Alapakkam P Sampath

Alapakkam P Sampath is a Professor in both the Department of Ophthalmology and the Department of Neurobiology at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA). He also serves as Department Vice Chair in Ophthalmology and is an Associate Director at the Stein Eye Institute. His academic journey includes a PhD in Physiological Science from UCLA, a postdoctoral fellowship in Neurobiology at Stanford University, and a Senior Fellowship in Physiology & Biophysics from the University of Washington.

• Education:
  • PhD in Physiological Science (1999), University of California
  • Postdoctoral Fellowship in Neurobiology (2001), Stanford University
  • Senior Fellowship in Physiology & Biophysics (2004), University of Washington

His research focuses on retinal physiology, visual transduction mechanisms, and synaptic signaling in photoreceptors, particularly rods and cones. He investigates how photoreceptors process light signals, the role of ion channels and enzymes like phosphodiesterase and transducin, and the evolutionary aspects of retinal circuitry, including in sea lampreys.

Key publications analyze gene therapy timing in retinal degeneration, rod-cone interactions, and the biochemical pathways governing photoreceptor sensitivity and adaptation. His work bridges molecular biology, neuroscience, and clinical ophthalmology to understand and treat vision disorders.

• Scientific Awards:
  • Suzanne Eaton Memorial Prize
  • Taylor M. Brown Memorial Award

He contributes to NIH T32 Training Grants and mentors students and postdoctoral fellows in sensory receptor cell biology, with a focus on retinal function and disease. His lab at Stein Eye Institute explores genetic models, including studies on PRPH2 and SLC4A11 mutations, and their implications for retinal health.