Dr Claudia Christowitz
About me
Dr Claudia Christowitz is a Postdoctoral Research Fellow in the Department of Physiological Sciences at Stellenbosch University. Her research focuses on cancer biology, functional genomics, immunology and vascular pathology, with a particular interest in advancing precision medicine. Her doctoral research investigated the functional impact of a rare germline TP53β variant identified in breast cancer patients. Additionally, she developed a functional genomics pipeline to improve variant interpretation and the clinical utility of whole-exome and genome sequencing in South Africa. Her current research investigates endothelial dysfunction, immune dysregulation and fibrinaloid microclots in Long COVID. She is passionate about translating scientific discoveries into improved patient care and strengthening the impact of biomedical research in South Africa.
Dr Claudia Christowitz is a South African Postdoctoral Research Fellow in the Department of Physiological Sciences at Stellenbosch University. She holds a PhD in Physiological Sciences, an MPhil in Cancer Science, a BSc Honors in Physiological Sciences, and a BSc Human Life Sciences with Psychology degrees.
Her research focuses on cancer biology, functional genomics, immunology, and haematology. During her doctoral research, she investigated the functional effects of a rare germline TP53β N340D variant identified in a South African family with multiple cancers and the Li-Fraumeni-like syndrome. Her work contributed to the integration of functional genomics into South Africa’s pathology-supported genetic testing framework, helping address the challenge of interpreting variants of uncertain significance. In 2023, she participated in the prestigious Lindau Nobel Laureate Meeting in Physiology or Medicine in Germany, which provided her an opportunity to engage with leading scientists and Nobel Laureates from around the world.
In her current postdoctoral research, Claudia investigates endothelial dysfunction, immune dysregulation and fibrinaloid microclots in Long COVID. In 2026, she participated in the TWAS–DFG Cooperation Visits Programme at Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Germany, where she contributed to research on endothelial dysfunction and fibrinaloid microclot complexes in post-COVID ME/CFS.
Her research contributions are reflected in various peer-reviewed publications, conference presentations and scientific communication initiatives. Beyond her laboratory research, Claudia is involved in postgraduate co-supervision and lecturing. Additionally, she completed an DST-NRF Internship Programme at Stellenbosch University, and developed strong statistical analysis skills through her role as a Biostatistics Teaching Assistant at the African Cancer Institute.
Degrees:
Van Niekerk, G., Christowitz, C., Conradie, D., Engelbrecht, A-M. 2020. Insulin as an immunomodulatory hormone. Cytokine & Growth Factor Reviews. DOI: 10.1016/j.cytogfr.2019.11.006
Van Niekerk, G., Christowitz, C., Engelbrecht, A-M. 2021. Insulinmediated immune dysfunction in the development of preeclampsia. Journal of Molecular Medicine. DOI: 10.1007/s00109-021-02068-0
Sedeman, M., Christowitz, C., De Jager, L., Engelbrecht, A-M. 2022. Obese mammary tumour-bearing mice are highly sensitive to doxorubicin-induced hepatotoxicity. BMC Cancer. DOI: 10.1186/s12885-022-10189-z
Olivier, D.W., Christowitz, C., Van der Merwe, N., Glanzmann, B., McGregor, N.W., Van Rensburg, E.J., Oosthuizen, J., Van der Merwe, N.C., Kotze, M.J., Pienaar, F.M., Engelbrecht, A-M. 2023. P142 Functional impact of a rare germline TP53 variant (NM_001126114.2, c.1018A>G, p.N340D) in a family with the Li-Fraumeni-like syndrome. The Breast. DOI: 10.1016/S0960-9776(23)00259-X
Christowitz, C., Olivier, D.W., Schneider, J.W., Kotze, M.J., Engelbrecht, A-M. 2024. Incorporating functional genomics into the pathology-supported genetic testing framework implemented in South Africa: A future view of precision medicine for breast carcinomas. Mutation Research - Reviews in Mutation Research. DOI: 10.1016/j.mrrev.2024.108492
Fourie, L., Christowitz, C., Eksteen, C., Van der Merwe, H., Botha, H., Venter, C., Engelbrecht, A-M. 2024. Inflammation and thrombotic risk in late-stage cervical cancer: An exploratory study of coagulation and cytokine profiles in a South African cohort. Cytokine. DOI: 10.1016/j.cyto.2024.156782
Christowitz, C. 2025. Genetic tests for cancer can give uncertain results: new science is making the picture clearer to guide treatment. The Conversation: Africa. DOI: 10.64628/AAJ.h5j5djyms
Christowitz, C., Olivier, D.W., Van der Merwe, N., Kotze, M.J., Engelbrecht, A-M. 2026. First Functional Evidence That a Rare Germline TP53β Variant Drives Senescence-Associated Immune Suppression and Impairs Apoptosis and Cell Migration in Breast Cancer Patients. Translational Oncology. DOI:
10.1016/j.tranon.2025.102616
Christowitz, C., Nunes, M., Venter, C., Fielding, B.C., Pretorius, E. 2026. Long COVID Plasma Induces Endothelial Injury and Reduces Syndecan-1 and von Willebrand Factor Levels in Human Umbilical Vein Endothelial Cells. Preprint. DOI: 10.21203/rs.3.rs-9307073/v1