Karin Przyklenk

Dr. Karin Przyklenk is Professor of Pediatric Science at the CMU College of Medicine and serves as Director of Scientific Research for the University Pediatricians Clinical Research Institute. She holds the Carman and Ann Adams Endowed Chair in Pediatric Research and serves as Editor-in-Chief of the Journal of Cardiovascular Pharmacology & Therapeutics. With over 30 years of experience, Dr. Przyklenk has established herself as a leading researcher in cardiovascular science, particularly in the area of ischemia-reperfusion injury.

Dr. Przyklenk's research focuses on the cellular and molecular mechanisms of ischemia-reperfusion injury in heart and brain. Her work investigates how aging and diabetes affect these processes and aims to develop novel strategies to limit damage caused by ischemia-reperfusion. She has made significant contributions to understanding mitochondrial quality control, cellular signaling pathways, and cardioprotective mechanisms. Her recent publications highlight ongoing work in mitochondrial dynamics, novel therapeutic approaches using near-infrared light, and the effects of parathyroid hormone-related peptide on myocardial injury.

Her publication record demonstrates consistent productivity with numerous high-impact papers in journals such as Scientific Reports, Cells, and the Journal of Cardiovascular Pharmacology & Therapeutics. The research themes across her recent publications show a strong focus on translational approaches to cardioprotection, with particular attention to mitochondrial mechanisms and the challenges posed by comorbid conditions like diabetes.

• Carman and Ann Adams Endowed Chair in Pediatric Research
• Editor-in-Chief of the Journal of Cardiovascular Pharmacology & Therapeutics
• Participant on NIH study sections and review panels
• Participant on European Research Council review panels
• Member of multiple editorial boards

Dr. Przyklenk is deeply committed to mentorship, having guided junior faculty, fellows, residents, and trainees throughout her career. Her leadership as Director of Scientific Research demonstrates her ability to build productive transdisciplinary research teams. Her work bridges basic science and clinical applications, with the ultimate goal of improving outcomes for patients suffering from cardiac and neurological conditions related to ischemia-reperfusion injury.