Scott Alan Peslak, MD, PhD
Assistant Professor of Medicine (Hematology-Oncology)
Department: Medicine
Graduate Group Affiliations
Contact information
University of Pennsylvania, Department of Medicine, Division of Hematology/Oncology
Biomedical Research Building II/III, Room 809
421 Curie Blvd
Philadelphia, PA 19104
Biomedical Research Building II/III, Room 809
421 Curie Blvd
Philadelphia, PA 19104
Publications
Education:
BS (Biochemistry, Philosophy)
University of Scranton , 2006.
PhD (Pathology)
University of Rochester School of Medicine, 2012.
MD (Medicine )
University of Rochester School of Medicine, 2014.
Permanent linkBS (Biochemistry, Philosophy)
University of Scranton , 2006.
PhD (Pathology)
University of Rochester School of Medicine, 2012.
MD (Medicine )
University of Rochester School of Medicine, 2014.
Description of Research Expertise
Our lab is focused on improving therapeutic approaches for sickle cell disease (SCD) and beta-thalassemia via the study of key signaling pathways that regulate expression of the fetal form of hemoglobin. Our work spans the entire translational spectrum from basic science to pre-clinical studies, and we utilize a variety of genomic, pharmacologic, and functional approaches in both in vitro and in vivo red blood cell models.Selected Publications
Sheth S., Lal A., Appiah-Kubi A, Peslak S.A., Temin N.T., Coates T. : Real-world safety profile of twice-daily deferiprone for iron overload in patients with thalassemia syndromes. 20th Annual Sickle Cell and Thalassemia Conference (ASCAT), London, UK Oct 2025 Notes: "Poster Presentation"Sheth S., Lal A., Appiah-Kubi A, Peslak S.A., Temin N.T., Coates T. : Real-world safety profile of twice-daily deferiprone for iron overload in patients with sickle cell disease. 20th Annual Sickle Cell and Thalassemia Conference (ASCAT), London, UK Oct 2025 Notes: "Poster Presentation"
Cheng A.N, Peslak S.A., Sheth S., Sayani S., Lal A.: High Morbidity in Adults with Non-Transfusion-Dependent Thalassemia Referred to U.S. Specialty Centers. 20th Annual Sickle Cell and Thalassemia Conference (ASCAT), London, UK Oct 2025 Notes: "Poster Presentation"
Al Ta’ani, O.; Mayrer, B.M.; Luche, N.M.; Siddique, S.M., Peslak, S.A.; Anderson, T.S.; Vajravelu, R.K.: Impact of Diagnostic Serum Ferritin Thresholds on Prevalence of Iron Deficiency Anemia: A Cross-Sectional Analysis of U.S. Adults. JAMA Internal Medicine Online Ahead of Print: e252311, Aug 2025 Notes: doi: 10.1001/jamainternmed.2025.2311.
Cheng A.N., Cohen J., Lundberg R.K., Sayani F.A., Chong E.A., Peslak S.A.: Progressive Anaemia and Splenomegaly in an Adult with HbE/Beta Thalassaemia. 1st TIF Pan American Conference on Thalassaemia and Other Haemoglobin Disorders, Washington, DC. Jul 2025 Notes: "Poster Presentation"
Huang, P., Peslak, S.A., Shehu, V., Keller, C.A., Giardine, B., Shi, J., Hardison, R.C., Blobel, G.A., Khandros, E.: Let-7 miRNAs repress HIC2 to regulate BCL11A transcription and hemoglobin switching. Blood 143(19): 1980-1991, May 2024.
Peslak S.A., Abbas T., Khandros E., Traxler E.A., Abdulmalik O., Giardine B.M., Keller C.A., Hardison R.C., Shi J., Blobel G.A. : Protein Phosphatase 6 Complex: Novel Regulator of Fetal Hemoglobin and Potential Therapeutic Target in Sickle Cell Disease. American Society of Hematology Annual Meeting, San Diego, CA Dec 2023 Notes: "Poster Presentation"
Cheng A., Traxler E.A., Peslak S.A., Cohen J., Russell J.E., Sayani F. : Patients with Non-Transfusion-Dependent Thalassemia May Evolve to Transfusion-Dependent Thalassemia in Adulthood. American Society of Hematology Annual Meeting, San Diego, CA Dec 2023 Notes: "Poster Presentation"
Li C, Shin H, Bhavanasi D, Liu M, Yu X, Peslak SA, Liu X, Alvarez-Dominguez JR, Blobel GA, Gregory BD, Huang J, Klein PS: Expansion of human hematopoietic stem cells by inhibiting translation. bioRxiv Page: 11.28.568925. Nov 2023.
Peslak, S.A., Akins, A.B., Foxwell, A.M., Iannelli, M., Grande, C., Breen, D., Russell, J.E., Uritsky, T.J., Sayani, F.A.: A novel, effective, and efficient strategy for treating sickle cell vaso-occlusive events in the infusion center setting. Blood Adv 7(3): 410-413, Feb 2023.