Peter Psaltis

Associate Professor Peter Psaltis

Grant-Funded Researcher (D)

Adelaide Medical School

Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences

Eligible to supervise Masters and PhD - email supervisor to discuss availability.


Associate Professor Peter James Psaltis - MBBS (Hons), PhD, FRACP, FCSANZ

Assoc. Prof. Peter Psaltis is an Academic Cardiologist and Vascular Biologist. He holds NHMRC Career Development and National Heart Foundation Future Leader Fellowships administered through the Adelaide Medical School. He is Leader of the Heart and Vascular Program, Co-director of the Vascular Research Centre, and Theme Leader within the Lifelong Health Theme at SAHMRI, as well as a consultant Interventional Cardiologist in the Central Adelaide Local Health Network.

He has unique expertise across all three disciplines of basic, translational and clinical research, and leads bench-to-bedside projects spanning topics of developmental, macrophage biology, vascular stem cells, inflammatory regulation of atherosclerosis, pharmacological modification of atherosclerosis and coronary plaque imaging.

Research Overview

Our group undertakes basic, translational, and clinical research on vascular and immune stem cells, macrophage and vascular biology, inflammatory regulators of atherosclerosis, pharmacological modulation of atherosclerosis, biomarkers of coronary artery disease and coronary plaque imaging. We use animal models, cell culture systems and human clinical specimens for research. We employ cutting-edge technologies such as single cell RNA sequencing, multi-coloured flow cytometry and mitochondrial metabolism assays for basic research and optical coherence tomography (OCT) for translational research. We have led and are contributing to multiple clinical trials for clinical research.

 

 

Projects available for Honours 2023 and 2024

Project 1

Title: Human EndoMac progenitor cells - Isolation and characterisation

Description: Blood vessel formation is essential for tissue development, growth, and repair. Macrophages and endothelial cells play interlinked roles in blood vessel formation. In adult tissues, these cell types are thought to originate independently of each other. We have discovered unique adult stem cells in mouse tissues termed Endothelial-Macrophage (EndoMac) progenitor cells that give rise to both macrophages and endothelial cells and contribute to blood vessel formation after tissue injury. We have found analogous cells in human tissues. This project aims to isolate, characterise, and investigate the properties of human EndoMac progenitor cells, for therapeutic manipulation.                    

 

Project 2

Title: Effect of high glucose on EndoMac progenitor cells

Description: Diabetes impairs wound healing and revascularisation of ischaemic tissue, as hyperglycemia affects blood vessel formation. We have found hyperglycemia to dampen the vasculogenic capacity of mouse EndoMac progenitor cells after tissue injury. This project will investigate the metabolic effects of high glucose on mouse EndoMac progenitor cells and their properties, for pharmacological intervention.   

 

Supervisors: Peter Psaltis, Shiwani Sharma, Sanuri Liyanage

Projects available for: Honours and Masters

Location: South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute, Level 6 South

Research projects start: Semester 1 and 2

  • Appointments

    Date Position Institution name
    2021 - ongoing Theme Leader, Lifelong Health South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute
    2021 - ongoing Program Lead, Heart and Vascular Health South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute
    2016 - 2020 Deputy Theme Leader, Heart Health Theme South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute
    2015 - ongoing Senior Research Fellow, Level C The University of Adelaide
    2015 - ongoing Co-Director, Vascular Research Centre South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute
    2015 - ongoing Consultant Cardiologist Adelaide Heart Clinic
    2015 - ongoing Clinical Academic and Consultant Interventional Cardiologist Central Adelaide Local Health Network
    2013 - 2014 Post-doctoral Research Fellow Monash University
    2013 - 2014 Interventional Cardiology Fellow Monash Health
    2010 - 2014 Post-doctoral Research Fellow University of Adelaide
    2010 - 2012 Senior Research Fellow Mayo Clinic, Rochester
    2009 - 2012 Post-doctoral Research/Senior Research Fellow Mayo Clinic
    2004 - 2014 Senior Lecturer University of Adelaide
  • Awards and Achievements

