- Professor Alison Heather Professor
- Gill Hughes Assistant Research Fellow
- Alexia Kauff Assistant Research Fellow
- Rachel Lund PhD Student
- Sam O’Hara BSC Honours student
- William Tait PGDipSci student
- Luke Worthington PhD student
Research interests
My research focuses on how the sex hormones, estrogen and testosterone, affect non-reproductive tissues in the body. My primary research investigates how these sex hormones promote calcification of atherosclerotic plaques. Atherosclerosis is the major cardiovascular disease and calcification of plaques leads to more ruptures causing heart attacks and strokes. The work performed in my laboratory is aimed at improving the understanding and safety of hormone replacement treatment use.
My research team also develops bioassays for the detection of designer androgens and estrogens that are used as doping agents in sports.
Research projects
- Mechanism underlying the calcification of atherosclerotic plaques in response to estrogen and testosterone treatment
- Mechanism underlying the anabolic effect of estrogens on skeletal muscle
- Development of cell-based bioassays for the detection of designer androgens that are used for sports doping
Publications
Knox, T., Anderson, L. C., & Heather, A. (2019). Transwomen in elite sport: Scientific and ethical considerations. Journal of Medical Ethics. Advance online publication. doi: 10.1136/medethics-2018-105208
Cooper, E. R., McGrath, K. C. Y., Li, X., & Heather, A. K. (2018). Androgen bioassay for the detection of nonlabeled androgenic compounds in nutritional supplements. International Journal of Sport Nutrition & Exercise Metabolism, 28(1), 10-18. doi: 10.1123/ijsnem.2017-0018
Ebenebe, O. V., Heather, A., & Erickson, J. R. (2018). CaMKII in vascular signalling: “Friend or foe”? Heart, Lung & Circulation, 27(5), 560-567. doi: 10.1016/j.hlc.2017.12.003
Knox, T., Anderson, L., & Heather, A. (2018). Fairness and inclusion: Is it time to replace the gender binary in elite sport? Proceedings of the Australasian Association of Bioethics and Health Law (AABHL) Conference. Retrieved from http://aabhlconference.com
Anderson, L., Heather, A. & Knox, T. Transgender women's participation in sport. Bioethics Centre, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand. [Department Seminar].
McRobb, L. S., McGrath, K. C. Y., Tsatralis, T., Liong, E. C., Tan, J. T. M., Hughes, G., … Heather, A. K. (2017). Estrogen receptor control of atherosclerotic calcification and smooth muscle cell osteogenic differentiation. Arteriosclerosis, Thrombosis, & Vascular Biology, 37(6), 1127-1137. doi: 10.1161/atvbaha.117.309054
Cooper, E. R., McGrath, K. C. Y., Li, X., Akram, O., Kasz, R., Kazlauskas, R., … Heather, A. K. (2017). The use of tandem yeast and mammalian cell in vitro androgen bioassays to detect androgens in internet-sourced sport supplements. Drug Testing & Analysis, 9(4), 545-552. doi: 10.1002/dta.2000
Denny, A. P., & Heather, A. K. (2017). Are antioxidants a potential therapy for FSHD? A review of the literature. Oxidative Medicine & Cellular Longevity, 7020295. doi: 10.1155/2017/7020295
Ebenebe, O., Heather, A., & Erickson, J. (2017). The role of CaMKII in atherosclerotic plaque calcification in the ApoE-null mouse. Heart, Lung & Circulation, 26(Suppl. 2), (pp. S65). doi: 10.1016/j.hlc.2017.06.051
Denny, A., & Heather, A. (2017). Is high density-lipoprotein-based therapy an option for the treatment of muscle damage in facioscapulohumeral muscular dystrophy? Proceedings of the University of Otago Student Research Symposium: Te Wānaka Rakahau: Ākoka. (pp. 17-18). Retrieved from http://www.otago.ac.nz/graduate-research/scholarships/otago643219.html
Worthington, L. P. I., Erickson, J. R., Jones, G. T., & Heather, A. K. (2017, September). CaMKII inhibition reduces foam cell lesion development in the brachiocephalic artery of apolipoprotein E-/- knockout mice. Poster session presented at the Medical Sciences Congress (MedSci), Queenstown, New Zealand.
