Ponugoti Vasantha Rao | Scholars@Duke

Ponugoti Vasantha Rao
Richard and Kit Barkhouser Distinguished Professor

Research in our laboratory focuses on two areas of ocular diseases- cataract and glaucoma.

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, Ophthalmology, Glaucoma, Ophthalmology 2020
Professor of Ophthalmology, Ophthalmology, Glaucoma, Ophthalmology 2014
Professor in Pharmacology and Cancer Biology, Pharmacology & Cancer Biology, Basic Science Departments 2015

Contact Information

Box 3802 Med Ctr, Durham, NC 27710
Wadsworth Bldg, Durham, NC 27710
(919) 681-5883

Background
Education, Training, & Certifications
- Ph.D., Osmania University (India) 1989
Previous Appointments & Affiliations
- Associate Professor in Pharmacology & Cancer Biology, Pharmacology & Cancer Biology, Basic Science Departments 2005 - 2015
- Associate Professor in Ophthalmology, Ophthalmology, Clinical Science Departments 2009 - 2014
- Associate Professor in Ophthalmology, Ophthalmology, Clinical Science Departments 2003 - 2009
- Associate Research Professor in Pharmacology & Cancer Biology, Pharmacology & Cancer Biology, Basic Science Departments 2004
- Assistant Research Professor in Pharmacology & Cancer Biology, Pharmacology & Cancer Biology, Basic Science Departments 1999 - 2004
- Assistant Professor in Ophthalmology, Ophthalmology, Clinical Science Departments 1999 - 2003
- Assistant Research Professor in Ophthalmology, Ophthalmology, Clinical Science Departments 1998 - 1999
Research
Selected Grants
- The Role of GDF-15 in Aqueous Humor Outflow and Glaucoma awarded by National Institutes of Health 2018 - 2023
- Trabecular Meshwork Cytoskeletal Signaling-Regulation of Aqueous Humor Outflow awarded by National Institutes of Health 2008 - 2023
- Fiber Cell Membrane Organization-Role in Lens Architecture and Function awarded by National Institutes of Health 2014 - 2020
- Targeting Autotaxin for the treatment of glaucoma awarded by F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd 2014 - 2017
- Evaluation of anti-fibrotic response of AR-13324 in human trabecular meshwork primary culture model system awarded by Aerie Pharmaceuticals, Inc. 2014 - 2015
- Fiber Cell Cytoskeletal Scaffolds-Role in Lens Architecture and Function awarded by National Institutes of Health 1999 - 2013
- Role of Rho Kinase in Aqueous Humor Outflow Pathway awarded by National Institutes of Health 2002 - 2007
External Relationships
- AbbVie Pharmaceuticals
- Acadia Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
- Aerie Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
- AstraZeneca
- Biogen Idec Inc.
- Glaukos Corporation
- Merk
- Moderna Therapeutics, Inc.
- Natera
- Quidel
Publications & Artistic Works
Selected Publications
- Academic Articles
  - Allen, Ariana, Rupalatha Maddala, Camelia Eldawy, and Ponugoti Vasantha Rao. “Mechanical Load and Piezo1 Channel Regulated Myosin II Activity in Mouse Lenses.” Int J Mol Sci 23, no. 9 (April 24, 2022). https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms23094710.
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  - Choi, Jin A., Hyun-Hee Ju, Jiyoung Lee, Ju-Eun Kim, Soon-Young Paik, Nikolai P. Skiba, and Ponugoti Vasantha Rao. “Increased Complement-Associated Inflammation in Cytomegalovirus-Positive Hypertensive Anterior Uveitis Patients Based on the Aqueous Humor Proteomics Analysis.” J Clin Med 11, no. 9 (April 22, 2022). https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm11092337.
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  - Choi, Jin A., Rupalatha Maddala, Shruthi Karnam, Nikolai P. Skiba, Robin Vann, Pratap Challa, and Ponugoti Vasantha Rao. “Role of vasorin, an anti-apoptotic, anti-TGF-β and hypoxia-induced glycoprotein in the trabecular meshwork cells and glaucoma.” J Cell Mol Med 26, no. 7 (April 2022): 2063–75. https://doi.org/10.1111/jcmm.17229.
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  - McDowell, Colleen M., Krishnakumar Kizhatil, Michael H. Elliott, Darryl R. Overby, Joseph van Batenburg-Sherwood, J Cameron Millar, Markus H. Kuehn, et al. “Consensus Recommendation for Mouse Models of Ocular Hypertension to Study Aqueous Humor Outflow and Its Mechanisms.” Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci 63, no. 2 (February 1, 2022): 12. https://doi.org/10.1167/iovs.63.2.12.
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  - Maddala, Rupalatha, Leona T. Y. Ho, Shruthi Karnam, Iris Navarro, Anja Osterwald, Sandra S. Stinnett, Christoph Ullmer, Robin R. Vann, Pratap Challa, and Ponugoti V. Rao. “Elevated Levels of Growth/Differentiation Factor-15 in the Aqueous Humor and Serum of Glaucoma Patients.” J Clin Med 11, no. 3 (January 29, 2022). https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm11030744.
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  - Bachman, William, Rupalatha Maddala, Ayon Chakraborty, Camelia Eldawy, Nikolai P. Skiba, and Ponugoti V. Rao. “Glucocorticoids Preferentially Influence Expression of Nucleoskeletal Actin Network and Cell Adhesive Proteins in Human Trabecular Meshwork Cells.” Front Cell Dev Biol 10 (2022): 886754. https://doi.org/10.3389/fcell.2022.886754.
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  - Karnam, Shruthi, Rupalatha Maddala, Jonathan A. Stiber, and Ponugoti V. Rao. “Drebrin, an actin-binding protein, is required for lens morphogenesis and growth.” Dev Dyn 250, no. 11 (November 2021): 1600–1617. https://doi.org/10.1002/dvdy.353.
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  - Lee, Jiyoung, Jin A. Choi, Hyun-Hee Ju, Ju-Eun Kim, Soon-Young Paik, and Ponugoti Vasantha Rao. “Role of MCP-1 and IL-8 in viral anterior uveitis, and contractility and fibrogenic activity of trabecular meshwork cells.” Sci Rep 11, no. 1 (July 22, 2021): 14950. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-021-94391-2.
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  - Maddala, Rupalatha, Junyuan Gao, Richard T. Mathias, Tylor R. Lewis, Vadim Y. Arshavsky, Adriana Levine, Jonathan M. Backer, Anne R. Bresnick, and Ponugoti V. Rao. “Absence of S100A4 in the mouse lens induces an aberrant retina-specific differentiation program and cataract.” Sci Rep 11, no. 1 (January 26, 2021): 2203. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-021-81611-y.
