Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the leading cause of death worldwide. In Australia, nearly half of all CVD-related deaths are due to ischaemic heart disease—a condition caused by reduced blood flow to the heart due to the buildup of harmful fats in artery walls. This buildup leads to blockages known as fatty plaques, through a process called atherosclerosis. Atherosclerosis develops through a complex mix of fat and iron imbalances, inflammation, oxidative stress, and immune system responses. Current treatments focus on lowering cholesterol, reducing inflammation, and improving blood vessel function—alongside lifestyle changes like diet and exercise. Despite these efforts, there is still no cure, and serious complications remain common.
This project aims to uncover how atherosclerosis progresses and to identify new ways to stop or slow it down. I am focusing on a lesser-known form of cell death called ferroptosis, which is triggered by iron and the buildup of damaged fats inside cells—particularly polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs). We have two main goals: first, to understand how PUFA-driven ferroptosis contributes to plaque progression; and second, to discover new treatment strategies that block this damaging process. I will investigate how cells handle PUFAs and whether changing this response can reduce cell death and make plaques more stable.
If successful, future directions include screening for potential drugs that prevent PUFAs from being incorporated into cell membranes and test whether they can limit ferroptosis. I will also use nanotechnology to deliver these drugs directly to artery plaques. Given that PUFAs are commonly consumed through diet—and their role in heart disease is still debated—this research will also explore whether tailored dietary changes could help reduce plaque development.
Our findings will be shared through scientific publications, conferences, social media, and public outreach. This project will also provide evidence for the general public, for dietary campaigns (i.e. NHF) and policymakers to support heart disease prevention and management efforts. By translating our discoveries into practical outcomes, this work could lead to new therapies that reduce heart attacks and strokes by targeting a previously overlooked form of cell death.
Last updated27 May 2026