Geronimo, F. R. B., Barter, P. J., Rye, K. A., Heather, A. K., Shearston, K. D., & Rodgers, K. J. (2016). Plaque stabilizing effects of apolipoprotein A-IV. Atherosclerosis, 251, 39-46. doi: 10.1016/j.atherosclerosis.2016.04.019
Cawley, A. T., Blakey, K., Waller, C. C., McLeod, M. D., Boyd, S., Heather, A., … Willis, A. C. (2016). Detection and metabolic investigations of a novel designer steroid: 3-chloro-17α-methyl-5α-androstan-17β-ol. Drug Testing & Analysis, 8(7), 621-632. doi: 10.1002/dta.1832
Heather, A., Ebenebe, O. V., & McRobb, L. S. (2016). Estradiol promotes atherosclerotic lesion calcification in aged, female mice. Endocrine Reviews, 37(2, Suppl.), FRI-657. Retrieved from http://press.endocrine.org/series/endo-meetings
Worthington, L. P., Erickson, J. R., & Heather, A. K. (2016, August-September). CaMKII mediates vascular smooth muscle cell activation central to the development of atherosclerosis. Poster session presented at the Queenstown Molecular Biology (QMB) Meetings, Nelson, New Zealand.
Ebenebe, O. V., Heather, A. K., & Erickson, J. R. (2016, August-September). 17β-Estradiol induced calcification and altered CaMKII expression in a mouse model of atherosclerosis. Poster session presented at the Queenstown Molecular Biology (QMB) Meetings, Nelson, New Zealand.
Denny, A., Erickson, J. R., Jones, P. P., & Heather, A. K. (2016, August-September). RyR2 leak and CaMKII post-translational modifications in the heart: Can this explain the altered Ca2+ handling in FSHD? Poster session presented at the Queenstown Molecular Biology (QMB) Meetings, Nelson, New Zealand.
Denny, A., Jones, P. P., Erickson, J. R., & Heather, A. K. (2016, August). Oxidised CaMKII: A novel mechanism in the pathophysiology of FSHD. Poster session presented at the Medical Sciences Congress (MedSci), Nelson, New Zealand.
Ebenebe, O. V., Heather, A. K., & Erickson, J. R. (2016, August). 17β-Estradiol induced calcification and alters CaMKII expression in a mouse model of atherosclerosis. Poster session presented at the Medical Sciences Congress (MedSci), Nelson, New Zealand.
Worthington, L. P., Erickson, J. R., & Heather, A. K. (2016, August). CaMKII activation in endothelial dysfunction. Verbal presentation at the Medical Sciences Congress (MedSci), Nelson, New Zealand.
Heather, A. K. (2016, August-September). Ischemic heart disease in women. Verbal presentation at the Queenstown Molecular Biology (QMB) Meetings, Nelson, New Zealand.
McGrath, K. C. Y., Li, X.-H., McRobb, L. S., & Heather, A. K. (2015). Inhibitory effect of a French maritime pine bark extract-based nutritional supplement on TNF-α-induced inflammation and oxidative stress in human coronary artery endothelial cells. Evidence-Based Complementary & Alternative Medicine, 2015, 260530. doi: 10.1155/2015/260530
Heather, A. (2015, December). Designer steroids in sport. Verbal presentation at the Doping and the Culture of Sport Symposium, Dunedin, New Zealand.
Ebenebe, O. V., Heather, A. K., & Erickson, J. R. (2015, August-September). The role of CaMKII activation in atheroma formation in the ApoE-null mouse. Verbal presentation at the Medical Sciences Congress (MedSci), Queenstown, New Zealand.
Brown, B. E., Kim, C. H. J., Torpy, F. R., Bursill, C. A., McRobb, L. S., Heather, A. K., … van Reyk, D. M. (2014). Supplementation with carnosine decreases plasma triglycerides and modulates atherosclerotic plaque composition in diabetic apo E-/- mice. Atherosclerosis, 232(2), 403-409. doi: 10.1016/j.atherosclerosis.2013.11.068
Other Research Output
Anderson, L., Heather, A. & Knox, T. Transgender women's participation in sport. Bioethics Centre, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand. [Department Seminar].
