Dr. Pelin Cengiz

Biography

Pelin Cengiz, MD, is a Professor in the Department of Pediatrics at the University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health. Her research is centered on finding novel therapies for neonatal encephalopathy that follows hypoxia ischemia (HI). Utilizing an experimental Vannucci-Rice mouse model of hypoxia ischemia, Dr. Cengiz examines the sexually differentiated roles of neurotrophin signaling in the neonatal hippocampus following HI. A key focus of her work is the neurotrophin receptor, tyrosine kinase B (TrkB), which is crucial for neuroprotection and enhances long-term functional recovery from cerebral ischemia by promoting neuronal survival. Her findings have shown that the administration of 7,8-dihydroxyflavone (7,8-DHF), a selective TrkB agonist, increases TrkB phosphorylation and promotes neuronal survival in both female and male newborn mice. Notably, the female-specific response to TrkB agonist therapy mirrors improved clinical outcomes observed in female newborns post-HI. Dr. Cengiz's ongoing studies delve into the cellular mechanisms behind these female-specific responses, aiming to uncover new therapeutics for neonates and children affected by brain injury.

Research Interests