    Date Type Title Institution Name Country Amount
    2021 Award NHMRC Marshall and Warren Innovation Award, Most Innovative Ideas Grant for 2020 Round National Health and Medical Research Council Australia -
    2021 Award Best Cover Paper Journal of Clinical Medicine Australia -
    2016 Research Award Best Research Award, 5th International Congress on Lipid Metabolism and Atherosclerosis 5th International Congress on Lipid Metabolism and Atherosclerosis Korea, Republic of -
    2013 Recognition Top Ten Abstract Gordon Research Conference - Atherosclerosis, Stowe United States -
    2011 Award Early Career Investigator Award (Inaugural), American Heart Association Scientific Sessions Meeting, Orlando, FL, USA Arteriosclerosis Thrombosis and Vascular Biology Council United States -
    2011 Award Best Poster Presentation Award, Mayo Research Fellows’ Association Mayo Clinic United States -
    2011 Recognition Top Ten Abstract Gordon Research Conference - Atherosclerosis United States -
    2009 Award Nimmo Prize, Best Oral Research Presentation Royal Adelaide Hospital Australia -
    2009 Award Best mini-oral Presentation - Runner-up Award, Australasian Section, 33rd Annual Scientific Meeting International Society for Heart Research Australia -
    2009 Recognition Top 5% Abstract Ranking Cardiac Society of Australia and New Zealand Australia -
    2009 Award The Ross Wishart Memorial Award for the Best Young Investigator Australian Society of Medical Research Australia -
    2008 Award Best Poster Prize, Research Expo The University of Adelaide Australia -
    2007 Award Hugh Gilmore Prize, Best Oral Research Presentation Royal Adelaide Hospital Australia -
    2006 Scholarship First ranked application, National Heart Foundation Post-Graduate Scholarship National Heart Foundation Australia -
    2004 Teaching Award Outstanding Teaching and Service to Medical Students The University of Adelalaide Australia -
    2004 Award Best Registrar Award, Selected by Interns Royal Adelaide Hospital Australia -
    2003 Teaching Award Outstanding Teaching and Service to Medical Students The University of Adelaide Australia -
  • Education

    Date Institution name Country Title
    2016 Cardiac Society of Australia and New Zealand Australia Fellowship
    2010 University of Adelaide Australia Doctor of Philosophy
    2005 Royal Australasian College of Physicians Australia Fellowship (Cardiology and Internal Medicine)
    1999 University of Adelaide Australia Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery
  • Research Interests

2021-22 The Hospital Research Foundation Translational Grant (ID C-PJ-004_Transl-2020)

Peter James Psaltis (CIB)

Title: World’s smallest 3D-printed imaging catheter to identify patients at high risk for myocardial infarction and optimise treatments.

$70,000
2021-23 National Health and Medical Research Council of Australia, Ideas Grant (ID2001541)

Peter James Psaltis (CIA)

Title: Defining a new player in atherosclerosis: The role of Adventitial Haemangioblasts as an "outside-in" driver of plaque growth and stability.

** Winner of Marshall Warren Innovation Award.

$728004.50
2021-24 National Health and Medical Research Council of Australia, Ideas Grant (ID2001646)

Peter James Psaltis (Associate Investigator)

Title: Serial imaging of molecular and microstructural changes in atherosclerosis: tracking plaques towards destabilisation.

$992,112
2020-2021 National Heart Foundation of Australia, Vanguard Grant (ID102981)

Peter James Psaltis (CIA)

Title: What role do local stem cells play in atherosclerosis?

$140,000

2020-2022  National Health and Medical Research Council of Australia, Development Grant (ID1175142)

Peter James Psaltis (CIC)

Title: Bioinvisible stents – a new device coating to repair cardiovascular disease.

$671,960
2020-2024 National Health and Medical Research Council of Australia, Clinical Trials and Cohort Studies (ID1187193) 

Peter James Psaltis (CIJ)

Title: COLchicine CARDIovascular Outcomes in Acute Coronary Syndrome (COLCARDIO-ACS) Study.

$4,238,895.50
2020-2023 National Health and Medical Research Council of Australia, MRFF (ID1201375)

Peter James Psaltis (Associate Investigator)

Title:  Using Polygenic Risk Scores to Target Statin Therapy in Primary Prevention.