Heather, A. (2014, May). Sex matters to the heart. University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand. [Inaugural Professorial Lecture].
Chapter in Book - Research
Heather, A., & McGrath, K. (2012). Cardiovascular disease and inflammation. In M. Garg & L. Wood (Eds.), Nutrition and physical activity in inflammatory diseases. (pp. 243-259). Cabi.
Journal - Research Article
Knox, T., Anderson, L. C., & Heather, A. (2019). Transwomen in elite sport: Scientific and ethical considerations. Journal of Medical Ethics. Advance online publication. doi: 10.1136/medethics-2018-105208
Cooper, E. R., McGrath, K. C. Y., Li, X., & Heather, A. K. (2018). Androgen bioassay for the detection of nonlabeled androgenic compounds in nutritional supplements. International Journal of Sport Nutrition & Exercise Metabolism, 28(1), 10-18. doi: 10.1123/ijsnem.2017-0018
McRobb, L. S., McGrath, K. C. Y., Tsatralis, T., Liong, E. C., Tan, J. T. M., Hughes, G., … Heather, A. K. (2017). Estrogen receptor control of atherosclerotic calcification and smooth muscle cell osteogenic differentiation. Arteriosclerosis, Thrombosis, & Vascular Biology, 37(6), 1127-1137. doi: 10.1161/atvbaha.117.309054
Cooper, E. R., McGrath, K. C. Y., Li, X., Akram, O., Kasz, R., Kazlauskas, R., … Heather, A. K. (2017). The use of tandem yeast and mammalian cell in vitro androgen bioassays to detect androgens in internet-sourced sport supplements. Drug Testing & Analysis, 9(4), 545-552. doi: 10.1002/dta.2000
Geronimo, F. R. B., Barter, P. J., Rye, K. A., Heather, A. K., Shearston, K. D., & Rodgers, K. J. (2016). Plaque stabilizing effects of apolipoprotein A-IV. Atherosclerosis, 251, 39-46. doi: 10.1016/j.atherosclerosis.2016.04.019
Cawley, A. T., Blakey, K., Waller, C. C., McLeod, M. D., Boyd, S., Heather, A., … Willis, A. C. (2016). Detection and metabolic investigations of a novel designer steroid: 3-chloro-17α-methyl-5α-androstan-17β-ol. Drug Testing & Analysis, 8(7), 621-632. doi: 10.1002/dta.1832
McGrath, K. C. Y., Li, X.-H., McRobb, L. S., & Heather, A. K. (2015). Inhibitory effect of a French maritime pine bark extract-based nutritional supplement on TNF-α-induced inflammation and oxidative stress in human coronary artery endothelial cells. Evidence-Based Complementary & Alternative Medicine, 2015, 260530. doi: 10.1155/2015/260530
Brown, B. E., Kim, C. H. J., Torpy, F. R., Bursill, C. A., McRobb, L. S., Heather, A. K., … van Reyk, D. M. (2014). Supplementation with carnosine decreases plasma triglycerides and modulates atherosclerotic plaque composition in diabetic apo E-/- mice. Atherosclerosis, 232(2), 403-409. doi: 10.1016/j.atherosclerosis.2013.11.068
McGrath, K. C., Li, X. H., Whitworth, P. T., Kasz, R., Tan, J. T., McLennan, S. V., … Heather, A. K. (2014). High density lipoproteins improve insulin sensitivity in high-fat diet-fed mice by suppressing hepatic inflammation. Journal of Lipid Research, 55(3), 421-430. doi: 10.1194/jlr.M043281
Lim, H. Y., Chiam, C. H., Yeo, K. P., Bisoendial, R., Hii, C. S., McGrath, K. C. Y., … Heather, A., … Angeli, V. (2013). Lymphatic vessels are essential for the removal of cholesterol from peripheral tissues by SR-BI-Mediated transport of HDL. Cell Metabolism, 17(5), 671-684. doi: 10.1016/j.cmet.2013.04.002
Cooper, E. R., McGrath, K. C. Y., & Heather, A. K. (2013). In vitro androgen bioassays as a detection method for designer androgens. Sensors, 13(2), 2148-2163. doi: 10.3390/s130202148
