Ayyagari Lab

This is the research and laboratory website of Dr. Radha Ayyagari.
Our laboratory is based at the Shiley Eye Institute at UCSD.

Using molecular genetics, our lab:

Identifies the genetic basis of disease in human and animal models with retinal dystrophies
Understands the pathway leading to degeneration of retina
Develops therapies

We use molecular genetics and cell biology approaches to understand the mechanisms involved in causing inherited retinal and macular dystrophies. We study early and late-onset retinal/macular degenerations with Mendelian and complex patterns of inheritance. Our research strategy involves identifying mutations in novel genes causing inherited retinal degenerations, understanding the function of these genes, determining the pathways that are involved in causing disease pathology and evaluating novel therapeutic interventions to delay the onset or treat the progression of degeneration. We study patients and naturally occurring animal models with inherited retinal disease to identify novel, disease-associated genes using whole genome or exome analysis methodologies. Functional analysis and evaluation of therapies is carried out using cell culture and genetically engineered animal models.

About Our Lab

The focus of the research studies in Ayyagari lab is finding causative genes or elusive genes involved in the retinal pathologies and identify therapeutic targets. The laboratory utilizes next generation sequencing including, whole exome sequencing (WES), whole genome sequencing (WGS) and single cell genomics. In the laboratory, we model patient diseases by reprogramming blood cells to stem cells using patient’s blood and differentiating them to desired cell types and organoids.

Similarly, we generate mouse models with human mutations by genome editing to better understand the molecular pathways/mechanisms involved in pathology. These model systems are also used to evaluate therapeutic strategies.

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