
Integrating microbes, genetics, and molecular biology to prevent cardiovascular disease
The Hypertension Research Laboratory




Welcome to our lab!
Our vision is to improve cardiovascular health by building exceptional researchers.
Our mission is to empower, inspire, and build exceptional scientists who are dedicated to advancing cardiovascular health through innovative research and collaborative efforts. We aim to cultivate a dynamic and inclusive research environment where respect, curiosity, and fulfilment drive our pursuit of excellence. By fostering a culture of continuous learning, psychological safety and mutual respect, we strive to make significant contributions to our community and improve the cardiovascular well-being of all individuals worldwide.
New papers
Evidence showing that lack of dietary fibre leads to gut dysbosis and increases blood pressure published in Circulation
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First evidence that the gut microbiome of patients with heart failure with preserved ejection fraction is altered
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Evidence that the gut microbiome has a distinct profile in human hypertension and blood pressure variability
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A roadmap to support cardiovascular researchers
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Calling a change in research culture
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Want to learn everything about gut microbiota in hypertension?
Check out our latest review published in Nature Reviews Nephrology.
Our guidelines paper published in Hypertension
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The STORMS guidelines for reporting human microbiome studies we contributed to, published in Nature Medicine
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Evidence that gut microbial substances lower blood pressure in patients published in Nature Cardiovascular Research.
Awards
The last few years have been very successful for our team! Since the start of the lab in Nov-2018, our members won or were finalists for over 100 awards and 50 travel grants!
This includes the prestigious Australian Academy of Science Gottschalk Medal, the International Society of Hypertension Mid-Career Award, the Women's Agenda STEM Award, International Society of Hypertension, High Blood Pressure Research Council of Australia, 10x Genomics, Cardiac Society of Australia and New Zealand, EMBL and others - just WOW.
Photos of some of our awards can be seen here
Media appearances
We believe that part of being a good scientist is being able to communicate effectively with the public.
Check out some of our contributions to blogs, videos, STEM profile, news and interviews
Our diversity statement
"We understand that scientific excellence depends on creativity, that creativity emerges from diversity, and that the advantages of diversity are realized through inclusion." - David Asai
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Our lab members recognise that diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) are essential for scientific excellence. Despite ongoing challenges with discrimination and unconscious biases in research, we are committed to fostering an environment that aligns with our core values of respect, curiosity, and fulfilment:
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Respect: We actively challenge our unconscious biases and hold each other accountable. We value the voices of under-represented groups, respect diverse opinions, and create a psychologically safe and inclusive work environment.
Curiosity: We believe that innovation stems from curiosity and creativity, which are fueled by diversity. We strive to promote a diverse and inclusive workplace where all ideas can flourish.
Fulfilment: We are dedicated to providing equal opportunities for all, ensuring that every team member can achieve personal and professional fulfilment in a supportive and equitable environment.​
Research
Unlocking the Mysteries of Blood Pressure Regulation

Gut microbiota
There is emerging evidence that the microbes that inhabit our colon, also known as the gut microbiota, might have a role in the regulation of blood pressure. Consumption of a diet high in fibre increases gut microbiota populations that generate short chain fatty acids (SCFAs). We have determined that a diet rich in fibre or SCFA modulates gut microbes and prevents the development of cardiovascular disease. We are now trying to understand the mechanisms involved, how the gut and its microbes communicate with other key tissues, as well as performing clinical trials to decrease the burden of cardiovascular disease through prevention of hypertension.
Contact Us
Victorian Heart Institute,
Biomedical Discovery Institute
Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health
Sciences
Monash University, Clayton,
Melbourne, Australia
+61-03-9905 6958