KRISHNAKUMAR KIZHATIL, PhD
Assistant Professor
Ophthalmology and Vision Sciences
Academic information
- Department: Ophthalmology and Vision Sciences
Research interests
- Glaucoma
- Intraocular Pressure Regulation
- Retinal Ganglion Cell Biology
- Genetics
About
Biography
I am an assistant professor of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences in The Ohio State University College of Medicine. As a cell and developmental biologist, my research centers on finding cures for glaucoma.
My current work is focused on determining the molecular basis of intraocular pressure regulation. I use mouse and cell based models to understand the mechanistic basis of human glaucoma-associated gene functions and related pathways, with the goal of identifying new druggable targets to control eye pressure and glaucoma.
My team uses cutting-edge cell biology methods, genomics and state-of-the-art microscopy to study the development and biology of Schlemm’s canal, an essential structure for controlling eye pressure. We aim to develop tools with clinical potential to regulate Schlemm’s canal function and reduce eye pressure. The Kizhatil group also studies retinal ganglion cell biology to develop therapies that enhance their resilience and protect vision.
Credentials
Education
- Postdoctoral training - Department of Cell Biology and HHMI
- Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, United States
- PhD
- University of Tennessee at Memphis, Memphis, TN, United States
- Bachelor of Pharmacy (Honors, June 1992)
- Birla Institute of Technology and Science (BITS), Pilani, Rajasthan, India
Research
Research interests
- Glaucoma
- Intraocular Pressure Regulation
- Retinal Ganglion Cell Biology
- Genetics
Active Funding
Prime editing-based functional interrogation of generic risk variants in glaucoma.
Funding Agency: Ann Ellis Fund, Columbus Foundation
Award Total: $21,781.00
Dates of Funding: 01/01/2026 - 12/31/2026
Determining Molecular mechanisms of Human glaucoma genes
NIH/NEI-R01 033015 co-PI
Project dates: 05/1/2022-03/31/2026
Direct costs: $1,000416
The objective of the grant is to determine the mechanism by which the human glaucoma gene GLIS1 regulates intraocular pressure using model eyes.
Professional membership
Association for Research in Vision and Ophthalmology (ARVO)
International Society for Eye Research (ISER)
American Society for Cell Biology (ASCB)
Editorial Activities
Ad hoc reviewer
Glaucoma Foundation,
Journal of Biological Chemistry,
Proceeding of National Academy of Science,
Investigative Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences (IOVS)
Experimental Eye Research
PlosOne
ELife
Molecular Vision
Survey of Ophthalmology
npj Regenerative Medicine
Cell Reports