$1,400,000
2020-2023 National Health and Medical Research Council of Australia, Ideas Grant (ID1184571)

Peter James Psaltis (Associate Investigator)

Title: Novel nanoscale theranostic applications of porphysomes in atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease. 

$632,690
2020 South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute, seed funding.

Peter James Psaltis (CIB)

Title: Finding disease drivers for atherosclerosis: measurement of autophagic flux in a human cohort.

$30,000
2019-2022 National Health and Medical Research Council of Australia, Level 2 Career Development Fellowship (ID1161506) 

Peter James Psaltis (CIA)

Title: New approaches to target plaque inflammation in atherosclerosis.

$386,724
2019-2022 National Heart Foundation of Australia, Level 2 Future Leaders Fellowship (ID102056) 

Peter James Psaltis (CIA)

Title: New approaches to target plaque inflammation in atherosclerosis.

$200,000
2018-2020 National Health and Medical Research Council of Australia, Project Grant (ID1142794)

Peter James Psaltis (CIA)

Title: The novel role of Eukaryotic Elongation Factor 2 Kinase (eEF2K) in atherosclerosis.

$650,531
2018-2020 National Health and Medical Research Council of Australia, Project Grant (ID1140996)

Peter James Psaltis (CIC)

Title: Bone marrow macrophages: “Resident Evil” in the establishment and progression of multiple myeloma.

$570,585
2018-2020 National Health and Medical Research Council of Australia, Project Grant (ID1138917)

Peter James Psaltis (Associate Investigator)

Title: Role for zinc and ZIP2 in the action of nitric oxide and in vascular protection against cigarette smoke and cardiovascular disease. 

$685,940.60
2018 Sylvia and Charles Viertel Charitable Foundation Clinical Investigator Award (VIERCI2017016)

Peter James Psaltis (CIA)

Title: Colchicine for coronary plaque modification in acute coronary syndrome. 

$85,000
2018 Royal Australasian College of Physicians, Career Development Fellowship

Peter James Psaltis (CIA)

Title: A Novel Role for Adventital Macrophage Progenitor Cells (AMPCs) in providing a local source of macrophages in atherosclerosis. 

$100,000
2018 National Heart Foundation of Australia, Tom Simpson Trust Fund

Peter James Psaltis (CIA)

 

$16,500
2018 Foundation for Children. Project (ID 289)

Peter James Psaltis (CIC)

Title: Improving the long-term cardio-metabolic health of preterm infants through nutritional interventions: A role for omega-3 fatty acids?

$124,550
2017-2020 NHMRC Project Grant (ID 1127159)

Peter James Psaltis (CIA)

Title: A study of the plaque - modifying actions of colchicine in stable and unstable atherosclerosis: from mouse models to clinical imaging

$1,198,460
2017 National Heart Foundation of Australia, Vanguard Project Grant (ID 101370)

Peter James Psaltis (CIA)

Title: Colchicine for coronary plaque modification in acute coronary syndrome - A serial optical coherence tomography study

$75,000
2017 National Heart Foundation of Australia, Tom Simpson Trust Fund

Peter James Psaltis (CIA)

$9,150
2017 Abbott Vascular Pty Ltd, Research Grant Peter James Psaltis (CIA) $10,000
2016 5th International Congress on Lipid Metabolism and Atherosclerosis, Travel Grant Peter James Psaltis $1,500
2015-2017 NHMRC Project Grant (ID 1086796)

Peter James Psaltis (CIA)

Title: A study of the origins of macrophages in healthy and atherosclerotic vasculature focusing on a novel population of resident adventitial macrophage progenitor cells (AMPCs)

$451,125.50
2015-2018 National Heart Foundation of Australia, Future Leadership Fellowship (FLF100412)

Peter James Psaltis (CIA)

Title: Investigating the development of macrophages in atherosclerosis through a novel pathway of resident adventitial macrophage progenitor cells

$412,000.00
2014-2020 ARC Centre of Excellence

Peter James Psaltis (Associate Investigator)

Centre for Nanoscale Biophotonics

$23,000,000
2010-2014 NHMRC Post-doctoral Overseas Biomedical Fellowship (ID 0627055)

Peter James Psaltis (CIA)

Title: The myelopoietic potential of vascular adventitial progenitor cells (APCs) and their role in atherosclerosis

