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A/Prof. Kirsten Howlett

STAFF PROFILE

Position

Associate Professor

Faculty

Faculty of Health

Department

School of Exer & Nutr Sciences

Campus

Geelong Waurn Ponds Campus

Qualifications

Graduate Certificate of Higher Education, Deakin University, 2013
Doctor of Philosophy, University of Melbourne, 1998
Bachelor of Science, University of Melbourne, 1994

Contact

Research interests

Dr Howletts research program is focused on understanding the metabolic and cellular mechanisms that underpin the beneficial effects of exercise, and the detrimental impact of obesity and physical inactivity in the development of metabolic diseases. This research provides greater insight into the maintenance of good health and well-being, and prevention and treatment of diseases such as insulin resistance, type 2 diabetes, and cardiovascular disease.

Affiliations

Australian Physiological Society

Teaching interests

Course Director, Bachelor of Exercise and Sport Science (H343) 

Exercise Physiology and Metabolism, Human Physiology

Supervisors and co-supervisors honours and PhD students
 

Professional activities

Exercise and Sport Science Australia (ESSA) National Academic Course Accreditation Reviewer

Awards

2021 Deakin University Vice-Chancellor’s Award for Outstanding Contribution to Education and Employability.

2000 Fulbright Post-doctoral Award

The Queens Trust Award for Young Australians
 

Publications

Filter by

2024

Amyloid beta 42 alters cardiac metabolism and impairs cardiac function in male mice with obesity

L Hall, J Czeczor, T Connor, J Botella, K De Jong, M Renton, A Genders, K Venardos, S Martin, S Bond, K Aston-Mourney, K Howlett, J Campbell, G Collier, K Walder, M McKenzie, M Ziemann, S McGee

(2024), Vol. 15, pp. 1-13, Nature Communications, London, Eng., C1

journal article
2023

Intramuscular lipid utilization during exercise: a systematic review, meta-analysis, and meta-regression

J Stokie, G Abbott, K Howlett, D Hamilton, C Shaw

(2023), Vol. 134, pp. 581-592, Journal of Applied Physiology, Bethesda, Md., C1

journal article
2022

Muscle fiber type-specific autophagy responses following an overnight fast and mixed meal ingestion in human skeletal muscle

M Morales-Scholz, S Wette, J Stokie, B Tepper, C Swinton, D Hamilton, K Dwyer, R Murphy, K Howlett, C Shaw

(2022), Vol. 323, pp. E242-E253, American Journal of Physiology - Endocrinology and Metabolism, United States, C1

journal article
2021

The role of protein kinase D (PKD) in intracellular nutrient sensing and regulation of adaptive responses to the obese environment

M Renton, S McGee, K Howlett

(2021), Vol. 22, Obesity Reviews, England, C1

journal article

Autophagy is not involved in lipid accumulation and the development of insulin resistance in skeletal muscle

María Morales-Scholz, Courtney Swinton, Robyn Murphy, Greg Kowalski, Clinton Bruce, Kirsten Howlett, Christopher Shaw

(2021), Vol. 534, pp. 533-539, Biochemical and Biophysical Research Communications, Amsterdam, The Netherlands, C1

journal article

Translating glucose tolerance data from mice to humans: Insights from stable isotope labelled glucose tolerance tests

C Bruce, S Hamley, T Ang, K Howlett, C Shaw, G Kowalski

(2021), Vol. 53, Molecular Metabolism, Germany, C1

journal article
2020

Impact of exercise training status on the fiber type-specific abundance of proteins regulating intramuscular lipid metabolism

C Shaw, C Swinton, M Morales-Scholz, N McRae, T Erftemeyer, A Aldous, R Murphy, K Howlett

(2020), Vol. 128, pp. 379-389, Journal of applied physiology, Rockville, Md., C1

journal article

Mapping the associations of the plasma lipidome with insulin resistance and response to an oral glucose tolerance test

H Beyene, S Hamley, C Giles, K Huynh, A Smith, M Cinel, N Mellet, M Morales-Scholz, D Kloosterman, K Howlett, G Kowalski, C Shaw, D Magliano, C Bruce, P Meikle

(2020), Vol. 105, pp. E1041-E1055, Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism, United States, C1

journal article

Genetic reduction of the extracellular matrix protein versican attenuates inflammatory cell infiltration and improves contractile function in dystrophic mdx diaphragm muscles

