Renu Kowluru

Renu Kowluru is a Professor and Director of Translational Research at the Department of Ophthalmology and Visual & Anatomical Sciences, Wayne State University. Her research focuses on the role of mitochondrial dysfunction and epigenetic modifications in the pathogenesis of diabetic retinopathy, including the phenomenon of metabolic memory where retinal damage persists even after glycemic control.

Dr. Kowluru’s work has been recognized by her induction into Wayne State University’s Academy of Scholars (2011), designation as a World Expert by Expertscape (2021), and inclusion in Research.com’s list of the World’s Best Scientists (2025). She has served on high-impact committees such as the National Eye Institute’s Strategic Planning Committee (2020) and the National Eye Advisory Council (2020–2024).

Her research has identified mitochondrial DNA damage as a critical driver of oxidative stress in diabetic retinopathy and pioneered the study of mitochondrial epigenetics in this context. She has secured continuous NIH funding (R01 EY014370, EY017313, EY022230, EY033516). The trends in her recent publications highlight long noncoding RNAs, ferroptosis, and mitochondrial DNA repair as central themes.

Scientific Awards

• Wayne State University Academy of Scholars (2011)
• Expertscape World Expert in Diabetes Complications (2021)
• Research.com World’s Best Scientists (2025)

Dr. Kowluru’s grants and committee roles reflect her leadership in advancing diabetic retinopathy research, including contributions to the Foundation for Vision Research and the Mary Tyler Moore Vision Collaborative Community. Her collaborations span institutions like the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation and the American Diabetes Association.