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  - Karnam, Shruthi, Nikolai P. Skiba, and Ponugoti V. Rao. “Biochemical and biomechanical characteristics of dystrophin-deficient mdx3cv mouse lens.” Biochim Biophys Acta Mol Basis Dis 1867, no. 1 (January 1, 2021): 165998. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.bbadis.2020.165998.
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  - Maddala, Rupalatha, and Ponugoti Vasantha Rao. “Global phosphotyrosinylated protein profile of cell-matrix adhesion complexes of trabecular meshwork cells.” Am J Physiol Cell Physiol 319, no. 2 (August 1, 2020): C288–99. https://doi.org/10.1152/ajpcell.00537.2019.
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  - Maddala, Rupalatha, Maureen Mongan, Ying Xia, and Ponugoti Vasantha Rao. “Calponin-3 deficiency augments contractile activity, plasticity, fibrogenic response and Yap/Taz transcriptional activation in lens epithelial cells and explants.” Sci Rep 10, no. 1 (January 28, 2020): 1295. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-020-58189-y.
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  - Ho, Leona T. Y., Anja Osterwald, Iris Ruf, Daniel Hunziker, Patrizio Mattei, Pratap Challa, Robin Vann, Christoph Ullmer, and Ponugoti Vasanth Rao. “Role of the autotaxin-lysophosphatidic acid axis in glaucoma, aqueous humor drainage and fibrogenic activity.” Biochim Biophys Acta Mol Basis Dis 1866, no. 1 (January 1, 2020): 165560. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.bbadis.2019.165560.
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  - Rasiah, Pratheepa Kumari, Rupalatha Maddala, Vann Bennett, and Ponugoti Vasantha Rao. “Ankyrin-G regulated epithelial phenotype is required for mouse lens morphogenesis and growth.” Dev Biol 446, no. 1 (February 1, 2019): 119–31. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ydbio.2018.12.016.
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  - Ho, Leona T. Y., Nikolai Skiba, Christoph Ullmer, and Ponugoti Vasantha Rao. “Lysophosphatidic Acid Induces ECM Production via Activation of the Mechanosensitive YAP/TAZ Transcriptional Pathway in Trabecular Meshwork Cells.” Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci 59, no. 5 (April 1, 2018): 1969–84. https://doi.org/10.1167/iovs.17-23702.
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  - Lin, Cheng-Wen, Bryan Sherman, Lori A. Moore, Carmen L. Laethem, Da-Wen Lu, Padmanabhan P. Pattabiraman, Ponugoti Vasantha Rao, Mitchell A. deLong, and Casey C. Kopczynski. “Discovery and Preclinical Development of Netarsudil, a Novel Ocular Hypotensive Agent for the Treatment of Glaucoma.” J Ocul Pharmacol Ther 34, no. 1–2 (2018): 40–51. https://doi.org/10.1089/jop.2017.0023.
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  - Maddala, Rupalatha, Nikolai P. Skiba, and Ponugoti Vasantha Rao. “Vertebrate Lonesome Kinase Regulated Extracellular Matrix Protein Phosphorylation, Cell Shape, and Adhesion in Trabecular Meshwork Cells.” J Cell Physiol 232, no. 9 (September 2017): 2447–60. https://doi.org/10.1002/jcp.25582.
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  - Maddala, Rupalatha, and Ponugoti Vasantha Rao. “Switching of α-Catenin From Epithelial to Neuronal Type During Lens Epithelial Cell Differentiation.” Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci 58, no. 9 (July 1, 2017): 3445–55. https://doi.org/10.1167/iovs.17-21539.
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  - Rao, Ponugoti Vasantha, Padmanabhan P. Pattabiraman, and Casey Kopczynski. “Role of the Rho GTPase/Rho kinase signaling pathway in pathogenesis and treatment of glaucoma: Bench to bedside research.” Exp Eye Res 158 (May 2017): 23–32. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.exer.2016.08.023.
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  - Meekins, Landon C., Noel Rosado-Adames, Rupalatha Maddala, Jiagang J. Zhao, Ponugoti V. Rao, and Natalie A. Afshari. “Corneal Endothelial Cell Migration and Proliferation Enhanced by Rho Kinase (ROCK) Inhibitors in In Vitro and In Vivo Models.” Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci 57, no. 15 (December 1, 2016): 6731–38. https://doi.org/10.1167/iovs.16-20414.
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  - Muralidharan, Arumugam Ramachandran, Rupalatha Maddala, Nikolai P. Skiba, and Ponugoti Vasantha Rao. “Growth Differentiation Factor-15-Induced Contractile Activity and Extracellular Matrix Production in Human Trabecular Meshwork Cells.” Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci 57, no. 15 (December 1, 2016): 6482–95. https://doi.org/10.1167/iovs.16-20671.
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  - Maddala, Rupalatha, Mark Walters, Peter J. Brophy, Vann Bennett, and Ponugoti V. Rao. “Ankyrin-B directs membrane tethering of periaxin and is required for maintenance of lens fiber cell hexagonal shape and mechanics.” Am J Physiol Cell Physiol 310, no. 2 (January 15, 2016): C115–26. https://doi.org/10.1152/ajpcell.00111.2015.
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  - Rao, Ponugoti Vasantha, and Rupalatha Maddala. “Ankyrin-B in lens architecture and biomechanics: Just not tethering but more.” Bioarchitecture 6, no. 2 (2016): 39–45. https://doi.org/10.1080/19490992.2016.1156284.
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  - Maddala, Rupalatha, Tharkika Nagendran, Richard A. Lang, Alexei Morozov, and Ponugoti V. Rao. “Rap1 GTPase is required for mouse lens epithelial maintenance and morphogenesis.” Dev Biol 406, no. 1 (October 1, 2015): 74–91. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ydbio.2015.06.022.
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  - Pattabiraman, Padmanabhan Paranji, and Ponugoti Vasantha Rao. “Hic-5 Regulates Actin Cytoskeletal Reorganization and Expression of Fibrogenic Markers and Myocilin in Trabecular Meshwork Cells.” Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci 56, no. 9 (August 2015): 5656–69. https://doi.org/10.1167/iovs.15-17204.
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  - Pattabiraman, Padmanabhan P., Toshihiro Inoue, and P Vasantha Rao. “Elevated intraocular pressure induces Rho GTPase mediated contractile signaling in the trabecular meshwork.” Exp Eye Res 136 (July 2015): 29–33. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.exer.2015.05.001.