$369,519
2010 Royal Australasian College of Physicians, Marjorie Hooper Overseas Fellowship Peter James Psaltis $20,000
2006-2009 NHMRC (co-funded), Post-graduate Biomedical Scholarship

Peter James Psaltis

Title: A study of the properties of STRO-1 selected mesenchymal stem cells and their potential for cardiac repair

$110,385
  • Current Higher Degree by Research Supervision (University of Adelaide)

    Date Role Research Topic Program Degree Type Student Load Student Name
    2024 Principal Supervisor The role of coding and non-coding RNA in atherosclerotic plaque phenotype in diabetic vs non-diabetic patients with peripheral arterial disease Doctor of Philosophy Doctorate Part Time Dr Benjamin Thurston
    2024 Principal Supervisor The “Can Semaglutide or eMpAgliflozin Stabilise coronary atHerosclerosis after Acute Coronary Syndrome (SMASH-ACS)” study Master of Philosophy (Clinical Science) Master Full Time Miss Momina Ahmed Allahwala
    2023 Principal Supervisor New Predictive Factors that Drive Coronary Artery Disease Doctor of Philosophy Doctorate Full Time Miss Naomi Elizabeth Wattchow
    2023 Co-Supervisor The role of the asialoglycoprotein receptor-1 in immune cell regulation of atherosclerosis Doctor of Philosophy Doctorate Full Time Mr Demeke Geremew Debebe
    2023 Co-Supervisor Biomechanical Analysis of Diseased Coronary Arteries Doctor of Philosophy Doctorate Full Time Mr Yaofeng Ju
    2022 Principal Supervisor The Evaluation and Validation of Autophagy as a Novel Biomarker of Coronary Artery Disease Doctor of Philosophy Doctorate Part Time Dr Mau Tam Nguyen
    2021 Co-Supervisor Biomechanics for the prediction of Coronary Artery Disease Doctor of Philosophy Doctorate Full Time Ms Sophie Jean Heath
    2021 Principal Supervisor Population Based Studies of Stroke Incidence, Subtypes, Treatments and Outcomes in South Australia Doctor of Philosophy Doctorate Part Time Mr Joshua Mahadevan
    2020 Co-Supervisor Nonlinear biomechanics of aortic system Doctor of Philosophy Doctorate Full Time Ms Xiaochen Wang
    2019 Principal Supervisor Lipidomics in the Study of Atherosclerosis Doctor of Philosophy Doctorate Full Time Mr Jake White
  • Past Higher Degree by Research Supervision (University of Adelaide)

    Date Role Research Topic Program Degree Type Student Load Student Name
    2019 - 2023 Co-Supervisor Fluid-Structure Interaction for Heart Attack Prediction Doctor of Philosophy Doctorate Full Time Mr Harry James Carpenter
    2019 - 2023 Principal Supervisor Inhibitory and metabolic effects of diabetes on yolk sac-derived endothelial-macrophage progenitors in postnatal murine tissues Doctor of Philosophy Doctorate Full Time Ms Sanuri Rashmitha Liyanage
    2018 - 2022 Principal Supervisor Discovery and characterisation of yolk-sac derived Endothelial-Macrophage progenitor cells in postnatal murine tissues Doctor of Philosophy Doctorate Full Time Miss Anna Emilie Williamson
    2018 - 2019 Co-Supervisor Plaque Rupture Prediction in Human Arteries Doctor of Philosophy Doctorate Full Time Dr Alireza Gholipour
    2017 - 2020 Co-Supervisor Control of adipocyte differentiation and metabolism by mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK)-interacting kinases (MNKs) Doctor of Philosophy Doctorate Full Time Mr James Edward Merrett
    2017 - 2021 Co-Supervisor Macrophages, Myeloma, Mouse Models and Methodologies Doctor of Philosophy Doctorate Full Time Mrs Khatora Shanae Opperman
    2017 - 2021 Principal Supervisor Molecular Mediators of Macrophage Foam Cell Formation and Atherosclerosis and their Pharmacological Modification Doctor of Philosophy Doctorate Full Time Ms Sanuja Fernando
    2016 - 2022 Co-Supervisor OPTIMISATION OF SURGICAL TIMING IN RHEUMATIC MITRAL VALVE
    DISEASE
    Doctor of Philosophy Doctorate Full Time APrf Ross Roberts-Thomson
    2015 - 2020 Co-Supervisor Triglyceride Rich Lipoproteins and Apolipoprotein C-III in Atherosclerosis Doctor of Philosophy Doctorate Full Time Miss Wenru Pan
    2008 - 2011 Co-Supervisor The Effects of Omega-3 Fatty Acids in an Ovine Model of Anthracycline-induced Non-ischaemic Cardiomyopathy Master of Medical Science Master Full Time Mr Angelo Carbone
  • Board Memberships

