Member Spotlight: Katherine Denton
Meet Professor Katherine (Kate) Denton, Head of the Cardiovascular Disease Program at Monash University’s Biomedical Discovery Institute, whose pioneering research on the kidney’s role in blood pressure regulation has shaped global understanding of hypertension for decades. A Hypertension Australia member since 1985, Kate continues to drive discoveries aimed at improving treatments and enhancing patient outcomes.
What inspired your interest in Hypertension?
The people – Warwick Anderson, Paul Korner, Jane Reckelhoff and many more. When looking for an Honours Project, Warwick’s Project about the role of the kidney in Page hypertension was the one that captured my interest, and the Baker Institute was much closer to where I lived. All my work investigating the role of the kidney in regulating arterial pressure has stemmed from this initial start. My current goal as an integrative scientist is to make discoveries that enhance our understanding of fundamental pathophysiological mechanisms, develop more effective alternatives to lifelong daily medication, and improve the quality and duration of life for patients with hypertension.
My research interest in hypertension began during my PhD through exploring the associations of whole-grain intake with cardiovascular risk factors, but my research has since shifted focus to sodium reduction for blood pressure management, specifically through the use of potassium-enriched salt. I find it fascinating that small actionable changes such as a switch from regular salt to potassium-enriched salt and other dietary interventions can have a large impact on someone’s blood pressure and overall health. Hypertension is such a prevalent issue, and I believe we can make a large difference in the lives of many Australians through our research and practice.
Tell us about your research or initiatives focused on preventing, detecting, and managing high blood pressure and its complications.
The kidney and blood pressure are inextricably linked. The kidney, under the influence of the renin-angiotensin system and sympathetic nerves, has a dominant role in the long-term control of extracellular fluid volume and blood pressure. Notably, hypertension accelerates tissue aging in the kidney more than any other organ. My internationally awarded research has been instrumental in advancing our understanding of fetal programming of blood pressure, neurohumoral control of kidney function, and sex differences in blood pressure over the lifespan.
From Bench to Blood Pressure: Inspired by Pioneers, Driven by Discovery
Have you received any awards, grants, or publications for your work related to Hypertension?
Continuous NHMRC funding since 2008 – CI on more than 15 project/ideas grants and 4 fellowships, including the current Level 3 Investigator Grant.
- Ernest Starling Distinguished Lectureship, American Physiological Society 2024
- Research Excellence Award, International Hypertension Society 2018
- Harriet Dustan Award, American Heart Association, 2017
What do you enjoy doing in your free time?
Reading, walking with an audiobook (I will get run over one day), and more recently, bike touring (Dobbiaco to Trieste)
Do you have any travel adventures or bucket list destinations you're hoping to experience?
I have travelled a lot (the Amazon, Machu Picchu, the Himalayas, the Rocky Mountains, Costa Rica, Uganda, Tanzania and many more). I have avoided the more expensive places, but what’s left is – Bhutan, the Fiords and Iceland. Also, perhaps one day Jordan and Petra, Egypt and the Pyramids and there is still all of Russia.
What's the last great book you read, movie you saw, or show you watched?
“The Heretic” is not a genre I would typically choose to watch, but I was awake on a plane. Hugh Grant was excellent in this horror film exploring faith and control.