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Ponugoti Vasantha Rao is a Richard Kit Barkhouser Distinguished Professor in the Department of Ophthalmology with a joint appointment in the Department of Pharmacology and Cancer Biology at Duke University. His research focuses on ocular diseases, particularly cataract and glaucoma. He investigates the role of cytoskeletal signaling pathways in lens biology, emphasizing how these pathways are critical for lens development and function. His laboratory is engaged in identifying and characterizing plasma membrane cytoskeletal scaffolding proteins that regulate lens fiber cell shape and properties. Ongoing research employs both in vitro and in vivo models along with advanced techniques like high-resolution microscopy to explore the cellular mechanisms of intraocular pressure regulation and aqueous humor drainage. This work aims to uncover novel therapeutic targets for glaucoma treatment. Dr. Rao's educational background includes a Ph.D. from Osmania University, India, in 1989, and he has received several grants from institutions like the National Institutes of Health. He has held multiple academic appointments, progressing from Assistant to Distinguished Professor.
Duke University • Durham, NC
Richard Kit Barkhouser Distinguished Professor, focusing on ocular diseases and cytoskeletal signaling.
Duke University • Durham, NC
Associate Professor in both Ophthalmology and Pharmacology & Cancer Biology.
Duke University • Durham, NC
Started career focusing on Ophthalmology.
Department of Biomedical Engineering (MS program)