Vladka Čurin Šerbec is an accomplished researcher and academic with a robust background in biochemistry, molecular biology, and immunology. With extensive experience in both academic and industrial settings, she has made significant contributions to the development of monoclonal antibodies, diagnostics, and therapeutics. Through her leadership roles, including serving as the President of the Immunology Society of Slovenia, she has influenced research in the fields of immunology and biomedicine. Her research also involves collaborations with pharmaceutical industries, leading to the development of new technologies and successful commercialization of research outcomes. Known for her mentorship of numerous students and professionals, Čurin Šerbec is a respected figure in the scientific community, contributing to the education and growth of future researchers.

Professional Profile

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• ORCID Profile

Education

Vladka Čurin Šerbec’s academic journey began with a BChem degree from the University of Ljubljana in 1985. She continued her studies at the same institution, obtaining a Master’s degree in Biochemistry in 1988, followed by a PhD in 1991. Throughout her education, she focused on the molecular and biochemical aspects of biology, laying the foundation for her future research in immunology and biomedicine. This strong academic background has propelled her into various prestigious positions within both academia and industry, making her a leading figure in her field.

Professional Experience

Vladka Čurin Šerbec has a distinguished career that spans several decades, beginning with her research at the Jožef Stefan Institute and the Ruđer Bošković Institute in the 1980s and 1990s. Since 1993, she has held various key positions at the Blood Transfusion Centre of Slovenia (BTCS), including Head of the Department for the Production of Diagnostic Reagents and Research, Scientific Counsellor, and Vice-President of the Supervisory Board. Additionally, she served as an Associate Professor and later a Professor at the University of Ljubljana’s Medical Faculty. Her leadership in industrial and academic collaborations has been instrumental in advancing research in immunology and biomedicine.

Research Interests

Vladka Čurin Šerbec’s research interests are centered around biochemistry, molecular biology, immunology, and the development of monoclonal antibodies for diagnostic and therapeutic purposes. Her work focuses on the production of diagnostic reagents and antibodies under GMP conditions, exploring new approaches to immunological diagnostics and treatments. Additionally, she has been involved in collaborative research with the pharmaceutical industry, contributing to the development of technologies with real-world applications. Her interest in the standardization and quality assessment of immunological diagnostics has also been pivotal to her contributions to the field.

Research Skills

Vladka Čurin Šerbec possesses a broad skill set in molecular biology, biochemistry, and immunology. Her expertise includes the development and production of monoclonal antibodies, diagnostic reagents, and research tools. She is skilled in various laboratory techniques and methodologies, including immunoassays, molecular cloning, and protein expression. Additionally, Čurin Šerbec has significant experience in project leadership, having led multiple industrial, national, and international research initiatives. Her work also involves the development of biotechnological applications, such as antibody-based diagnostics and therapeutics, in close collaboration with pharmaceutical companies.

Awards and Honors

Vladka Čurin Šerbec has received numerous awards throughout her career in recognition of her scientific achievements. Notably, she was awarded the Zois Award in 2002 for her technological innovations and contributions to the field of biochemistry. She also received the Krka Award for students in organic chemistry in 1983, highlighting her early promise as a researcher. Čurin Šerbec’s achievements have been widely acknowledged by the scientific community, and her work continues to inspire future generations of researchers. She has also been honored with leadership positions in international societies, further solidifying her reputation in the field of immunology.

Conclusion

This individual demonstrates outstanding research capabilities and leadership in the fields of biochemistry, molecular biology, and immunology. Their substantial achievements in the development of monoclonal antibodies and collaborations with industry reflect both scientific excellence and practical contributions. Their commitment to research mentoring and international collaboration further strengthens their position for recognition in research excellence. With continued focus on expanding their publication record and global research influence, they have the potential for even greater impact in the scientific community.

Publication Top Notes

1. Cleavage site-directed antibodies reveal the prion protein in humans is shed by ADAM10 at Y226 and associates with misfolded protein deposits in neurodegenerative diseases
   • Authors: Song, F., Kovac, V., Mohammadi, B., Curin Serbec, V., Altmeppen, H.C.
   • Year: 2024
   • Journal: Acta Neuropathologica
   • Volume: 148(1), Pages 2
2. Optimizing the method for expressing human monoclonal antibodies from a single peripheral blood cell from vaccinated donors
   • Authors: Omejec, S., Tompa, M., Kovač, V., Šerbec, V.Č.
   • Year: 2024
   • Journal: Journal of Immunological Methods
   • Volume: 534, Article 113747
3. Prion Protein: The Molecule of Many Forms and Faces
   • Authors: Kovač, V., Šerbec, V.Č.
   • Year: 2022
   • Journal: International Journal of Molecular Sciences
   • Volume: 23(3), Article 1232
   • Citations: 21
4. Routine KIT p.D816V screening identifies clonal mast cell disease in patients with Hymenoptera allergy regularly missed using baseline tryptase levels alone
   • Authors: Šelb, J., Rijavec, M., Eržen, R., Lyons, J.J., Korošec, P.
   • Year: 2021
   • Journal: Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology
   • Volume: 148(2), Pages 621–626.e7
   • Citations: 36
5. Prion Proteins Without the Glycophosphatidylinositol Anchor: Potential Biomarkers in Neurodegenerative Diseases
   • Authors: Kovač, V., Čurin Šerbec, V.
   • Year: 2018
   • Journal: Biomarker Insights
   • Volume: 13
   • Citations: 6
6. Targeting malignant brain tumors with antibodies
   • Authors: Razpotnik, R., Novak, N., Curin Šerbec, V., Rajcevic, U.
   • Year: 2017
   • Journal: Frontiers in Immunology
   • Volume: 8(SEP), Article 1181
   • Citations: 57
7. Truncated prion protein PrP226 – A structural view on its role in amyloid disease*
   • Authors: Kovač, V., Zupančič, B., Ilc, G., Plavec, J., Čurin Šerbec, V.
   • Year: 2017
   • Journal: Biochemical and Biophysical Research Communications
   • Volume: 484(1), Pages 45–50
   • Citations: 10
8. New monoclonal antibodies against bilitranslocase as a diagnostic tool in determining the progress of clear cell renal cell carcinoma
   • Authors: Košir, A.B., Lukan, T., Kukovec, M., Šerbec, V.Č., Rajčević, U.
   • Year: 2017
   • Journal: Zdravniski Vestnik
   • Volume: 86(5-6), Pages 177–184
9. Anchorless forms of prion protein – Impact of truncation on structure destabilization and prion protein conversion
   • Authors: Kovač, V., Hafner-Bratkovič, I., Čurin Šerbec, V.
   • Year: 2016
   • Journal: Biochemical and Biophysical Research Communications
   • Volume: 481(1-2), Pages 1–6
   • Citations: 10
10. Flavonoid interaction with a chitinase from grape berry skin: Protein identification and modulation of the enzymatic activity
    • Authors: Filippi, A., Petrussa, E., Rajcevic, U., Vianello, A., Braidot, E.
    • Year: 2016
    • Journal: Molecules
    • Volume: 21(10), Article 1300
    • Citations: 9