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Ponugoti Vasantha Rao

Richard and Kit Barkhouser Distinguished Professor
Ophthalmology, Glaucoma
Box 3802 Med Ctr, Durham, NC 27710
Wadsworth Bldg, Durham, NC 27710

Overview


As it relates to lens biology, we are investigating cytoskeletal signaling pathways critical for lens development, cytoarchitecture, shape and function. Ongoing studies are focused on identification and characterization of plasma membrane cytoskeletal scaffolding proteins (e.g. Periaxin, ankyrins and dystrophin/dystroglycan) involved in regulation of lens fiber cell shape, alignment, tensile properties, membrane domain organization and channel protein activity, and to determine how dysregulation of membrane cytoskeletal scaffolding activity impacts these determinants of lens structure and function. Our studies are based on using both in vitro and in vivo models, and application of high resolution microscopy, mass spectrometry, biochemical and gene targeting approaches.

In the context of glaucoma, we are exploring the cellular and molecular mechanisms involved in homeostasis of intraocular pressure and aqueous humor drainage with the ultimate goal of identifying novel molecular targets upon which to base the design of therapeutic glaucoma treatments.  Our laboratory is currently studying the extracellular and intracellular mechanisms (e.g. GDF-15, extracellular kinases and phosphatases, Rho GTPase/Rho kinase and the Autotaxin-LPA axis) that control cell morphology, cell adhesive interactions, plasticity, transdifferentiation, extracellular matrix synthesis, phosphorylation and organization, fibrosis and contractile properties of the trabecular meshwork, and aqueous humor outflow and intraocular pressure. These studies utilize both in vitro and in vivo models, and a combination of trabecular meshwork-derived primary cultures, perfusion studies, high resolution microscopy, mass spectrometry, biochemical, physiological and gene targeting approaches.

Current Appointments & Affiliations


Richard and Kit Barkhouser Distinguished Professor · 2020 - Present Ophthalmology, Glaucoma, Ophthalmology
Professor of Ophthalmology · 2014 - Present Ophthalmology, Glaucoma, Ophthalmology
Professor in Pharmacology and Cancer Biology · 2015 - Present Pharmacology & Cancer Biology, Basic Science Departments

Recent Publications


Protocol for the Extraction and Characterization of Trabecular Meshwork Cell Cytoskeleton Fraction.

Journal Article Methods Mol Biol · 2025 Among various cellular attributes modulating aqueous humor (AH) outflow through the trabecular pathway and eventually intraocular pressure, the involvement of actomyosin regulated cellular contraction and relaxation, cell-extracellular matrix adhesion and ... Full text Link to item Cite

Physiological activation of liver X receptor provides protection against ocular inflammation in uveitic glaucoma.

Journal Article Biochim Biophys Acta Mol Basis Dis · January 2025 Virus-induced trabeculitis is considered a significant cause of uveitic glaucoma, being marked by a sudden increase in intraocular pressure and relatively mild inflammation in the anterior chamber of the eye. In previous proteome analyses of aqueous humor ... Full text Link to item Cite

Ankyrin-B is required for the establishment and maintenance of lens cytoarchitecture, mechanics and clarity.

Journal Article J Cell Sci · December 15, 2024 The transparent ocular lens is essential for vision because it focuses light onto the retina. Despite recognition of the importance of its unique cellular architecture and mechanical properties, the molecular mechanisms governing these attributes remain el ... Full text Link to item Cite
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Recent Grants


Role of Glypicans in Aqueous Humor Outflow, IOP and Glaucoma

ResearchPrincipal Investigator · Awarded by National Institutes of Health · 2024 - 2028

Role of the S100 Family of Proteins in Lens Physiology and Cataract

ResearchPrincipal Investigator · Awarded by National Institutes of Health · 2023 - 2028

Role of Septin Cytoskeleton in Trabecular Meshwork, IOP and Glaucoma

ResearchCo-Principal Investigator · Awarded by BrightFocus Foundation · 2023 - 2025

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Education, Training & Certifications


Osmania University (India) · 1989 Ph.D.