Professor Dr Dorairajan Balasubramanian

Research Priorities: Eye diseases, biochemical and photochemical principles of cataracts, molecular-genetic analysis of various congenital eye diseases
Dorairajan Balasubramanian is an Indian chemist. The scientist has made significant contributions to the understanding of the basic biological processes involved in some eye diseases, notably cataract and glaucoma.
His expertise in biophysics, biophysical chemistry and molecular biology have enabled him to identify the origin and chemical identities of several chromophores and pigments that accumulate in the lens of the human eye during the ageing process prior to cataracts. The accumulation of these chromophores and pigments can damage the lens proteins via oxidation and cross-linking. Balasubramanian’s team also investigated substances in terms of their ability to delay or even prevent the forming of a cataract. With the help of a molecular functional analysis, the team also investigated the structure of mutant crystallins that are seen in congenital cataracts in children and were able to show how these molecules form scattering particles in situ in lens cells. Balasubramanian then extended his research to the protein optineurin, which plays a role in the forming of glaucoma and identified the mutations that can lead to retinal ganglion cell death.
Balasubramanian and his working group were further able to isolate and cultivate adult stem cells from the cornea region. Corneal epithelial cells were later obtained from these.
In addition, the scientist is committed to public health information. He has contributed to the public’s improved understanding of chemistry and biochemistry with his popular science articles. Dorairajan Balasubramanian has worked to ensure that as many people as possible have access to scientifically sound ophthalmology.