Personal profile
Biography
I am a clinician‑scientist with expertise in hypertension and gut–vascular physiology. My research program focuses on integrating physiological and dietary approaches to improve BP control by targeting the gut. I have led multiple studies involving complex workflows, advanced phenotyping, BP monitoring, and have a strong publication record in cardiovascular and translational research. I have co-authored 25 publications (including 3 corresponding author publications) at 2.5 years post-PhD in top cardiovascular journals including European Heart Journal, Circulation Research, Cardiovascular Research, and Hypertension. Within the Hypertension Research Laboratory, I lead the translation arm. I have secured >$400,000 in funding from the National Heart Foundation of Australia, Australian Stroke and Heart Research Accelerator, and High Blood Pressure Research Foundation Australia.
Education/Academic qualification
Cardiovascular disease, PhD, The role of the gut microbiota and its metabolite-sensing receptors in blood pressure regulation
29 Jul 2019 → 19 Sept 2023
Research area keywords
- Gut microbiome
- Hypertension
- Short-chain fatty acids
- Cardiovascular Diseases
Expertise related to UN Sustainable Development Goals
In 2015, UN member states agreed to 17 global Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) to end poverty, protect the planet and ensure prosperity for all. This person’s work contributes towards the following SDG(s):
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SDG 3 Good Health and Well-being
Collaborations and top research areas from the last five years
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Restoring Balance: Impact of CPAP Therapy on Gut Microbiota in Obstructive Sleep Apnoea
O'Driscoll, D. (Primary Chief Investigator (PCI)), Young, A. (Chief Investigator (CI)), Bonham, M. (Chief Investigator (CI)), Marques, F. (Chief Investigator (CI)), R Muralitharan, R. (Chief Investigator (CI)) & Falla, C. (Chief Investigator (CI))
5/01/26 → 31/12/26
Project: Research
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Examining the gut-brain axis in blood pressure regulation in humans
R Muralitharan, R. (Primary Chief Investigator (PCI)) & Coelho Marques, F. (Supervisor)
31/01/25 → 31/12/25
Project: Research
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Depletion of the paternal gut microbiome alters sperm small RNAs and impacts offspring physiology and behavior in mice
Masson, B. A., Kiridena, P., Lu, D., Kleeman, E. A., Reisinger, S. N., Qin, W., Davies, W. J., Muralitharan, R. R., Jama, H. A., Antonacci, S., Marques, F. Z., Gubert, C. & Hannan, A. J., Jan 2025, In: Brain, Behavior, and Immunity. 123, p. 290-305 16 p.Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › Research › peer-review
14 Link opens in a new tab Citations (Scopus) -
Gut Microbiota Metabolites Sensed by Host GPR41/43 Protect Against Hypertension
Muralitharan, R. R., Zheng, T., Dinakis, E., Xie, L., Barbaro-Wahl, A., Jama, H. A., Nakai, M., Patterson, M., Leung, K. C., Mcardle, Z., Mirabito Colafella, K., Johnson, C., Qin, W., Salimova, E., Bitto, N., Liaskos, M. K., Kaye, D. M., O'donnell, J. A., Mackay, C. R. & Marques, F. Z., Feb 2025, In: Circulation Research. 136, 4, p. e20–e33 16 p.Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › Research › peer-review
26 Link opens in a new tab Citations (Scopus) -
pH-sensor GPR68 plays a role in how dietary fibre lowers blood pressure in a preclinical model of hypertension
Dinakis, E., Xu, C., R. Muralitharan, R., Jama, H., Xie, L., Leung, K. C., Mirabito Colafella, K. M., McArdle, Z. M., Salimova, E., Camargo Tavares, L., Snelson, M., Johnson, C., Gaspari, T., Mackay, C. R., O'Donnell, J. A. & Marques, F. Z. C., Oct 2025, In: Clinical Science. 139, 21, 89 p., CS20243009.Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › Research › peer-review
Open Access -
Influence of angiotensin II on the gut microbiome: modest effects in comparison to experimental factors
Muralitharan, R. R., Nakai, M. E., Snelson, M., Zheng, T., Dinakis, E., Xie, L., Jama, H., Paterson, M., Shihata, W., Wassef, F., Vinh, A., Drummond, G. R., Kaye, D. M., Mackay, C. R. & Marques, F. Z., Jul 2024, In: Cardiovascular Research. 120, 10, p. 1155-1163 9 p.Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › Research › peer-review
Open Access16 Link opens in a new tab Citations (Scopus) -
Prospects for Leveraging the Microbiota as Medicine for Hypertension
Durgan, D. J., Zubcevic, J., Vijay-Kumar, M., Yang, T., Manandhar, I., Aryal, S., Muralitharan, R. R., Li, H. B., Li, Y., Abais-Battad, J. M., Pluznick, J. L., Muller, D. N., Marques, F. Z. & Joe, B., 1 May 2024, In: Hypertension. 81, 5, p. 951-963 13 p.Research output: Contribution to journal › Review Article › Research › peer-review
Open Access16 Link opens in a new tab Citations (Scopus)
Prizes
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CSANZ ASM Travelling Fellowship
Muralitharan, R. (Recipient), Jun 2023
Prize: Prize (including medals and awards)
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Early Mid-Career Research Support Fund
Muralitharan, R. (Recipient), 2021
Prize: Prize (including medals and awards)
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EMBL International Travel Grant
Muralitharan, R. (Recipient), Jul 2022
Prize: Prize (including medals and awards)
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Millennium Science 10X Genomics Start Single-Cell Fellowship
Muralitharan, R. (Recipient), Oct 2021
Prize: Prize (including medals and awards)
Activities
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Circulation Research (Journal)
Muralitharan, R. (Peer reviewer)
2024Activity: Publication peer-review and editorial work types › Peer review responsibility
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Circulation: Heart Failure (Journal)
R Muralitharan, R. (Peer reviewer)
2023 → …Activity: Publication peer-review and editorial work types › Peer review responsibility
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National EMCR Summit 2023
Muralitharan, R. (Invited speaker)
2 Aug 2023Activity: Participating in or organising an event types › Contribution to workshop, seminar, course
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Frontiers in Physiology (Journal)
R Muralitharan, R. (Associate editor)
Apr 2023 → …Activity: Publication peer-review and editorial work types › Editorial responsibility
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Postdoc rep
Muralitharan, R. (Fellow)
Aug 2023 → …Activity: External Academic Engagement › Committees and working groups
Press/Media
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New Investigator Spotlight (International Society of Hypertension)
28/06/23
1 Media contribution
Press/Media: Profile/Interview
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https://massivesci.com/articles/fasting-diet-blood-pressure-gut-microbiome/
15/10/21
1 Media contribution
Press/Media: Expert Comment