N McRae, A Addinsall, K Howlett, B McNeill, D McCulloch, N Stupka

(2020), Vol. 10, Scientific Reports, England, C1

journal article

Reducing hepatic PKD activity lowers circulating VLDL cholesterol

Amanda Genders, Timothy Connor, Shona Morrison, Simon Bond, Brian Drew, Peter Meikle, Kirsten Howlett, Sean Mcgee

(2020), Vol. 246, pp. 265-276, Journal of Endocrinology, Bristol, Eng., C1

journal article

Loss of protein kinase D activity demonstrates redundancy in cardiac glucose metabolism and preserves cardiac function in obesity

K De Jong, L Hall, M Renton, T Connor, S Martin, G Kowalski, C Shaw, C Bruce, K Howlett, S McGee

(2020), Vol. 42, Molecular Metabolism, Germany, C1

journal article
2019

Mechanisms of hyperinsulinaemia in apparently healthy non-obese young adults: role of insulin secretion, clearance and action and associations with plasma amino acids

S Hamley, D Kloosterman, T Duthie, C Dalla Man, R Visentin, S Mason, T Ang, A Selathurai, G Kaur, M Morales-Scholz, K Howlett, G Kowalski, C Shaw, C Bruce

(2019), Vol. 62, pp. 2310-2324, Diabetologia, Berlin, Germany, C1

journal article
2017

Lysine post-translational modification of glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase regulates hepatic and systemic metabolism

S Bond, K Howlett, G Kowalski, S Mason, T Connor, A Cooper, V Streltsov, C Bruce, K Walder, S McGee

(2017), Vol. 31, pp. 2592-2602, FASEB journal, Bethesda, Md., C1

journal article
2016

Epigenetic regulation of skeletal muscle metabolism

K Howlett, S McGee

(2016), Vol. 130, pp. 1051-1063, Clinical Science, England, C1

journal article

Plasma 25-hydroxyvitamin D is related to protein signaling involved in glucose homeostasis in a tissue-specific manner

L Parker, I Levinger, A Mousa, K Howlett, B De Courten

(2016), Vol. 8, Nutrients, Switzerland, C1

journal article
2015

Metabolic remodelling in obesity and type 2 diabetes: pathological or protective mechanisms in response to nutrient excess?

T Connor, S Martin, K Howlett, S McGee

(2015), Vol. 42, pp. 109-115, Clinical and Experimental Pharmacology and Physiology, England, London, C1

journal article
2013

Exercise-induced muscle glucose uptake in mice with graded, muscle-specific GLUT-4 deletion

K Howlett, S Andrikopoulos, J Proietto, M Hargreaves

(2013), Vol. 1, pp. 1-7, Physiological reports, Chichester, England, C1

journal article
2010

Akt, AS160, metabolic risk factors and aerobic fitness in middle-aged women

I Levinger, K Howlett, J Peake, A Garnham, D Hare, G Jerums, S Selig, C Goodman

(2010), Vol. 16, pp. 98-104, Exercise immunology review, Champaign, Ill., C1-1

journal article
2009

Brief intense interval exercise activates AMPK and p38 MAPK signaling and increases the expression of PGC-1α in human skeletal muscle

M Gibala, S McGee, A Garnham, K Howlett, R Snow, M Hargreaves

(2009), Vol. 106, pp. 929-934, Journal of applied physiology, Bethesda, Md., C1

journal article
2008

The effect of exercise and insulin on AS160 phosphorylation and 14-3-3 binding capacity in human skeletal muscle

K Howlett, A Matthews, A Garnham, K Sakamoto

(2008), Vol. 294, pp. 401-407, American journal of physiology: endocrinology and metabolism, Bethesda, Md., C1

journal article

AMP-activated protein kinase regulates GLUT4 transcription by phosphorylating histone deacetylase 5

S McGee, B van Denderen, K Howlett, J Mollica, J Schertzer, B Kemp, M Hargreaves

(2008), Vol. 57, pp. 860-867, Diabetes, Alexandria, Va., C1-1

journal article

Effect of high-intensity intermittent swimming on post-exercise insulin sensitivity in rat epitrochlearis muscle

K Koshinaka, A Sano, K Howlett, T Yamazaki, M Sasaki, K Sakamoto, K Kawanaka

(2008), Vol. 57, pp. 749-756, Metabolism, Maryland Heights, Mo., C1-1

journal article
2007

Increased insulin-stimulated Akt pSer473 and cytosolic SHP2 protein abundance in human skeletal muscle following acute exercise and short-term training.