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  - Pattabiraman, Padmanabhan P., Tommy Rinkoski, Eric Poeschla, Alan Proia, Pratap Challa, and Ponugoti V. Rao. “RhoA GTPase-induced ocular hypertension in a rodent model is associated with increased fibrogenic activity in the trabecular meshwork.” Am J Pathol 185, no. 2 (February 2015): 496–512. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ajpath.2014.10.023.
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  - Pattabiraman, Padmanabhan P., Rupalatha Maddala, and Ponugoti Vasantha Rao. “Regulation of plasticity and fibrogenic activity of trabecular meshwork cells by Rho GTPase signaling.” J Cell Physiol 229, no. 7 (July 2014): 927–42. https://doi.org/10.1002/jcp.24524.
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  - Rao, Ponugoti Vasantha. “Bioactive lysophospholipids: role in regulation of aqueous humor outflow and intraocular pressure in the context of pathobiology and therapy of glaucoma.” J Ocul Pharmacol Ther 30, no. 2–3 (2014): 181–90. https://doi.org/10.1089/jop.2013.0194.
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  - Gandham, V. D., R. L. Maddala, V. Rao, J. Y. Jin, D. L. Epstein, R. P. Hall, and J. Y. Zhang. “Effects of Y27632 on keratinocyte procurement and wound healing.” Clin Exp Dermatol 38, no. 7 (October 2013): 782–86. https://doi.org/10.1111/ced.12067.
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  - Pattabiraman, Padmanabhan P., David L. Epstein, and Ponugoti Vasantha Rao. “Regulation of Adherens Junctions in Trabecular Meshwork Cells by Rac GTPase and their influence on Intraocular Pressure.” J Ocul Biol 1, no. 1 (June 5, 2013). https://doi.org/10.13188/2334-2838.1000002.
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  - Pattabiraman, Padmanabhan P., Paula E. Pecen, and Ponugoti Vasantha Rao. “MRP4-mediated regulation of intracellular cAMP and cGMP levels in trabecular meshwork cells and homeostasis of intraocular pressure.” Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci 54, no. 3 (March 5, 2013): 1636–49. https://doi.org/10.1167/iovs.12-11107.
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  - Arnold, John J., Mark S. Hansen, Gregory S. Gorman, Toshihiro Inoue, Vasantha Rao, Simone Spellen, Ronald N. Hunsinger, et al. “The effect of Rho-associated kinase inhibition on the ocular penetration of timolol maleate.” Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci 54, no. 2 (February 7, 2013): 1118–26. https://doi.org/10.1167/iovs.12-10583.
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  - Maddala, Rupalatha, Tharkika Nagendran, Gustaaf G. de Ridder, Kevin L. Schey, and Ponugoti Vasantha Rao. “L-type calcium channels play a critical role in maintaining lens transparency by regulating phosphorylation of aquaporin-0 and myosin light chain and expression of connexins.” Plos One 8, no. 5 (2013): e64676. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0064676.
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  - Iyer, Padma, Rupalatha Maddala, Padmanabhan P. Pattabiraman, and Ponugoti Vasantha Rao. “Connective tissue growth factor-mediated upregulation of neuromedin U expression in trabecular meshwork cells and its role in homeostasis of aqueous humor outflow.” Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci 53, no. 8 (July 26, 2012): 4952–62. https://doi.org/10.1167/iovs.12-9681.
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  - Pattabiraman, Padmanabhan P., Fred B. Lih, Kenneth B. Tomer, and Ponugoti Vasantha Rao. “The role of calcium-independent phospholipase A2γ in modulation of aqueous humor drainage and Ca2+ sensitization of trabecular meshwork contraction.” Am J Physiol Cell Physiol 302, no. 7 (April 1, 2012): C979–91. https://doi.org/10.1152/ajpcell.00396.2011.
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  - Goldhagen, Brian, Alan D. Proia, David L. Epstein, and Ponugoti Vasantha Rao. “Elevated levels of RhoA in the optic nerve head of human eyes with glaucoma.” J Glaucoma 21, no. 8 (2012): 530–38. https://doi.org/10.1097/IJG.0b013e318241b83c.
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  - Iyer, Padma, Robert Lalane, Corey Morris, Pratap Challa, Robin Vann, and Ponugoti Vasantha Rao. “Autotaxin-lysophosphatidic acid axis is a novel molecular target for lowering intraocular pressure.” Plos One 7, no. 8 (2012): e42627. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0042627.
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  - Maddala, Rupalatha, Bharesh K. Chauhan, Christopher Walker, Yi Zheng, Michael L. Robinson, Richard A. Lang, and Ponugoti V. Rao. “Rac1 GTPase-deficient mouse lens exhibits defects in shape, suture formation, fiber cell migration and survival.” Dev Biol 360, no. 1 (December 1, 2011): 30–43. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ydbio.2011.09.004.
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  - Maddala, Rupalatha, Nikolai P. Skiba, Robert Lalane, Diane L. Sherman, Peter J. Brophy, and Ponugoti V. Rao. “Periaxin is required for hexagonal geometry and membrane organization of mature lens fibers.” Dev Biol 357, no. 1 (September 1, 2011): 179–90. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ydbio.2011.06.036.
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  - Inoue, Toshihiro, Paula Pecen, Rupalatha Maddala, Nikolai P. Skiba, Padmanabhan P. Pattabiraman, David L. Epstein, and P Vasantha Rao. “Characterization of cytoskeleton-enriched protein fraction of the trabecular meshwork and ciliary muscle cells.” Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci 51, no. 12 (December 2010): 6461–71. https://doi.org/10.1167/iovs.10-5318.
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  - Pattabiraman, Padmanabhan P., and Ponugoti Vasantha Rao. “Mechanistic basis of Rho GTPase-induced extracellular matrix synthesis in trabecular meshwork cells.” Am J Physiol Cell Physiol 298, no. 3 (March 2010): C749–63. https://doi.org/10.1152/ajpcell.00317.2009.
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  - Inoue, Toshihiro, Padmanabhan P. Pattabiraman, David L. Epstein, and P. Vasantha Rao. “Effects of chemical inhibition of N-WASP, a critical regulator of actin polymerization on aqueous humor outflow through the conventional pathway.” Exp Eye Res 90, no. 2 (February 2010): 360–67. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.exer.2009.11.015.
