Danielle Kamato

Danielle Kamato is a Senior Lecturer at the School of Environment and Science, Griffith University, with affiliations to the Institute for Biomedicine and Glycomics and the Griffith Institute for Drug Discovery. She was previously a Lecturer at Griffith University (2022-2024) and held a Research Fellow position at the University of Queensland (2017-2022). Her research focuses on biomedical science, pharmacology, and cardiovascular disease mechanisms, particularly involving proteoglycans, TGF-β signaling, and atherosclerosis.

• PhD in Biomedical Science (RMIT University)
• Bachelor (Biomedical Science, 1st Class Honors) (RMIT University)
• Bachelor (Applied Science - Pharmaceutical Science) (RMIT University)

Kamato's research explores the intersection of GPCR transactivation, Smad signaling, and vessel wall pathophysiology in cardiovascular diseases. She investigates how oxidative stress, periodontal disease, and lipid-matrix interactions contribute to atherosclerosis, with a focus on therapeutic targeting of proteoglycan synthesis and inflammatory pathways.

Recent publications highlight her work on drug repurposing (halofuginone), natural products (moscatilin, curcumin), and molecular mechanisms involving NOX-p38-Smad pathways, PAR receptor signaling, and TGF-β receptor dynamics. Her studies span preclinical models (mouse, zebrafish) and translational approaches for cardiovascular therapies.

Scientific Awards:

• Heart Foundation Future Leader Fellowship (2023-2027)
• NHMRC Early Career Fellowship (2022)
• Griffith University Internal Grants (2023)
• University of Queensland ECR Grant (2018)

Kamato supervises doctoral and master's students in projects related to atherosclerosis inhibitors, biomarker discovery, and Smad signaling in endometriosis. She has received over $800,000 in research funding for projects on cardiovascular disease mechanisms, drug delivery systems, and disease biomarkers.