Li, X.-H., McGrath, K. C. Y., Tran, V. H., Li, Y.-M., Duke, C. C., Roufogalis, B. D., & Heather, A. K. (2013). Attenuation of proinflammatory responses by S-[6]-gingerol via inhibition of ROS/NF-Kappa B/COX2 activation in HuH7 cells. Evidence-Based Complementary & Alternative Medicine, 2013, 146142. doi: 10.1155/2013/146142
Li, X.-H., McGrath, K. C. Y., Tran, V. H., Li, Y.-M., Mandadi, S., Duke, C. C., Heather, A. K., & Roufogalis, B. D. (2013). Identification of a calcium signalling pathway of S-[6]-gingerol in HuH-7 cells. Evidence-Based Complementary & Alternative Medicine, 2013, 951758. doi: 10.1155/2013/951758
Li, X.-H., McGrath, K. C.-Y., Nammi, S., Heather, A. K., & Roufogalis, B. D. (2012). Attenuation of liver pro-inflammatory responses by Zingiber officinale via inhibition of NF-kappa B activation in high-fat diet-fed rats. Basic & Clinical Pharmacology & Toxicology, 110(3), 238-244. doi: 10.1111/j.1742-7843.2011.00791.x
Di Bartolo, B. A., Nicholls, S. J., Bao, S., Rye, K.-A., Heather, A. K., Barter, P. J., & Bursill, C. (2011). The apolipoprotein A-I mimetic peptide ETC-642 exhibits anti-inflammatory properties that are comparable to high density lipoproteins. Atherosclerosis, 217(2), 395-400. doi: 10.1016/j.atherosclerosis.2011.04.001
Akram, O. N., Bursill, C., Desai, R., Heather, A. K., Kaslzuskas, R., Handelsman, D. J., & Lambert, G. (2011). Evaluation of androgenic activity of nutraceutical-derived steroids using mammalian and yeast in vitro androgen bioassays. Analytical Chemistry, 83(6), 2065-2074. doi: 10.1021/ac102845y
Moheimani, F., Tan, J. T. M., Brown, B. E., Heather, A. K., van Reyk, D. M., & Davies, M. J. (2011). Effect of exposure of human monocyte-derived macrophages to high, versus normal, glucose on subsequent lipid accumulation from glycated and acetylated low-density lipoproteins. Experimental Diabetes Research, 2011, 851280. doi: 10.1155/2011/851280
Lane, A. E., Tan, J. T. M., Hawkins, C. L., Heather, A. K., & Davies, M. J. (2010). The myeloperoxidase-derived oxidant HOSCN inhibits protein tyrosine phosphatases and modulates cell signalling via the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathway in macrophages. Biochemical Journal, 430(1), 161-169. doi: 10.1042/BJ20100082
Patel, S., Di Bartolo, B. A., Nakhla, S., Heather, A. K., Mitchell, T. W., Jessup, W., … Rye, K.-A. (2010). Anti-inflammatory effects of apolipoprotein A-I in the rabbit. Atherosclerosis, 212(2), 392-397. doi: 10.1016/j.atherosclerosis.2010.05.035
Bursill, C. A., Castro, M. L., Beattie, D. T., Nakhla, S., van der Vorst, E., Heather, A. K., … Rye, K.-A. (2010). High-density lipoproteins suppress chemokines and chemokine receptors in vitro and in vivo. Arteriosclerosis, Thrombosis, & Vascular Biology, 30(9), 1773-1778. doi: 10.1161/ATVBAHA.110.211342
Fryirs, M. A., Barter, P. J., Appavoo, M., Tuch, B. E., Tabet, F., Heather, A. K., & Rye, K.-A. (2010). Effects of high-density lipoproteins on pancreatic β-cell insulin secretion. Arteriosclerosis, Thrombosis, & Vascular Biology, 30(8), 1642-1648. doi: 10.1161/ATVBAHA.110.207373
Sieveking, D. P., Lim, P., Chow, R. W. Y., Dunn, L. L., Bao, S., McGrath, K. C. Y., Heather, A. K., … Ng, M. K. C. (2010). A sex-specific role for androgens in angiogenesis. Journal of Experimental Medicine, 207(2), 345-352. doi: 10.1084/jem.20091924
