Prof Francine Marques

Viertel @nhmrc & @HeartFoundation Fellow & #Hypertension Lab Head @MonashVHI /BDI. Gut microbes, 🐶 lover, #Cancer survivor @Science_Academy Gottschalk🏅she/her

[Prof Francine Marques @FZMarques]

We’ve also been digging into GPR65

Our latest work shows how GPR65 sensing in T-cells is a vital link between gut acidity and systemic inflammation that regulates blood pressure

GPR65 pre-print: https://t.co/myf0AQFFPr

[Prof Francine Marques @FZMarques]

Most researchers thought short-chain fatty acids alone were the key to gut-heart health🦠

Our new review in @GutMicrobes suggests we’ve been missing a "messenger": the local pH of your gut.

Congrats to lead author @EvanyDinakis 🧵👇

https://t.co/IpoCDuitd4

[Prof Francine Marques @FZMarques]

In our Clinical Science paper, we showed that GPR68 is essential for fibre to lower blood pressure

Without this "sensor," the benefits of a high-fibre diet are lost🧬🚫

GPR68 study: https://t.co/1t9q1FpWSL

[Prof Francine Marques @FZMarques]

New paper from our team 🧠🦠

After stroke, gut‑derived bacteria can migrate into the brain

Blocking sympathetic tone ↓ gut permeability, ↓ brain bacterial load, and improves motor outcomes—without changing infarct size

Congrats @alexpehCG!

https://t.co/lizxiJid4R

[Eric Topol @EricTopol]

Two of the most important recent quotes about the future direction of medicine, a pivot to prevention
@Thomas_Rando @NatureAging; Francisco Caiado and Markus Manz @ScienceMagazine

[Prof Francine Marques @FZMarques]

For anyone working in microbiome science, gnotobiotics, or reproductive biology, I highly recommend giving it a read, published now in Gut Microbes:

🔗 https://t.co/NWUf6R29CV

#microbiome #microbiota #germfree #pregnancy #gut

[Prof Francine Marques @FZMarques]

Our first paper of 2026 is out!

Key insight: the maternal microbiome profoundly shapes pregnancy success

#Microbiome researchers — this one’s for you

https://t.co/NWUf6R29CV

🧵

[Prof Francine Marques @FZMarques]

This paper is a reminder that rigorous science isn’t just about confirming hypotheses; it’s about staying open to the story the data is trying to tell

A big shout out to Dr @ChudanXu, who led this project, and Dr Simona Antonacci, who provided invaluable technical expertise

[Prof Francine Marques @FZMarques]

@Carmendemigue12 @HypertensionAus @ASCEPTanz @fmarquez Thank you Carmen it was a very special moment

[Prof Francine Marques @FZMarques]

I was asked to share my @HypertensionAus Colin Johnston lecture, delivered at the joint Hypertension Australia-@ASCEPTanz last month in Adelaide

So if you missed it, here it is: https://t.co/zIqk5vp2pC

[Prof Francine Marques @FZMarques]

- How microbiome–blood pressure science has evolved over the past decade

- Key discoveries from our team, spanning dietary fibre, short‑chain fatty acids, and gut–immune–heart pathways

- Future directions for improving cardiovascular health by supporting the gut microbiome

[Prof Francine Marques @FZMarques]

I talk about:

- My career path and the influence of key figures in the High Blood Pressure Research Council of Australia, including Profs Colin Johnston, Austin Doyle and Paul Korner, as well as the mentors who shaped my scientific journey