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  - Rao, P Vasantha, and Rupalatha Maddala. “Abundant expression of ponsin, a focal adhesion protein, in lens and downregulation of its expression by impaired cytoskeletal signaling.” Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci 50, no. 4 (April 2009): 1769–77. https://doi.org/10.1167/iovs.08-2909.
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  - Inoue-Mochita, Miyuki, Toshihiro Inoue, David L. Epstein, Kendall J. Blumer, and Ponugoti V. Rao. “RGS2-deficient mice exhibit decreased intraocular pressure and increased retinal ganglion cell survival.” Mol Vis 15 (2009): 495–504.
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  - Feng, Yangbo, Yan Yin, Amiee Weiser, Evelyn Griffin, Michael D. Cameron, Li Lin, Claudia Ruiz, et al. “Discovery of substituted 4-(pyrazol-4-yl)-phenylbenzodioxane-2-carboxamides as potent and highly selective Rho kinase (ROCK-II) inhibitors.” J Med Chem 51, no. 21 (November 13, 2008): 6642–45. https://doi.org/10.1021/jm800986w.
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  - Zhang, Min, Rupalatha Maddala, and Ponugoti Vasantha Rao. “Novel molecular insights into RhoA GTPase-induced resistance to aqueous humor outflow through the trabecular meshwork.” Am J Physiol Cell Physiol 295, no. 5 (November 2008): C1057–70. https://doi.org/10.1152/ajpcell.00481.2007.
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  - Rao, P Vasantha, Yuri K. Peterson, Toshihiro Inoue, and Patrick J. Casey. “Effects of pharmacologic inhibition of protein geranylgeranyltransferase type I on aqueous humor outflow through the trabecular meshwork.” Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci 49, no. 6 (June 2008): 2464–71. https://doi.org/10.1167/iovs.07-1639.
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  - Rao, P Vasantha, Tammy Ho, Nikolai P. Skiba, and Rupalatha Maddala. “Characterization of lens fiber cell triton insoluble fraction reveals ERM (ezrin, radixin, moesin) proteins as major cytoskeletal-associated proteins.” Biochem Biophys Res Commun 368, no. 3 (April 11, 2008): 508–14. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.bbrc.2008.01.128.
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  - Maddala, Rupalatha, Lixing W. Reneker, Bhavana Pendurthi, and Ponugoti V. Rao. “Rho GDP dissociation inhibitor-mediated disruption of Rho GTPase activity impairs lens fiber cell migration, elongation and survival.” Dev Biol 315, no. 1 (March 1, 2008): 217–31. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ydbio.2007.12.039.
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  - Rao, P Vasantha. “The pulling, pushing and fusing of lens fibers: a role for Rho GTPases.” Cell Adh Migr 2, no. 3 (2008): 170–73. https://doi.org/10.4161/cam.2.3.6495.
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  - Maddala, Rupalatha, Nikolai Skiba, and Ponugoti Vasantha Rao. “Lens fiber cell elongation and differentiation is associated with a robust increase in myosin light chain phosphorylation in the developing mouse.” Differentiation 75, no. 8 (October 2007): 713–25. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1432-0436.2007.00173.x.
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  - Shimazaki, Atsushi, Tomoko Kirihara, Ponugoti Vasantha Rao, Hisashi Tajima, Takeshi Matsugi, and David Lee Epstein. “Effects of the new ethacrynic acid oxime derivative SA12590 on intraocular pressure in cats and monkeys.” Biol Pharm Bull 30, no. 8 (August 2007): 1445–49. https://doi.org/10.1248/bpb.30.1445.
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  - Sanka, Krishna, Rupalatha Maddala, David L. Epstein, and P Vasantha Rao. “Influence of actin cytoskeletal integrity on matrix metalloproteinase-2 activation in cultured human trabecular meshwork cells.” Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci 48, no. 5 (May 2007): 2105–14. https://doi.org/10.1167/iovs.06-1089.
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  - Rao, Vasantha P., and David L. Epstein. “Rho GTPase/Rho kinase inhibition as a novel target for the treatment of glaucoma.” Biodrugs 21, no. 3 (2007): 167–77. https://doi.org/10.2165/00063030-200721030-00004.
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  - Rao, P Vasantha, and Rupalatha Maddala. “The role of the lens actin cytoskeleton in fiber cell elongation and differentiation.” Semin Cell Dev Biol 17, no. 6 (December 2006): 698–711. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.semcdb.2006.10.011.
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  - Chudgar, Saumil M., Peifeng Deng, Rupalatha Maddala, David L. Epstein, and P Vasantha Rao. “Regulation of connective tissue growth factor expression in the aqueous humor outflow pathway.” Mol Vis 12 (September 30, 2006): 1117–26.
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  - Rao, Ponugoti Vasantha, Atsushi Shimazaki, Masaki Ichikawa, Linda Franse-Carman, Jorge A. Alvarado, and David L. Epstein. “Effects of novel ethacrynic acid derivatives on human trabecular meshwork cell shape, actin cytoskeletal organization, and transcellular fluid flow.” Biol Pharm Bull 28, no. 12 (December 2005): 2189–96. https://doi.org/10.1248/bpb.28.2189.
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  - Zhang, Min, and P Vasantha Rao. “Blebbistatin, a novel inhibitor of myosin II ATPase activity, increases aqueous humor outflow facility in perfused enucleated porcine eyes.” Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci 46, no. 11 (November 2005): 4130–38. https://doi.org/10.1167/iovs.05-0164.
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  - Song, Julia, Pei-Feng Deng, Sandra S. Stinnett, David L. Epstein, and P Vasantha Rao. “Effects of cholesterol-lowering statins on the aqueous humor outflow pathway.” Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci 46, no. 7 (July 2005): 2424–32. https://doi.org/10.1167/iovs.04-0776.
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  - Rao, Ponugoti Vasantha, PeiFeng Deng, Rupalatha Maddala, David L. Epstein, Chuan-Yuan Li, and Hiroaki Shimokawa. “Expression of dominant negative Rho-binding domain of Rho-kinase in organ cultured human eye anterior segments increases aqueous humor outflow.” Mol Vis 11 (April 27, 2005): 288–97.
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  - Rao, P Vasantha, Peifeng Deng, Yasuharu Sasaki, and David L. Epstein. “Regulation of myosin light chain phosphorylation in the trabecular meshwork: role in aqueous humour outflow facility.” Exp Eye Res 80, no. 2 (February 2005): 197–206. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.exer.2004.08.029.