    Date Role Board name Institution name Country
    2018 - ongoing Member Board South Australian Postgraduate Medical Education Association (SAPMEA) Australia
  • Committee Memberships

    Date Role Committee Institution Country
    2020 - ongoing Member Steering Committee NHMRC-funded COLCARDIO-ACS study Australia
    2020 - ongoing Member Steering Committee NHMRC-funded Da Vinci study Australia
    2020 - ongoing Member Scientific Committee Cardiac Society of Australia and New Zealand Australia
    2019 - ongoing Member Leadership Executive Committee, Lifelong Health Theme South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute (SAHMRI) Australia
    2018 - ongoing Member Executive Committee Australian Atherosclerosis Society Australia
    2017 - ongoing Member Clinical Council Australian Atherosclerosis Society Australia
    2017 - ongoing Member National Health and Medical Research Council of Australia, Grant Review Panel - -
    2016 - ongoing Member Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) Committee South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute (SAHMRI) Australia
    2016 - ongoing Member Research Executive Committee South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute (SAHMRI) Australia
    2016 - ongoing Member Acute Coronary Syndrome Task Force SA Health Australia
    2016 - ongoing Member Research Executive Committee South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute (SAHMRI) Australia
    2015 - ongoing Member Bioscience Pillar Committee Member South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute (SAHMRI) Australia
    2015 - 2016 Member Scientific Program Committee and Interventional Stream Leader, 64th Annual Scientific Meeting Cardiac Society of Australia and New Zealand Australia
  • Memberships

    Date Role Membership Country
    2016 - ongoing Member Cardiac Society of Australia and New Zealand (Fellow) Australia
    2016 - ongoing Member Acute Coronary Syndrome Task Force, SA Health Australia
    2015 - ongoing Member Australian Cardiovascular Alliance Australia
    2014 - ongoing Member International Society for Heart Research Australia
  • Editorial Boards

    Date Role Editorial Board Name Institution Country
    2015 - ongoing Associate Editor Heart, Lung and Circulation - -
    2011 - ongoing Board Member Journal of Geriatric Cardiology - -
  • Offices Held

    Date Office Name Institution Country
    2021 - ongoing Co-lead, Lifelong Health Theme South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute (SAHMRI) Australia
    2021 - ongoing Leader, Heart and Vascular Program South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute (SAHMRI) Australia
    2020 - ongoing President Australian Atherosclerosis Society Australia
    2019 - 2020 Scientific Program Chair, Annual Scientific Meeting Cardiac Society of Australia and New Zealand Australia
    2019 - ongoing Principal Site Investigator, NHMRC-funded CAUGHT-CAD study Royal Adelaide Hospital Australia
    2018 - ongoing Principal Site Investigator, NHMRC-funded CAUGHT-CAD study Royal Adelaide Hospital Australia
    2017 - ongoing Head of Optical Coherence Tomography Imaging Core Laboratory South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute (SAHMRI) Australia
    2016 - ongoing National Lead Investigator, CLEAR study ESPERION Therapeutics Australia
    2016 - 2020 Deputy Leader, Heart Heath Theme South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute (SAHMRI) Australia
    2015 - ongoing Co-director, Vascular Research Centre, Heart Health Theme South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute -
    2015 - 2017 Site Investigator, CARAT study Royal Adelaide Hospital Australia
  • Position: Grant-Funded Researcher (D)
  • Phone: 82222473
  • Email: peter.psaltis@adelaide.edu.au
  • Fax: 82222722
  • Campus: North Terrace
  • Building: SAHMRI, floor 5
  • Org Unit: Medical Specialties

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