Daria V Lizneva, MD, PhD

Dr. Daria V. Lizneva, MD, PhD, is an Associate Professor at the Center for Translational Medicine and Pharmacology at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai. Dr. Lizneva directs the Reproductive Biology Group within the Center. She is a clinician-scientist specializing in reproductive endocrinology, with a focus on understanding the phenotypes of disorders related to altered luteinizing hormone (LH) secretion, such as polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), across diverse age and ethnic groups. Dr. Lizneva also engages in translational research on the non-traditional actions of LH and oxytocin.

Her research crosses international borders, bringing valuable insights into women's health on a global scale. Over the years, Dr. Lizneva has built a substantial research portfolio featuring investigations into the complex epidemiology and pathophysiology of PCOS across various age groups, ethnic backgrounds, and referral types—from clinical settings to general populations. Her approach utilizes epidemiological data, systematic reviews, and meta-analysis techniques.

Beyond her contributions to PCOS research, Dr. Lizneva has expanded her scope to explore the broader physiological implications of gonadotropin hormones. She has increasingly focused on the non-traditional roles of these hormones, particularly LH, and their effects on adipose tissue, neurocognition, and mood. This innovative work includes groundbreaking discoveries related to the action of the luteinizing hormone/chorionic gonadotropin receptor (LHCGR) in adipocytes, highlighting its potential as a therapeutic target for obesity. Her recent findings demonstrate that ORG43553, a small-molecule agonist for the LHCGR, can effectively prevent diet-induced obesity in wild-type mice while enhancing energy expenditure and oxygen consumption rates. She has filed for a U.S. patent for a method of treating obesity with an LHCGR agonist, underscoring her role at the forefront of translational medicine.

In addition to her research, Dr. Lizneva is a committed educator and mentor. She has guided many postdoctoral fellows, clinical fellows, medical students, and graduate students toward successful careers in biomedicine. Dr. Lizneva's contributions to medical science continually push the boundaries of knowledge and treatment strategies for complex endocrine disorders related to reproductive biology.