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  - Mettu, Priyatham Sai, Pei-Feng Deng, Uma K. Misra, Govind Gawdi, David L. Epstein, and P Vasantha Rao. “Role of lysophospholipid growth factors in the modulation of aqueous humor outflow facility.” Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci 45, no. 7 (July 2004): 2263–71. https://doi.org/10.1167/iovs.03-0960.
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  - Shimazaki, Atsushi, Masaki Ichikawa, Ponugoti Vasantha Rao, Tomoko Kirihara, Kouji Konomi, David Lee Epstein, and Hideaki Hara. “Effects of the new ethacrynic acid derivative SA9000 on intraocular pressure in cats and monkeys.” Biol Pharm Bull 27, no. 7 (July 2004): 1019–24. https://doi.org/10.1248/bpb.27.1019.
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  - Maddala, Rupalatha, Pei-Feng Deng, Joseph M. Costello, Eric F. Wawrousek, Jacob S. Zigler, and Vasantha P. Rao. “Impaired cytoskeletal organization and membrane integrity in lens fibers of a Rho GTPase functional knockout transgenic mouse.” Lab Invest 84, no. 6 (June 2004): 679–92. https://doi.org/10.1038/labinvest.3700105.
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  - Shimazaki, Atsushi, Hiroshi Suhara, Masaki Ichikawa, Takeshi Matsugi, Koji Konomi, Yasutaka Takagi, Hideaki Hara, Ponugoti Vasantha Rao, and David Lee Epstein. “New ethacrynic acid derivatives as potent cytoskeletal modulators in trabecular meshwork cells.” Biol Pharm Bull 27, no. 6 (June 2004): 846–50. https://doi.org/10.1248/bpb.27.846.
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  - Rao, Ponugoti Vasantha, Rupalatha Maddala, Faith John, and J Samuel Zigler. “Expression of nonphagocytic NADPH oxidase system in the ocular lens.” Mol Vis 10 (February 19, 2004): 112–21.
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  - Maddala, Rupalatha, Venkat N. Reddy, David L. Epstein, and Vasantha Rao. “Growth factor induced activation of Rho and Rac GTPases and actin cytoskeletal reorganization in human lens epithelial cells.” Mol Vis 9 (July 17, 2003): 329–36.
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  - Khurana, Rahul N., Pei-Feng Deng, David L. Epstein, and P. Vasantha Rao. “The role of protein kinase C in modulation of aqueous humor outflow facility.” Exp Eye Res 76, no. 1 (January 2003): 39–47. https://doi.org/10.1016/s0014-4835(02)00255-5.
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  - Khurana, Rahul N., Rupa Latha Maddala, Hiroaki Shimokawa, J. Samuel Zigler, David L. Epstein, and P. Vasantha Rao. “Inhibition of Rho-kinase induces alphaB-crystallin expression in lens epithelial cells.” Biochem Biophys Res Commun 294, no. 5 (June 28, 2002): 981–87. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0006-291X(02)00583-1.
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  - Rao, Vasantha, Eric Wawrousek, Ernst R. Tamm, and Samuel Zigler. “Rho GTPase inactivation impairs lens growth and integrity.” Lab Invest 82, no. 2 (February 2002): 231–39. https://doi.org/10.1038/labinvest.3780415.
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  - Maddala, R., Y. W. Peng, and P. V. Rao. “Selective expression of the small GTPase RhoB in the early developing mouse lens.” Dev Dyn 222, no. 3 (November 2001): 534–37. https://doi.org/10.1002/dvdy.1202.
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  - Maddala, R. L., V. N. Reddy, and P. V. Rao. “Lovastatin-induced cytoskeletal reorganization in lens epithelial cells: role of Rho GTPases.” Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci 42, no. 11 (October 2001): 2610–15.
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  - Cheng, Q. F., P. V. Rao, and J. S. Zigler. “Effect of perillic acid, a putative isoprenylation inhibitor, on the cultured rat lens.” Exp Eye Res 73, no. 2 (August 2001): 239–45. https://doi.org/10.1006/exer.2001.1030.
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  - Rao, P. V., P. F. Deng, J. Kumar, and D. L. Epstein. “Modulation of aqueous humor outflow facility by the Rho kinase-specific inhibitor Y-27632.” Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci 42, no. 5 (April 2001): 1029–37.
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  - Rao, P. V., R. R. Allingham, L. W. Herndon, and D. L. Epstein. “Antithrombin III, a serpin family protease inhibitor, is a major heparin binding protein in porcine aqueous humor.” Biochem Biophys Res Commun 272, no. 1 (May 27, 2000): 1–5. https://doi.org/10.1006/bbrc.2000.2728.
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  - Rao, P. V., T. A. Garrow, F. John, D. Garland, N. S. Millian, and J. S. Zigler. “Betaine-homocysteine methyltransferase is a developmentally regulated enzyme crystallin in rhesus monkey lens.” J Biol Chem 273, no. 46 (November 13, 1998): 30669–74. https://doi.org/10.1074/jbc.273.46.30669.
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  - Rao, P. V., W. G. Robison, F. Bettelheim, L. R. Lin, V. N. Reddy, and J. S. Zigler. “Role of small GTP-binding proteins in lovastatin-induced cataracts.” Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci 38, no. 11 (October 1997): 2313–21.
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  - Rao, P. V., P. Gonzalez, B. Persson, H. Jörnvall, D. Garland, and J. S. Zigler. “Guinea pig and bovine zeta-crystallins have distinct functional characteristics highlighting replacements in otherwise similar structures.” Biochemistry 36, no. 18 (May 6, 1997): 5353–62. https://doi.org/10.1021/bi9622985.
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  - Rao, P. V., J. S. Zigler, and D. Garland. “Analysis of small GTP-binding proteins of the lens by GTP overlay assay reveals the presence of unique GTP-binding proteins associated with fiber cells.” Exp Eye Res 64, no. 2 (February 1997): 219–27. https://doi.org/10.1006/exer.1996.0197.
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  - Qin, C., S. J. Tumminia, P. Russell, P. V. Rao, and J. S. Zigler. “Investigations into the loss of glutathione from lenses in organ culture.” Curr Eye Res 15, no. 7 (July 1996): 719–25. https://doi.org/10.3109/02713689609003454.
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  - Rao, P. V., Q. L. Huang, J. Horwitz, and J. S. Zigler. “Evidence that alpha-crystallin prevents non-specific protein aggregation in the intact eye lens.” Biochim Biophys Acta 1245, no. 3 (December 14, 1995): 439–47. https://doi.org/10.1016/0304-4165(95)00125-5.
