Identification of a vessel wall directed therapy to treat heart disease
The cells of blood vessels produce sticky molecules called proteoglycans and once modified can bind and retain cholesterol. Zebrafish express all the major receptors, lipoproteins and enzymes involved in atherosclerosis and a complete set of genes toproteoglycan synthesis and modification. This project will develop a high-fat diet-induced zebrafish model of atherosclerosis to allow for screening of potential vessel wall directed therapies to prevent cholesterol binding. Approaches will include cellular signalling, molecular biology, pharmacology and invivo studies.
- Primary supervisor: Dr Danielle Kamato
- Other supervisor: Dr Jean Giacomotto
- To apply: Contact Dr Danielle Kamato with your CV at d.kamato@griffith.edu.au.
Mechanistic insights into heart disease and inflammatory bowel disease
Well defined risk factors such as high cholesterol, smoking, and high blood pressure worsen the burden of atherosclerosis. Patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) present with a lower prevalence of classic risk factors, however, have at least a 2-fold higher risk of heart disease. Elevated inflammatory cytokines and an altered microbiome are observed inpatients with IBD. This project seeks to define the biological link between IBD and heart disease by assessing the role of inflammatory cytokines and bacteria-derived toxins onvascular cells. Approaches will include cellular signalling, receptor pharmacology and molecular biology.
- Primary supervisor: Dr Danielle Kamato
- Other supervisor: TBC
- To apply: Contact Dr Danielle Kamato with your CV at d.kamato@griffith.edu.au.