G Wadley, N Konstantopoulos, L Macaulay, K Howlett, A Garnham, M Hargreaves, D Cameron-Smith

(2007), Vol. 102, pp. 1624-1631, Journal of applied physiology, Washington, D.C., C1-1

journal article

Resistance exercise and insulin regulate AS160 and interaction with 14-3-3 in human skeletal muscle

K Howlett, K Sakamoto, A Garnham, D Cameron-Smith, M Hargreaves

(2007), Vol. 56, pp. 1608-1614, Diabetes, New York, N.Y., C1

journal article
2006

Insulin-stimulated insulin recetor substrate-2-associated phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase activity is enhanced in human skeletal muscle after exercise.

K Howlett, K Sakamoto, H Yu, L Goodyear, M Hargreaves

(2006), Vol. 55, pp. 1046-1052, Metabolism, Amsterdam, The Netherlands, C1

journal article

Exercise does not alter subcellular localization, but increases phosphorylation of insulin-signaling proteins in human skeletal muscle

C Wilson, M Hargreaves, K Howlett

(2006), Vol. 290, pp. 341-346, American journal of physiology: endocrinology and metabolism, Bethesda, Md., C1

journal article
2004

The effect of insulin and exercise on c-Cbl protein abundance and phosphorylation in insulin-resistant skeletal muscle in lean and obese Zucker rats.

G Wadley, C Bruce, N Konstantopoulos, J Macauley, K Howlett, J Hawley, D Cameron-Smith

(2004), Vol. 47, pp. 412-419, Diabetologia, Berlin, Germany, C1

journal article
2003

Exercise increases nuclear AMPK α2 in human skeletal muscle

S McGee, K Howlett, R Starkie, D Cameron-Smith, B Kemp, M Hargreaves

(2003), Vol. 52, pp. 926-928, Diabetes, Alexandria, Va., C1

journal article

Regulation of glucose kinetics during intense exercise in humans: effects of α- and β-adrenergic blockade

K Howlett, M Watt, M Hargreaves, M Febbraio

(2003), Vol. 52, pp. 1615-1620, Metabolism, clinical and experimental, Philadelphia, Pa., C1

journal article

Peripheral insulin resistance develops in transgenic rats overexpressing phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase in the kidney

B Lamont, S Andrikopoulos, A Funkat, J Favaloro, J Ye, E Kraegen, K Howlett, J Zajac, J Proietto

(2003), Vol. 46, pp. 1338-1347, Diabetologia, New York, N.Y., C1

journal article
2002

Insulin signaling after exercise in insulin receptor substrate-2-deficient mice

K Howlett, K Sakamoto, M Hirschman, W Aschenbach, M Dow, M White, L Goodyear

(2002), Vol. 51, pp. 479-483, Diabetes, New York, N.Y., C1-1

journal article

Effect of AICAR treatment on gycogen metabolism in skeletal muscle

W Aschenbach, M Hirschman, N Fujii, K Sakamoto, K Howlett, L Goodyear

(2002), Vol. 51, pp. 567-573, Diabetes, New York, N.Y., C1-1

journal article
2001

Effect of prior exercise on glucose metabolism in trained men.

A Rose, K Howlett, D King, M Hargreaves

(2001), Vol. 281, American journal of physiology : endocrinology and metabolism, Bethesada, Md., C1

journal article

Adrenaline increases skeletal muscle glycogenolysis, pyruvate dehydrogenase activation and carbohydrate oxidation during moderate exercise in humans

M Watt, K Howlett, M Febbraio, L Spriet, M Hargreaves

(2001), Vol. 534, pp. 269-278, Journal of physiology, Cambrigde, England, C1

journal article

Carbohydrate metabolism during exercise in females : effect of reduced fat availability

K Howlett, L Spriet, M Hargreaves

(2001), Vol. 50, pp. 481-487, Metabolism, clinical and experimental, Duluth, Minn., C1

journal article

Splanchnic blood flow and hepatic glucose production in exercising humans : role of renin-angiotensin system

R Bergeron, M Kjaer, L Simonsen, J Bulow, D Skovgaard, K Howlett, H Galbo

(2001), Vol. 281, pp. 1854-1861, American journal of physiology. Regulatory, integrative, and comparative physiology, Bethesda, Md., C1-1

journal article

Splanchnic blood flow and hepatic glucose production in exercising humans: Role of renin-angiotensin system

