Dr. Zsuzsanna Zsengeller | BIDMC/ Nephrology | United States
Dr. Zsuzsanna Kinga Zsengeller is a physician–scientist holding both M.D. and Ph.D. degrees. She currently serves as Assistant Professor of Medicine at Harvard Medical School and Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, focused on nephrology and mitochondrial research. Her background includes postdoctoral research in pulmonary biology and respiratory diseases, followed by faculty and staff roles at Harvard and BIDMC. Her dual commitment to clinical (medicine) and science (research) highlights her as an innovator dedicated to advancing translational medicine.
Profile
Orcid
Education & Training
Dr. Zsengeller obtained her M.D. and subsequently her Ph.D. in Medical Science from Albert Szent-Györgyi Medical University in Szeged, Hungary, emphasizing microbiology. She completed advanced research training at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital and Boston Children’s Hospital, placing her at the intersection of pulmonary and respiratory scientific exploration. This robust training provided both clinical knowledge and technical skill, forming the foundation for her later work in mitochondrial dysfunction and redox biology research.
Experience
Dr. Zsengeller professional journey includes academic appointments at Harvard Medical School, ascending from Instructor in Pediatrics and Medicine to Assistant Professor of Medicine. She held a staff scientist role at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center and served as a senior scientist and consultant in pharmaceutical and biotech organizations. These roles reflect her aptitude for bridging academic research with industry applications, consummating in a track record of translational collaboration and leadership in therapeutic discovery.
Research Interests
Dr. Zsengeller’s research investigates mitochondrial mechanisms, redox imbalance, and oxidative stress, particularly in preeclampsia and APOL1-related kidney disease. Her projects include the development of mitochondrial-targeted antioxidants and dual-function nitric oxide donors to counter oxidative pathology. Her interest in placental biology and trophoblast physiology underscores her commitment to improving maternal and fetal outcomes through novel therapeutic strategies grounded in mechanistic understanding.
Awards & Recognition
Dr. Zsengeller work has been supported by prestigious funding programs, including institutional, federal, and foundation grants focused on maternal health and mitochondrial innovation. As a mentor, she has guided trainees to earn distinguished awards such as trainee science prizes and scholarships, reflecting her dedication to developing new scientific talent. Her portfolio demonstrates both peer recognition and success in advancing research through team-based and individual accomplishments.
Selected Publications
Title: Mitigating Oxidative Stress and Anti-Angiogenic State in an In Vitro Model of Preeclampsia by HY-12, an Organofluorine Hydrazone Antioxidant
Journal: Current Issues in Molecular Biology
Authors: Zsuzsanna K. Zsengellér; Maxim Mastyugin; Adrianna R. Fusco; Bernadett Vlocskó; Maximilian Costa; Coryn Ferguson; Diana Pintye; Réka Eszter Sziva; Saira Salahuddin; Brett C. Young, et al.
Title: A Novel Dual-Function Nitric Oxide Donor Therapy for Preeclampsia—A Proof-of-Principle Study in a Murine Model
Journal: Antioxidants
Authors: Diana Pintye; Réka E. Sziva; Lauren A. Biwer; Esilida Sula Karreci; Sonako Jacas; Maxim Mastyugin; Marianna Török; Brett C. Young; Prakash Jagtap; Garry J. Southan; Zsuzsanna K. Zsengellér, et al.
Title: A Novel Dual-Function Redox Modulator Relieves Oxidative Stress and Anti-Angiogenic Response in Placental Villus Explant Exposed to Hypoxia—Relevance for Preeclampsia Therapy
Journal: Biology
Authors: Diana Pintye; Réka E. Sziva; Maxim Mastyugin; Brett C. Young; Sonako Jacas; Marianna Török; Saira Salahuddin; Prakash Jagtap; Garry J. Southan; Zsuzsanna K. Zsengellér.
Title: Nitroxide—HMP—Protects Human Trophoblast HTR-8/SVneo Cells from H2O2-Induced Oxidative Stress by Reducing the HIF1A Signaling Pathway
Journal: Antioxidants
Authors: Diana Pintye; Réka Eszter Sziva; Maxim Mastyugin; Marianna Török; Sonako Jacas; Agnes Lo; Saira Salahuddin; Zsuzsanna K. Zsengellér.
Title: PGC1α Drives NAD Biosynthesis Linking Oxidative Metabolism to Renal Protection
Journal: Nature
Authors: Tran MT; Zsengeller ZK; Berg AH; Khankin EV; Bhasin MK; Kim W; Clish CB; Stillman IE; Karumanchi SA; Rhee EP.
Conclusion
Dr. Zsuzsanna Kinga Zsengeller represents an exceptional scholar whose integrated clinical and scientific expertise fuels her translational research pursuits. Her leadership in mitochondrial and oxidative stress research, along with her success as a mentor, positions her as an outstanding candidate for recognition. Her trajectory reflects enduring promise for advancing science and training the next generation of biomedical innovators.