McRobb, L., Handelsman, D. J., & Heather, A. K. (2009). Androgen-induced progression of arterial calcification in apolipoprotein E-null mice is uncoupled from plaque growth and lipid levels. Endocrinology, 150(2), 841-848. doi: 10.1210/en.2008-0760
McGrath, K. C. Y., Li, X. H., Puranik, R., Liong, E. C., Tan, J. T. M., Dy, V. M., … Heather, A. K. (2009). Role of 3β-hydroxysteroid-Δ24 reductase in mediating antiinflammatory effects of high-density lipoproteins in endothelial cells. Arteriosclerosis, Thrombosis, & Vascular Biology, 29(6), 877-882. doi: 10.1161/ATVBAHA.109.184663
Lind, J. M., Chiu, C., Ingles, J., Yeates, L., Humphries, S. E., Heather, A. K., & Semsarian, C. (2008). Sex hormone receptor gene variation associated with phenotype in male hypertrophic cardiomyopathy patients. Journal of Molecular & Cellular Cardiology, 45(2), 217-222. doi: 10.1016/j.yjmcc.2008.05.016
McGrath, K.-C. Y., McRobb, L. S., & Heather, A. K. (2008). Androgen therapy and atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease. Vascular Health & Risk Management, 4(1), 11-21. doi: 10.2147/vhrm.2008.04.01.11
McRobb, L., Handelsman, D. J., Kazlauskas, R., Wilkinson, S., McLeod, M. D., & Heather, A. K. (2008). Structure—activity relationships of synthetic progestins in a yeast-based in vitro androgen bioassay. Journal of Steroid Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, 110(1-2), 39-47. doi: 10.1016/j.jsbmb.2007.10.008
Handelsman, D. J., & Heather, A. (2008). Androgen abuse in sports. Asian Journal of Andrology, 10(3), 403-415. doi: 10.1111/j.1745-7262.2008.00406.x
Journal - Research Other
Ebenebe, O. V., Heather, A., & Erickson, J. R. (2018). CaMKII in vascular signalling: “Friend or foe”? Heart, Lung & Circulation, 27(5), 560-567. doi: 10.1016/j.hlc.2017.12.003
Denny, A. P., & Heather, A. K. (2017). Are antioxidants a potential therapy for FSHD? A review of the literature. Oxidative Medicine & Cellular Longevity, 7020295. doi: 10.1155/2017/7020295
McGrath, K. C. Y., & Heather, A. K. (2012). Endoplasmic reticulum stress in inflammatory disease. Endocrinology, 153(7), 2949-2952. doi: 10.1210/en.2012-1478
Conference Contribution - Published proceedings: Abstract
Knox, T., Anderson, L., & Heather, A. (2018). Fairness and inclusion: Is it time to replace the gender binary in elite sport? Proceedings of the Australasian Association of Bioethics and Health Law (AABHL) Conference. Retrieved from http://aabhlconference.com
Ebenebe, O., Heather, A., & Erickson, J. (2017). The role of CaMKII in atherosclerotic plaque calcification in the ApoE-null mouse. Heart, Lung & Circulation, 26(Suppl. 2), (pp. S65). doi: 10.1016/j.hlc.2017.06.051
Denny, A., & Heather, A. (2017). Is high density-lipoprotein-based therapy an option for the treatment of muscle damage in facioscapulohumeral muscular dystrophy? Proceedings of the University of Otago Student Research Symposium: Te Wānaka Rakahau: Ākoka. (pp. 17-18). Retrieved from http://www.otago.ac.nz/graduate-research/scholarships/otago643219.html
Heather, A., Ebenebe, O. V., & McRobb, L. S. (2016). Estradiol promotes atherosclerotic lesion calcification in aged, female mice. Endocrine Reviews, 37(2, Suppl.), FRI-657. Retrieved from http://press.endocrine.org/series/endo-meetings