R Bergeron, M Kjar, L Simonsen, J Low, D Skovgaard, K Howlett, H Galbo

(2001), Vol. 281, pp. R1854-R1861, American Journal of Physiology - Regulatory Integrative and Comparative Physiology, United States, C1-1

journal article

Effect of prior exercise on glucose metabolism in trained men

A Rose, K Howlett, D King, M Hargreaves

(2001), Vol. 281, American Journal of Physiology - Endocrinology and Metabolism, C1-1

journal article
2000

Adrenaline and glycogenolysis in skeletal muscle during exercise : a study in adrenalectomised humans

M Kjær, K Howlett, J Langfort, T Zimmerman-Belsing, J Lorentsen, J B‡ülow, J Ihlemann, U Feldt-Rasmussen, H Galbo

(2000), Vol. 528, pp. 371-378, Journal of physiology, Oxford, England, C1-1

journal article
1999

Glucose production during strenuous exercise in humans : role of epinephrine

K Howlett, M Febbraio, M Hargreaves

(1999), Vol. 276, American journal of physiology, Bethesda, Md., C1-1

journal article

Effect of adrenaline on glucose kinetics during exercise in adrenalectomised humans

K Howlett, H Galbo, J Lorentsen, R Bergeron, T Zimmerman-Belsing, J Bulow, U Feldt-Rasmussen, M Kjaer

(1999), Vol. 519, pp. 911-921, Journal of physiology, Oxford, England, C1-1

journal article

Glucose production during strenuous exercise in humans: role of epinephrine

Kirsten Howlett, Mark Febbraio, Mark Hargreaves

(1999), Vol. 276, pp. E1130-E1135, American Journal of Physiology - Endocrinology and Metabolism, Rockville, Md., C1

journal article
1998

Effect of increased blood glucose availability on glucose kinetics during exercise

K Howlett, D Angus, J Proietto, M Hargreaves

(1998), Vol. 84, pp. 1413-1417, Journal of applied physiology, Bethesda, Md., C1-1

journal article
1996

Effect of heat stress on glucose kinetics during exercise

M Hargreaves, D Angus, K Howlett, N Marmy Conus, M Febbraio

(1996), Vol. 81, pp. 1594-1597, Journal of applied physiology, Bethesda, Md., C1-1

journal article

Funded Projects at Deakin

Australian Competitive Grants

Intracellular localisation of insulin signalling proteins in human skeletal muscle following exercise

A/Prof Kirsten Howlett, Prof Mark Hargreaves

ARC - Discovery Projects

  • 2006: $58,561

A novel mechanism by which AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) may improve insulin action

A/Prof Kirsten Howlett

DART Grant - Research - Diabetes Australia - Victoria (Research Trust)

  • 2007: $24,900
  • 2006: $24,900

Fasting hyperinsulinemia remodels adipose tissue metabolism to drive obesity and insulin resistance

A/Prof Chris Shaw, Prof Clinton Bruce, A/Prof Kirsten Howlett, Prof Sean Mcgee, Dr Greg Kowalski

Diabetes Australia Research Program Grant

  • 2021: $59,895

Deciphering the mechanisms of prostprandial glucose disposal

A/Prof Chris Shaw, Prof Clinton Bruce, Dr Greg Kowalski, A/Prof Kirsten Howlett

Diabetes Australia Research Program Grant

  • 2022: $69,911

Supervisions

Principal Supervisor
2023

Mark Renton

Thesis entitled: The role of protein kinase D in obesity

Doctor of Philosophy (Nutrition & Exercise) (High Cost), School of Exercise and Nutrition Sciences

2022

Bianca Tepper

Thesis entitled: Extracellular Matrix Remodelling: Role in Insulin Resistance and Exercise Adaptations

Doctor of Philosophy (Nutrition & Exercise) (High Cost), School of Exercise and Nutrition Sciences

Associate Supervisor
2021

Liam Hall

Thesis entitled: The Role of Amyloid Beta 42 in Obese Cardiomyopathy

Doctor of Philosophy (Medicine), School of Medicine

2020

Maria Gabriela Morales Scholz

Thesis entitled: The impact of metabolic disease, feeding and exercise training on autophagy

Doctor of Philosophy (Nutrition & Exercise) (High Cost), School of Exercise and Nutrition Sciences

2018

Kirstie Anne De Jong

Thesis entitled: Characterisation of the Obese and T2D Heart - Protein Kinase D, a Possible Therapeutic Target

Doctor of Philosophy (Medicine), School of Medicine

2016

Simon Bond

Thesis entitled: The Role of Glyceraldehyde-3-Phosphate Dehydrogenase Acetylation in Liver Metabolism

Doctor of Philosophy (Medicine), School of Medicine