Cancer Cell Fates. Cancers (Basel). Jul 15;12(7):E1910. doi: 10.3390/cancers12071910, 2020.
Paradžik M., Humphries J.D., Stojanović N., Nestić D., Majhen D., Dekanić A., Samaržija I., Sedda D., Weber I., Humphries M.J., Ambriović-Ristov A. KANK2 Links αVβ5 Focal Adhesions to Microtubules and Regulates Sensitivity to Microtubule Poisons and Cell Migration. Frontiers in Cell and Developmental Biology, Mar 3;8:125. doi: 10.3389/fcell.2020.00125, 2020.
Stojanović, N. *, Dekanić, A. *, Paradžik, M., Majhen, D., Ferenčak, K., Ruščic, J., Bardak, I., Supina, C., Tomičić, M., Christmann, M., Osmak, M., Ambriović-Ristov, A. (2018) Differential effects of integrin αv knockdown and cilengitide on sensitisation of triple- negative breast cancer and melanoma cells to microtubule poisons. Molecular Pharmacology, 118, 113027, 46 doi:10.1124/mol.118.113027. * equal contribution
Ruščić J. *, Ambriović-Ristov A.*, Majhen D., Kolundžija S., Barut M., Benihoud K., Krajačić M. Manipulating adenoviral vector ion-exchange chromatography: Hexon versus fiber. Journal of Separation Science. 39(22): 4299-4304, 2016. *equal contribution
Christmann M., Diesler K., Majhen D., Steigerwald C., Berte N., Freund H., Stojanović N., Kaina B., Osmak M., Ambriović-Ristov A.*, Tomicic M.T.* Integrin αVβ3 silencing sensitizes malignant glioma cells to temozolomide by suppression of homologous recombination repair, Oncotarget, 8(17): 27754-27771, 2017. *corresponding authors
Stojanovic N., Brozovic A., Majhen D., Herak Bosnar M., Fritz G., Osmak M., Ambriovic-Ristov A. Integrin αvβ3 expression in tongue squamous carcinoma cells Cal27 confers anticancer drug resistance through loss of pSrc(Y418), Biochimica et Biophysica Acta 1863: 1969–1978, 2016.
Majhen D., Stojanović N., Vukić D., Pichon C., Leduc C., Osmak M., Ambriović-Ristov A. Increased Adenovirus Type 5 Mediated Transgene Expression Due to RhoB Down-regulation, PLoS One, 9(1): e86698, 2014.
Majhen D., Richardson J., Vukelić B., Dodig I., Cindrić M., Benihoud K., Ambriović-Ristov A. The disulfide bond of an RGD4C motif inserted within the HI loop of the adenovirus type 5 fiber protein is critical for retargeting to αv-integrins. Journal of Gene Medicine, 14(12): 788-797, 2012.
Majhen D., Stojanović N., Špeljko T., Brozović A., De Zan T., Osmak M., Ambriović-Ristov A. Increased expression of the coxsackie and adenovirus receptor downregulates alpha v beta 3 and alpha v beta 5 integrin expression, reduces cell adehesion and migration. Life Sciences, 89(7-8): 241-249, 2011.
Brozovic A., Ambriović-Ristov A., Osmak M. The relationship between cisplatin-induced reactive oxygen species, glutathione and BCL-2, and resistance to cisplatin. Critical Reviews in Toxicology, 40(4): 347-359, 2010.
Majhen D., Nemet J., Richardson J., Gabrilovac J., Hajsig M., Osmak M., Eloit M., Ambriović-Ristov A. Differential role of αvβ3 and αvβ5 integrins in internalization and transduction efficacies of wild type and RGD4C fiber-modified adenoviruses. Virus Research. 139(1): 64-73, 2009.
Brozović A., Majhen D, Roje V., Mikac N., Jakopec S., Fritz G., Osmak M., Ambriović-Ristov A. αvβ3 integrin mediated drug resistance in human laryngeal carcinoma cells is caused by glutathione dependent elimination of drug induced reactive oxidative species. Molecular Pharmacology. 74: 298-306, 2008.
Majhen D., Ambriović-Ristov, A. Adenoviral vectors-how to use them in cancer gene therapy, Virus Research, 119: 121-133, 2006.
Majhen D., Gabrilovac J., Eloit M., Richardson J., Ambriović-Ristov A. Disulfide bond formation in NGR fiber-modified adenovirus is essential for retargeting to aminopeptidase N. Biochemical and Biophysical Research Communications. 348: 278-287, 2006.
Ambriović-Ristov A.*, Gabrilovac J., Čimbora-Zovko T., Osmak M. Increased adenoviral transduction efficacy in human laryngeal carcinoam cells resistant to cisplatin isassociated with increased expression of integrin αvβ3 and coxsackie adenovirus receptor, International Journal of Cancer, 110: 660-667, 2004. *corresponding
Ambriović-Ristov A., Mercier S., Eloit M. Shortening adenovirus type 5 fiber shaft decreases the efficiency of post binding steps in CAR-expressing and non-expressing cells, Virology, 312: 425-433, 2003.
Monteil M., Le Pottier M. F., Ambriović Ristov A., Cariolet R., L'Hospitalier R., Klonjkowski B., Eloit M. Single inoculation of replication-defective adenovirus-vectored vaccines at birth in piglets with maternal antibodies induces high level of antibodies and protection against pseudorabies, Vaccine, 18: 1738-1742, 2000.
Chetboul V., Adam M., Deprez I., Ambriović A., Rosenberg D., Crespeau F., Saana M., Pham I., Eloit M., Adnot S., Pouchelon JL. Expression of biologically active atrial natriuretic factor following intrahepatic injection of a replication-defective adenoviral vector in dogs, Human Gene Therapy, 10(2):281-290, 1999.