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  - Gonzalez, P., P. V. Rao, S. B. Nuñez, and J. S. Zigler. “Evidence for independent recruitment of zeta-crystallin/quinone reductase (CRYZ) as a crystallin in camelids and hystricomorph rodents.” Mol Biol Evol 12, no. 5 (September 1995): 773–81. https://doi.org/10.1093/oxfordjournals.molbev.a040255.
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  - Heinzmann, C., T. L. Kojis, P. Gonzalez, P. V. Rao, J. S. Zigler, M. H. Polymeropoulos, I. Klisak, R. S. Sparkes, T. Mohandas, and J. B. Bateman. “Assignment of the zeta-crystallin gene (CRYZ) to human chromosome 1p22-p31 and identification of restriction fragment length polymorphisms.” Genomics 23, no. 2 (September 15, 1994): 403–7. https://doi.org/10.1006/geno.1994.1516.
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  - Gonzalez, P., P. V. Rao, and J. S. Zigler. “Organization of the human zeta-crystallin/quinone reductase gene (CRYZ).” Genomics 21, no. 2 (May 15, 1994): 317–24. https://doi.org/10.1006/geno.1994.1272.
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  - Rao, P. V., J. Horwitz, and J. S. Zigler. “Chaperone-like activity of alpha-crystallin. The effect of NADPH on its interaction with zeta-crystallin.” J Biol Chem 269, no. 18 (May 6, 1994): 13266–72.
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  - Gonzalez, P., C. Hernández-Calzadilla, P. V. Rao, I. R. Rodriguez, J. S. Zigler, and T. Borrás. “Comparative analysis of the zeta-crystallin/quinone reductase gene in guinea pig and mouse.” Mol Biol Evol 11, no. 2 (March 1994): 305–15. https://doi.org/10.1093/oxfordjournals.molbev.a040111.
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  - Tumminia, S. J., P. V. Rao, J. S. Zigler, and P. Russell. “Xenobiotic induction of quinone oxidoreductase activity in lens epithelial cells.” Biochim Biophys Acta 1203, no. 2 (December 8, 1993): 251–59. https://doi.org/10.1016/0167-4838(93)90091-5.
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  - Jörnvall, H., B. Persson, G. C. Du Bois, G. C. Lavers, J. H. Chen, P. Gonzalez, P. V. Rao, and J. S. Zigler. “Zeta-crystallin versus other members of the alcohol dehydrogenase super-family. Variability as a functional characteristic.” Febs Lett 322, no. 3 (May 17, 1993): 240–44. https://doi.org/10.1016/0014-5793(93)81578-n.
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  - Gonzalez, P., P. V. Rao, and J. S. Zigler. “Molecular cloning and sequencing of zeta-crystallin/quinone reductase cDNA from human liver.” Biochem Biophys Res Commun 191, no. 3 (March 31, 1993): 902–7. https://doi.org/10.1006/bbrc.1993.1302.
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  - Rao, P. V., J. Horwitz, and J. S. Zigler. “Alpha-crystallin, a molecular chaperone, forms a stable complex with carbonic anhydrase upon heat denaturation.” Biochem Biophys Res Commun 190, no. 3 (February 15, 1993): 786–93. https://doi.org/10.1006/bbrc.1993.1118.
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  - Lee, D. C., P. Gonzalez, P. V. Rao, J. S. Zigler, and G. J. Wistow. “Carbonyl-metabolizing enzymes and their relatives recruited as structural proteins in the eye lens.” Adv Exp Med Biol 328 (1993): 159–68. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4615-2904-0_18.
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  - Rao, P. V., and J. S. Zigler. “Purification and characterization of zeta-crystallin/quinone reductase from guinea pig liver.” Biochim Biophys Acta 1117, no. 3 (October 27, 1992): 315–20.
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  - Rao, P. V., and J. S. Zigler. “Mutant zeta-crystallin from guinea-pig hereditary cataracts has altered structural and enzymatic properties.” Exp Eye Res 54, no. 4 (April 1992): 627–30. https://doi.org/10.1016/0014-4835(92)90142-f.
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  - Rao, P. V., C. M. Krishna, and J. S. Zigler. “Identification and characterization of the enzymatic activity of zeta-crystallin from guinea pig lens. A novel NADPH:quinone oxidoreductase.” J Biol Chem 267, no. 1 (January 5, 1992): 96–102.
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  - Garland, D., P. V. Rao, A. Del Corso, U. Mura, and J. S. Zigler. “zeta-Crystallin is a major protein in the lens of Camelus dromedarius.” Arch Biochem Biophys 285, no. 1 (February 15, 1991): 134–36. https://doi.org/10.1016/0003-9861(91)90339-k.
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  - Zigler, J. S., and P. V. Rao. “Enzyme/crystallins and extremely high pyridine nucleotide levels in the eye lens.” Faseb J 5, no. 2 (February 1991): 223–25. https://doi.org/10.1096/fasebj.5.2.2004667.
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  - Rao, P. V., and J. S. Zigler. “Zeta-crystallin from guinea pig lens is capable of functioning catalytically as an oxidoreductase.” Arch Biochem Biophys 284, no. 1 (January 1991): 181–85. https://doi.org/10.1016/0003-9861(91)90281-m.
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  - Rao, P. V., and J. S. Zigler. “Extremely high levels of NADPH in guinea pig lens: correlation with zeta-crystallin concentration.” Biochem Biophys Res Commun 167, no. 3 (March 30, 1990): 1221–28. https://doi.org/10.1016/0006-291x(90)90654-6.
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  - Rao, P. V., and K. S. Bhat. “Influence of dietary riboflavin deficiency on lenticular glutathione redox cycle, lipid peroxidation, and free radical scavengers in the rat.” J Clin Biochem Nutr 6 (1989): 269–78.
  - Rao, P. V., and K. S. Bhat. “Effect of riboflavin deficiency on sorbitol polyol pathway in rat lens.” Nutr Res 9 (1989): 1143–49.
  - Bhat, K Seetharam, and P Vasanth Rao. “Changes in lens and erythrocyte glutathione reductase in response to exogenous flavin adenine dinucleotide and liver riboflavin content of rat on riboflavin deficient diet.” Nutrition Research 7, no. 11 (November 1987): 1203–8. https://doi.org/10.1016/s0271-5317(87)80046-5.
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- Other Articles
  - Fautsch, Michael P., and Douglas H. Johnson. “Aqueous humor outflow: what do we know? Where will it lead us?” Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci, October 2006. https://doi.org/10.1167/iovs.06-0830.
