Biraj Mahato

Biraj Mahato serves as an Assistant Professor of Research in the Department of Ophthalmology at the University of Southern California, where his laboratory pioneers regenerative therapies for vision restoration. His work bridges stem cell biology, mitochondrial research, and clinical ophthalmology to address neurodegenerative blindness.

His academic foundation includes a PhD in Molecular and Cellular Biology from CSIR-Indian Institute of Chemical Biology (Jadavpur University), followed by postdoctoral training at KU Medical Center, UPenn, and UNT Health Science Center. This multidisciplinary background equipped him with expertise in cellular reprogramming and regenerative medicine.

Dr. Mahato's research focuses on:

• Developing cell-based therapies for ophthalmic neurodegeneration
• Functional analysis of photoreceptors and retinal ganglion cells
• In vivo retinal regeneration techniques
• Mechanistic studies of retina-optic nerve disorders

His landmark work demonstrated small molecule-induced conversion of skin fibroblasts into vision-restoring photoreceptors in blind animal models.

Publication analysis reveals consistent innovation in mitochondrial biology and cellular reprogramming, with a trajectory from basic stem cell mechanisms (2008-2013) toward translational ophthalmic applications (2014-2020). His Nature-published 2020 breakthrough exemplifies his lab's shift toward clinically viable vision restoration therapies.

Key recognitions include:

• Glaucoma Research Foundation Grant award (2019)
• Cell Symposium Support Award (2018)
• CSIR National Fellowships (2006, 2008)
• Gordon Research Conference Travel Award (2010)

Dr. Mahato secures competitive funding including the 2019 Glaucoma Research Foundation grant, enabling his lab's development of regenerative therapies. His collaborative approach integrates expertise from multiple institutions, reflecting his cross-institutional postdoctoral training. Current work emphasizes translating cellular reprogramming discoveries into clinical treatments for retinal degeneration.

His USC laboratory operates at the neuroscience-ophthalmology interface, utilizing advanced techniques in mitochondrial manipulation and cellular engineering to create next-generation therapies for currently incurable blinding conditions.