Ambriović A., Adam M., Monteil M., Paulin D., Eloit M. Efficacy of replication-defective adenovirus vectored vaccines: Protection following intramuscular injection is linked to promoter efficiency in muscle representative cells, Virology 238: 327-335, 1997.
Membership in professional associations / societies
Croatian Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology (thus member of FEBS)
Croatian Microbiological Society (thus member of FEMS)
Croatian society of genetic engineers
Croatian Association for Cancer Research
Croatian Genetic Society
PATENT
Andreja AMBRIOVIC RISTOV, Dragomira MAJHEN, Alen KOVACEVIC: Method for identification of viruses and diagnostic kit using the same US Patent 12,360,112, 2025
Organisational skils and competences
-Coordinator of "Young Scientists", section of Croatian Society for Natural Sciences, 1993-1994
-Founder and director of educational project “Methodological Courses in Biology and Medicine” 2003-2013
-Member of Organising committee and co-editor of Book of Abstracts of “45 years of molecular biology in Croatia”, Zagreb, Croatia, 2003
-Member of Organising committee and co-editor of Book of Abstracts of “50 years of molecular biology in Croatia”, Zagreb, Croatia, 2008
-President, organiser and co-editor of Book of Abstracts of FEMS supported Summer School “Power of Viral Vectors in Gene Therapy and Basic Research” organised by Croatian Microbiological Society, French Society for Gene and Cell Therapy, German Society for Gene Therapy and Spanish Society for Gene and Cell Therapy, Primošten, Croatia, 17 – 20 September 2014
-President, organiser and co-editor of Book of Abstracts of the international FEMS workshop “Adenoviruses, Basic Biology to Gene Therapy”, Zadar, Croatia, September 24-25, 2008
-Participation in organisation of 4 workshops of Innomol project, FP7-REGPOT-2012-2013-1: Enhancement of the Innovation Potential in SEE through new Molecular Solutions in Research and Development (InnoMol), (project leader dr. sc. Oliver Vugrek) 2013 – 2016: Proteomic Workshop, Zagreb, 2014; InnoMol Bioimaging Workshop, Zagreb, 2014; 3rd Croatian Microscopy Congress, Zadar, 2015 and Game of Epigenomics, Dubrovnik, 2016
-Member of scientific committee „A COST Action CA15214 WG1-WG2-WG3-WG4 Networking Meeting: „Mechanobiology of cells and tissues in health and disease“, Ljubljana, Slovenia, 2018
-Initiator and main organizer of the Adhere1 conference (in collaboration with Vassiliki Kostourou, Greece and Ben Goult, UK), the first in a series of annual conferences focused on cell adhesion, Zadar, Croatia, 2023
-Main organizer of the Adhere2 conference (in collaboration with Vassiliki Kostourou, Greece and Ben Goult, UK), a conference focused on cell adhesion, Zadar, Croatia, 2025 (organization in progress).
Editorial work
-Editor in chief of the book “Methods in molecular biology” with a participation of 119 authors from all parts of Croatia, 2007
-Thematic editor in journals:
-Frontiers in Cell and Developmental Biology, Research Topic „Integrin Adhesion Receptors in Health and Disease“, Topic Editors: Andreja Ambriović-Ristov, Vassiliki Kostourou i Ben Goult, 2021. Integrin Adhesion Receptors in Health and Disease | Frontiers Research Topic (frontiersin.org)
-Viruses, Special Issue „State-of-the-Art Virology Research in Croatia“, Special Issue Editors: Stipan Jonjić, Dubravko Forčić i Andreja Ambriović-Ristov, 2021. Viruses | Special Issue: State-of-the-Art Virology Research in Croatia (mdpi.com)
MENTORSHIP
-PhD thesis: Dragomira Majhen (2008), Nikolina Stojanović (2014), Ana Dekanić (2019), Tihana De Zan (2021), Marija Lončarić (2024)
-Master of Science Thesis: Dragomira Majhen (2005)
-Master’s Thesis: Tihana Jelušić (2009), Nikolina Stojanović (2009), Tea Špeljko (2010), Dunja Vukić (2010); Irena Bardak (2011), Ana Dekanić (2012), Tvrtko Buger (2012), Kristijan Pažur (2012), Krešimir Ferenčak (2012), Ivan Faraho (2015), Alen Kovačević (2015), Delphine Sedda (2016), Nebojša Vujnović (2017), Christine Supina (2018), Kristina Čuljak (2018), Zrinka Vitković (2018); Isabela Pehar (2020); Marija Tomić (2020), Marta Acman (2021), Kaatje Coopmans (2023), Natalija Vidović (2026); Mirna Rešetar (ongoing); Nika Celinić (ongoing)
VISITS TO FOREIGN RESEARCH INSTITUTIONS
Visiting professor
-academic years 2016/2017; 2018/2019; 2019/2020; 2020/2021; 2021/2022, 2022/2023; 2023/2024 visiting professor (1 month): Molecular Biotechnology Center, University of Torino, Torino, Italy
-academic years 2013/2014 and 2010/2011, visiting professor (1 month): Centre de Biophysique Moleculaire, CNRS-UPR 4301, Orléans, University of Orléans, France
Postdoc
INRA postdoc fellowship; March-August, 2001; Ecole Nationale Veterinaire D’Alfort, 7 avenue du General de Gaulle, 94704 Maisons Alfort, France.
Short-term research visits
French Government Fellowship: November, 1994 - August, 1995, Ecole Nationale Veterinaire D’Alfort, 7 avenue du General de Gaulle, 94704 Maisons Alfort, France.