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  - Rao, P. V., A. Shimazaki, M. Ichikawa, L. Franse-Carman, J. A. Alvarado, and D. L. Epstein. “Erratum: (Biological and Pharmaceutical Bulletin 28, (2189)).” Biological and Pharmaceutical Bulletin, June 1, 2006.
  - Rao, P. V., R. R. Allingham, and D. L. Epstein. “TIGR/myocilin in human aqueous humor.” Exp Eye Res, December 2000. https://doi.org/10.1006/exer.2000.0920.
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  - Wistow, G., C. Jaworski, and P. V. Rao. “A non-lens member of the beta gamma-crystallin superfamily in a vertebrate, the amphibian Cynops.” Exp Eye Res, November 1995. https://doi.org/10.1016/s0014-4835(05)80058-2.
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- Conference Papers
  - Allen, Ariana, Rupalatha Maddala, and Ponugoti Vasantha Rao. “Role of Mechanosensitive Piezo Ion Channels in Ocular Lens Architecture and Function.” In Investigative Ophthalmology & Visual Science, Vol. 61, 2020.
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  - Karnam, Shruthi, Rupalatha Maddala, Jonathan Andrew Stiber, and Ponugoti Vasantha Rao. “Actin-binding protein, Drebrin, is required for mouse lens morphogenesis and growth.” In Investigative Ophthalmology & Visual Science, Vol. 61, 2020.
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  - Ho, Leona, Nikolai Skiba, Christoph Ullmer, and P Vasanth Rao. “Role of the Autotaxin-Lysophosphatidic Acid Signaling Axis in Trabecular Meshwork and Homeostasis of Intraocular Pressure.” In Investigative Ophthalmology & Visual Science, Vol. 58. ASSOC RESEARCH VISION OPHTHALMOLOGY INC, 2017.
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  - Goldhagen, B. E., A. D. Proia, and P. V. Rao. “Elevated Levels of RhoA in the Optic Nerve Head of Human Eyes With Glaucoma.” In Investigative Ophthalmology & Visual Science, Vol. 51. ASSOC RESEARCH VISION OPHTHALMOLOGY INC, 2010.
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  - Maddala, R., B. Chauhan, C. Walker, C. Morris, Y. Zheng, M. L. Robinson, R. A. Lang, and P. V. Rao. “Rac1Conditional Knockout Mice Reveal a Crucial Role for Rac GTPase in Regulating Lens Fiber Cell Migration, Polarity, Suture Formation, and Lens Shape.” In Investigative Ophthalmology & Visual Science, Vol. 51. ASSOC RESEARCH VISION OPHTHALMOLOGY INC, 2010.
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  - Rao, P. V., C. Walker, and R. Maddala. “The PDZ Domain Protein Periaxin With Preferential Expression in Lens Tissue, Exhibits a Distinct Pattern of Developmental Regulation.” In Investigative Ophthalmology & Visual Science, Vol. 51. ASSOC RESEARCH VISION OPHTHALMOLOGY INC, 2010.
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  - Lalane, R. A., P. Challa, R. Vann, and P. V. Rao. “Aqueous Humor Derived From Human Patients With Primary Open-Angle Glaucoma Contains Increased Levels of Secretory Gelsolin.” In Investigative Ophthalmology & Visual Science, Vol. 51. ASSOC RESEARCH VISION OPHTHALMOLOGY INC, 2010.
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  - Deng, P., J. Qiu, R. Maddala, and P. V. Rao. “Microtubule disruption suppresses-crystallin expression in porcine primary lens epithelial cells.” In Investigative Ophthalmology & Visual Science, Vol. 46. ASSOC RESEARCH VISION OPHTHALMOLOGY INC, 2005.
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  - Chudgar, S. M., D. L. Epstein, and P. V. Rao. “Elevated intraocular pressure and mechanical stress increase connective tissue growth factor expression in the trabecular meshwork.” In Investigative Ophthalmology & Visual Science, 45:U443–U443. ASSOC RESEARCH VISION OPHTHALMOLOGY INC, 2004.
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  - Deng, P., R. Maddala, and P. V. Rao. “alpha beta-crystallin strongly localizes to the leading edges of the cell membrane in migrating lens primary epithelial cells.” In Investigative Ophthalmology & Visual Science, 45:U121–U121. ASSOC RESEARCH VISION OPHTHALMOLOGY INC, 2004.
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  - Maddala, R., J. Qui, and P. V. Rao. “Regulation of myosin light chain phosphorylation in lens tissue.” In Investigative Ophthalmology & Visual Science, 45:U704–U704. ASSOC RESEARCH VISION OPHTHALMOLOGY INC, 2004.
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  - Mettu, P. S., B. Pendurthi, D. L. Epstein, and P. V. Rao. “Role of soluble guanylate cyclase in the modulation of aqueous humor outflow facility.” In Investigative Ophthalmology & Visual Science, 45:U432–U432. ASSOC RESEARCH VISION OPHTHALMOLOGY INC, 2004.
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  - Rao, P. V., P. Deng, R. Maddala, D. L. Epstein, and H. Shimokawa. “Effects of dominant negative Rho kinase expression on the contractile properties of trabecular meshwork cells and aqueous humor outflow.” In Investigative Ophthalmology & Visual Science, 45:U432–U432. ASSOC RESEARCH VISION OPHTHALMOLOGY INC, 2004.
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  - Song, J., P. F. Deng, D. L. Epstein, and P. V. Rao. “Effects of cholesterol lowering statin drugs on the aqueous humor outflow pathways.” In Investigative Ophthalmology & Visual Science, 45:U908–U908. ASSOC RESEARCH VISION OPHTHALMOLOGY INC, 2004.
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  - Deng, P., Y. Sasaki, D. L. Epstein, and P. V. Rao. “Regulation of trabecular meshwork myosin light chain phosphorylation by Rho/Rho kinase pathway and its influence on aqueous humor outflow facility.” In Investigative Ophthalmology & Visual Science, 44:U521–U521. ASSOC RESEARCH VISION OPHTHALMOLOGY INC, 2003.
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  - Maddala, R., V. N. Reddy, and P. V. Rao. “Lysophospholipid growth factors and Edg receptor-mediated signaling in human lens epithelial cells.” In Investigative Ophthalmology & Visual Science, 44:U326–U326. ASSOC RESEARCH VISION OPHTHALMOLOGY INC, 2003.
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  - Mettu, P. S., P. F. Deng, J. Kumar, D. L. Epstein, and P. V. Rao. “Role of lysophospholipid growth factors and Edg receptors in the regulation of aqueous humor outflow facility.” In Investigative Ophthalmology & Visual Science, 44:U312–U312. ASSOC RESEARCH VISION OPHTHALMOLOGY INC, 2003.
