Francine Marques Explained

Francine Marques is an Australian medical researcher. A professor at Monash University, she is a Heart Foundation Future Leader Fellow, known for her work on the effects of gut microbes on high blood pressure.

Career and research

Francine Marques completed her bachelor's degree in Genetics, and Masters in Molecular Biology and Genetics, at the Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul in Brazil. After moving to Australia, she completed her PhD at the University of Sydney in 2012, supported by an Endeavour International Postgraduate Research Scholarship., she is a professor at Monash University and a Heart Foundation Future Leader Fellow. She is widely recognised for her research on hypertension and the microbiome. Her contributions have enhanced our understanding of the effects of dietary fibre on blood pressure, and how the modulation of bacteria in our gut can improve heart health.^[1]

Marques investigates the molecular mechanisms behind the development of high blood pressure, with focus on disease identification, prevention and treatment through manipulation of gut microbes and their metabolites. Her research has shown that a diet reach in fibre is able to lower blood pressure and improve heart function through the modulation of the bacteria in our gut.

Awards

• 2019 3M Eureka Prize for Emerging Leader in Science ^[2]
• 2019 American Heart Association Hypertension Council Goldblatt Award
• 2020 AIPSTall Poppy Victorian Award Winner ^[3]
• 2020 High Blood Pressure Research Council of Australia
• 2021 International Society of Hypertension Mid-Career Awards
• 2021 Australian Academy of Science Gottschalk Medal^{[4] [5]}

Selected publications

• O'Donnell JA, Zheng T, Meric G, Marques FZ. "The gut microbiome and hypertension". Nat Rev Nephrol. 2023 Mar;19(3):153-167. doi: 10.1038/s41581-022-00654-0. Epub 2023 Jan 11.PMID 36631562
• Peh A, O'Donnell JA, Broughton BRS, Marques FZ. "Gut Microbiota and Their Metabolites in Stroke: A Double-Edged Sword". Stroke. 2022 May;53(5):1788-1801. doi: 10.1161/STROKEAHA.121.036800. Epub 2022 Feb 9.PMID 35135325
• O'Donnell JA, Zheng T, Meric G, Marques FZ. The gut microbiome and hypertension. Nat Rev Nephrol. 2023 Mar;19(3):153-167. doi: 10.1038/s41581-022-00654-0. Epub 2023 Jan 11. PMID 36631562.

Notes and References

1. Web site: Francine Marques . Monash University . 25 July 2024.
2. Web site: Australian Museum . 2019 Australian Museum Eureka Prizes finalists . 2024-07-25 . The Australian Museum . en.
3. Web site: Find a Tall Poppy . 2024-07-25 . AIPS . en.
4. Web site: Episode 27 – Interview with Associate Professor in genetics and genomics, Francine Marquez – Science Communication . 2024-07-25 . en-US.
5. Web site: 2021 awardees Australian Academy of Science . 2024-07-25 . www.science.org.au . en.