Heather, A. K. (2014). Sex hormones, metabolic agents and inflammatory diseases. Proceedings of the Medical Sciences Congress (MedSci). (pp. 14). Retrieved from http://www.physoc.org.nz/meetings/archive/medsci-2014-abstracts
Cooper, E. R., Li, X., McGrath, K., & Heather, A. (2014). Steroidal extracts from nutritional sports supplements sold in Australia test positive for androgenic activity. Endocrine Reviews, 35(3, Suppl.), SUN-0413. Retrieved from http://press.endocrine.org/series/endo-meetings
McGrath, K. C. Y., Li, X., & Heather, A. K. (2014). Apolipoporotein A-I mimetic peptides improved insulin sensitivity in high fat diet fed mice. Obesity Research & Clinical Practice, 8(Suppl. 1), (pp. 64-65). doi: 10.1016/j.orcp.2014.10.119
Conference Contribution - Poster Presentation (not in published proceedings)
Worthington, L. P. I., Erickson, J. R., Jones, G. T., & Heather, A. K. (2017, September). CaMKII inhibition reduces foam cell lesion development in the brachiocephalic artery of apolipoprotein E-/- knockout mice. Poster session presented at the Medical Sciences Congress (MedSci), Queenstown, New Zealand.
Worthington, L. P., Erickson, J. R., & Heather, A. K. (2016, August-September). CaMKII mediates vascular smooth muscle cell activation central to the development of atherosclerosis. Poster session presented at the Queenstown Molecular Biology (QMB) Meetings, Nelson, New Zealand.
Ebenebe, O. V., Heather, A. K., & Erickson, J. R. (2016, August-September). 17β-Estradiol induced calcification and altered CaMKII expression in a mouse model of atherosclerosis. Poster session presented at the Queenstown Molecular Biology (QMB) Meetings, Nelson, New Zealand.
Denny, A., Erickson, J. R., Jones, P. P., & Heather, A. K. (2016, August-September). RyR2 leak and CaMKII post-translational modifications in the heart: Can this explain the altered Ca2+ handling in FSHD? Poster session presented at the Queenstown Molecular Biology (QMB) Meetings, Nelson, New Zealand.
Denny, A., Jones, P. P., Erickson, J. R., & Heather, A. K. (2016, August). Oxidised CaMKII: A novel mechanism in the pathophysiology of FSHD. Poster session presented at the Medical Sciences Congress (MedSci), Nelson, New Zealand.
Ebenebe, O. V., Heather, A. K., & Erickson, J. R. (2016, August). 17β-Estradiol induced calcification and alters CaMKII expression in a mouse model of atherosclerosis. Poster session presented at the Medical Sciences Congress (MedSci), Nelson, New Zealand.
Conference Contribution - Verbal presentation and other Conference outputs
Worthington, L. P., Erickson, J. R., & Heather, A. K. (2016, August). CaMKII activation in endothelial dysfunction. Verbal presentation at the Medical Sciences Congress (MedSci), Nelson, New Zealand.
Heather, A. K. (2016, August-September). Ischemic heart disease in women. Verbal presentation at the Queenstown Molecular Biology (QMB) Meetings, Nelson, New Zealand.
Heather, A. (2015, December). Designer steroids in sport. Verbal presentation at the Doping and the Culture of Sport Symposium, Dunedin, New Zealand.
Ebenebe, O. V., Heather, A. K., & Erickson, J. R. (2015, August-September). The role of CaMKII activation in atheroma formation in the ApoE-null mouse. Verbal presentation at the Medical Sciences Congress (MedSci), Queenstown, New Zealand.
Heather, A. (2014, August). Anti-diabetic effects of apolipoprotein mimetic peptides. Verbal presentation at the Queenstown Molecular Biology (QMB) Meetings, Queenstown, New Zealand.