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  - Rao, P. V., R. Maddala, and R. Herbst. “Expression and distribution of isoprenylated protein tyrosine phosphatases (PRLs) in lens tissue.” In Investigative Ophthalmology & Visual Science, 44:U501–U501. ASSOC RESEARCH VISION OPHTHALMOLOGY INC, 2003.
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  - Deng, P., R. L. Maddala, R. N. Khurana, P. Gonzalez, R. R. Allingham, D. L. Epstein, and P. V. Rao. “Expression and regulation of connective tissue growth factor in human trabecular meshwork cells and tissue.” In Investigative Ophthalmology & Visual Science, 43:U227–U227. ASSOC RESEARCH VISION OPHTHALMOLOGY INC, 2002.
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  - Maddala, R., R. N. Khurana, H. Shimokawa, J. S. Zigler, D. L. Epstein, and P. V. Rao. “Inhibition of Rho/Rho kinase induces expression of the small heat shock protein AlphaB-crystallin in porcine lens epithelial cells.” In Investigative Ophthalmology & Visual Science, 43:U991–U991. ASSOC RESEARCH VISION OPHTHALMOLOGY INC, 2002.
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  - Rao, P. V., R. L. Maddala, P. F. Deng, M. J. Costello, E. Wawrousek, and J. S. Zigler. “Cytoskeletal and morphological changes in Rho GTPase inactivated transgenic mouse lens.” In Investigative Ophthalmology & Visual Science, 43:U442–U442. ASSOC RESEARCH VISION OPHTHALMOLOGY INC, 2002.
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  - Deng, P. F., R. Maddala, and P. V. Rao. “Expression and distribution of Rho and Rac GTPases and their effector proteins in lens tissue.” In Investigative Ophthalmology & Visual Science, 42:S289–S289. ASSOC RESEARCH VISION OPHTHALMOLOGY INC, 2001.
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  - Epstein, D. L., P. F. Deng, and P. V. Rao. “Characterization of aqueous humor -induced cytoskeletal changes in trabecular meshwork cells.” In Investigative Ophthalmology & Visual Science, 42:S140–S140. ASSOC RESEARCH VISION OPHTHALMOLOGY INC, 2001.
    Link to Item
  - Khurana, R., P. F. Deng, D. L. Epstein, and P. V. Rao. “Protein kinase C-mediated morphological and cytoskeletal changes in human trabecular meshwork and Schlemm's canal cells.” In Investigative Ophthalmology & Visual Science, 42:S833–S833. ASSOC RESEARCH VISION OPHTHALMOLOGY INC, 2001.
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  - Kumar, J., P. V. Rao, and D. L. Epstein. “Echistatin-induced effects on Schlemm's canal cell monolayer permeability characteristics.” In Investigative Ophthalmology & Visual Science, 42:S836–S836. ASSOC RESEARCH VISION OPHTHALMOLOGY INC, 2001.
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  - Maddala, R., Y. W. Peng, and P. V. Rao. “Expression and distribution of the early inducible gene Rho-B GTPase in the developing eye lens.” In Investigative Ophthalmology & Visual Science, 42:S537–S537. ASSOC RESEARCH VISION OPHTHALMOLOGY INC, 2001.
    Link to Item
  - Rao, P. V., P. F. Deng, J. Kumar, and D. L. Epstein. “Modulation of aqueous humor outflow facility by the Rho Kinase specific inhibitor, Y-27632.” In Investigative Ophthalmology & Visual Science, 42:S836–S836. ASSOC RESEARCH VISION OPHTHALMOLOGY INC, 2001.
    Link to Item
  - Cheng, Q. F., P. V. Rao, and J. S. Zigler. “Cataractogenic effect of the isoprenylation inhibitor perillic acid.” In Investigative Ophthalmology & Visual Science, 41:S211–S211. ASSOC RESEARCH VISION OPHTHALMOLOGY INC, 2000.
    Link to Item
  - Deng, P. F., R. Maddala, J. Kumar, V. N. Reddy, D. L. Epstein, and P. V. Rao. “Activation of Rho GTPase signaling by mitogenic growth factors and microtubule disruption in human lens epithelial cells.” In Investigative Ophthalmology & Visual Science, 41:S629–S629. ASSOC RESEARCH VISION OPHTHALMOLOGY INC, 2000.
    Link to Item
  - Epstein, D. L., R. Allingham, and P. V. Rao. “The actin scavenger system of aqueous humor and its potential role in the regulation of intraocular pressure.” In Investigative Ophthalmology & Visual Science, 41:S504–S504. ASSOC RESEARCH VISION OPHTHALMOLOGY INC, 2000.
    Link to Item
  - Kumar, J., P. V. Rao, and D. L. Epstein. “Modulation of aqueous humor outflow facility by an integrin - ECM directed RGD peptide.” In Investigative Ophthalmology & Visual Science, 41:S754–S754. ASSOC RESEARCH VISION OPHTHALMOLOGY INC, 2000.
    Link to Item
  - Maddala, R. L., V. N. Reddy, and P. V. Rao. “Impairment of RHO GTPase mediated signaling in lovastatin treated lens epithelial cells.” In Investigative Ophthalmology & Visual Science, 41:S323–S323. ASSOC RESEARCH VISION OPHTHALMOLOGY INC, 2000.
    Link to Item
  - Rao, P. V., R. Allingham, L. Herndon, and D. L. Epstein. “Antithrombin III, a serpin family protease inhibitor is a major heparin binding protein in porcine aqueous humor.” In Investigative Ophthalmology & Visual Science, 41:S561–S561. ASSOC RESEARCH VISION OPHTHALMOLOGY INC, 2000.
    Link to Item
  - Rao, P. V., and D. L. Epstein. “Gelsolin and its possible involvement in the regulation of ocular pressure.” In Molecular Biology of the Cell, 9:270A-270A. AMER SOC CELL BIOLOGY, 1998.
    Link to Item
  - Rao, P. V. “Role of small GTP-binding proteins in lovastatin induced cataracts.” In Investigative Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Vol. 38, 1997.
  - Zigler, J. S., T. A. Garrow, F. John, and P. V. Rao. “High concentration of be' aine-homocysteine methyltransferase in rhesus monkey lens.” In Investigative Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Vol. 38, 1997.
  - Rao, P. V., J. S. Zigler, and D. Garland. “Identification and characterization of members of the Ras super family GTPases in the eye lens.” In Investigative Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Vol. 37, 1996.
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