Radha Ayyagari, PhD, Professor of Ophthalmology and Pathology, and Chief of Ophthalmic Molecular Genetics Laboratory (CLIA certified) at the Shiley Eye Institute and Viterbi Family Department of Ophthalmology at UC San Diego. Additionally, she also holds The Viterbi Chair III in Ophthalmic Genetics.
She completed her undergraduate studies at Andhra University in Vizag, India, her graduate studies at Osmania University in Hyderabad, India and went on to complete a fellowship in Ophthalmic Molecular Genetics at the NEI, NIH, Bethesda, Maryland. Her research interests include molecular genetics of macular and retinal dystrophy and glaucoma, biological mechanisms underlying retinal diseases, age-related macular degeneration and diabetic retinopathy.
WHY DID YOU GO INTO MEDICINE/ RESEARCH?
My father was a veterinarian, and he had diabetes with retinal problems. When I was young, he used to tell me how insulin controls the amount of sugar/ energy delivered to cells and how the food we eat gets converted to energy. I was fascinated by how the cells in our body work which sparked my interest in exploring the molecular events that occur in both normal physiology and disease conditions.
WHAT CAME BEFORE UC SAN DIEGO?
I grew up in India, surrounded by a close-knit extended family spanning three generations. I attended school in Andhra Pradesh and completed my PhD in biochemistry at the National Institute of Nutrition, India. Immediately after my PhD, I pursued a fellowship at the National Eye Institute, Bethesda, in Ophthalmic Genetics, where I was first introduced to retinal genetics. Following my fellowship, I was fortunate to be recruited as a junior faculty member by Dr. Paul Sieving at the University of Michigan, where I established my research program in genetics as an Assistant Professor.
WHAT DOES YOUR RESEARCH ROLE INVOLVE?
As a Professor of Ophthalmology and Pathology, I focus on the molecular biology of eye diseases, particularly retinal disorders that cause irreversible blindness. My research seeks to unravel how genetic mutations, especially those inherited within families, contribute to these conditions. My team and I investigate the normal genomic and epigenomic organization of individual retinal cell types, examining how even subtle modifications can influence disease progression. We go beyond genome analysis, utilizing patient-derived stem cells to create “retinas in a dish” and develop genetically engineered models that serve as vital tools to mimic the conditions in patients’ retinal cells, allowing us to understand disease mechanisms and explore genome-based therapies that could correct these abnormalities and preserve vision.
HAVE ANY OF YOUR PATIENTS AFFECTED YOU SIGNIFICANTLY?
Several experiences have profoundly shaped my approach to eye disease research, with one particularly impactful moment early in my career. I worked with a woman deeply worried about passing on a family history of X-linked blindness to her son. Despite limited knowledge of the responsible gene, our team successfully determined that her son likely hadn’t inherited the condition, offering the family hope. Nearly 20 years later, I learned that the boy had grown into a healthy young man pursuing science, validating our work and its lasting impact. For me, uncovering the causes of complex diseases is deeply rewarding. Our research not only helps individual patients but also benefits their families and others with similar conditions globally.
HOW DO COLLABORATIONS AND PARTNERSHIPS FIT INTO YOUR ROLE AS A RESEARCHER?
Rapid advancements in genomic technology enable in-depth exploration of the genome and epigenome, and partnerships with both academia and industry enhance the ability to tackle complex cases. UC San Diego and SEI offer an exceptional collaborative environment for genetic research, with supportive colleagues, valuable resources, and enthusiastic students eager to contribute to projects. The local genomics community also provides numerous opportunities for collaboration and inspires further research growth.
WHAT DO YOU SEE AS THE NEXT BIG ADVANCES IN YOUR FIELD?
We are witnessing significant progress in genetics, with advancements in understanding how factors like environment, diet, and pathogens influence cellular processes. The ability to modulate the genome and epigenome, along with precise genome-editing tools, offers the potential to treat diseases while minimizing impact on surrounding cells. Additionally, AI is improving our ability to analyze complex datasets, accelerating research and enabling faster progress. These innovations are poised to enhance our understanding of disease pathology and improve prevention and treatment of both childhood-onset and age-related diseases.
WHAT DO YOU DO IN YOUR FREE TIME?
My husband, Siradanahalli Guru, an RNA vaccine specialist in the industry, and our son, Aditya, a biotech and healthcare consultant, both share a deep passion for science. This common interest often sparks vibrant discussions at home, where strong opinions and lively debates are common! During our free time, we enjoy exploring the beautiful hiking trails as a family. I also have a passion for reading and painting, although I don’t always find enough time to indulge in those activities.
