Situated in his workspace at the Edgar L. Rhodes Center for Animal and Dairy Science at the University of Georgia, Lohitash Karumbaiah contemplates his transition from the agricultural biotechnology sector in India to his present position focused on researching methods to assist the brain in self-repair following traumatic brain injuries and illness.
“I’ve always possessed a profound sense of adventure and a pursuit of meaning, and I believe my path to where I am today exemplifies that quite well. Stepping outside of my comfort zone has been a significant aspect of my narrative,” stated Karumbaiah, associate professor within the College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences.
Motivated by a draw toward the fundamental science behind his endeavors, Karumbaiah transitioned from his roles in quality assurance and product development at Monsanto Co. (currently Bayer AG) in India to his current position as the head of the Translational Glycomaterials and Neural Repair Laboratory at the Regenerative Bioscience Center.
“Prior to my time in an office in a bustling city in India, I was traveling extensively across the nation and witnessing firsthand how innovation profoundly influenced lives, so I yearned to return to that,” Karumbaiah remarked. “That sentiment only intensified as I began to find the routine of my corporate job in a swanky office increasingly tedious.”
With a strong appreciation for advancing technologies and a desire to engage, he began investigating doctoral programs in the United States.
“I was admittedly very inexperienced regarding the application process, but I selected two programs of interest, one being UGA. When I learned that a faculty member I was considering relocating his lab to UGA, it felt like a sign that this was where I was meant to be. Before I knew it, I found myself in Athens,” Karumbaiah said.
The transition from industry to academia
Shifting from theoretical research to practical application proved more daunting than Karumbaiah anticipated. He attributes his comfort in integrating “hard science” into his research practice to the outstanding guidance he received from his principal professor, Michael Adang.
After obtaining his doctorate in entomology from CAES in 2007, Karumbaiah contemplated postdoctoral positions, but discovered that the agricultural biotechnology sector was flooded with talent. Expanding his search, he sought to redirect his experiences into fresh and diverse areas of bioscience. He applied to a laboratory at the Georgia Institute of Technology, led by Ravi Bellamkonda, which concentrated on tissue engineering. This lab was located within the Wallace H. Coulter Department of Biomedical Engineering at the Georgia Institute of Technology and Emory University School of Medicine, where Karumbaiah spent six years studying the brain’s composition and how engineered materials could be utilized to address conditions of the brain and spinal cord — a complex issue in regenerative medicine.
“At this juncture, I truly encountered a crossroads — should I venture into industry or return to academia? In academia, there are numerous opportunities to develop your own independent vision, which was thrilling to me, particularly since I had already tasted the corporate realm and its mission,” he said. “I opted to seek a faculty role, and although I didn’t foresee returning to UGA, the Regenerative Bioscience Center appeared to be thriving, and I aspired to make a difference. So here I am.”
Leading innovations in brain healing through tissue engineering
Since his arrival at UGA in 2013, Karumbaiah’s determination has resulted in pioneering advancements in aiding the brain’s self-healing after TBI and conditions such as brain tumors. His lab’s research has resulted in the creation of the first-ever tissue-engineered glycomaterial, or “brain glue,” which addresses TBI, and an insulin medium employed in the treatment of glioblastoma, an extremely aggressive brain cancer with a very low survival rate.
Following the initial outcomes for the brain glue published in 2017, the team revealed that the substance functioned as a structural support, capable of stimulating reparative processes within the brain.
“Our extensive studies published in 2021 demonstrated that it performed everything we anticipated and beyond, even repairing blood vessels in the impacted regions. We have obtained a patent for the technology, and currently, we’re focused on applying it to human subjects. This introduces a new set of challenges, but we have a team with extensive expertise, and I remain optimistic about the advancements we’re making,” he stated.
The prospects of regenerative medicine and brain repair
In his research efforts, Karumbaiah is dedicated to molding the upcoming generation of leaders in tissue engineering and biomedical sciences by guiding graduate students in his laboratory.
“I enjoy challenging my students. All my students engage in demanding projects because that is where the real impact lies in our work. I had excellent mentors who encouraged me to trust in my work, and earning a Ph.D. signifies possessing in-depth expertise, so I don’t want my students to depart with uncertainties about their abilities. It’s exhilarating to support them in discovering their next steps,” he remarked.
Looking forward, Karumbaiah anticipates a bright future for regenerative biosciences, especially in the area of brain injury repair.
“The era in which engineered tissues can replace lost tissue and restore function is upon us. Our work is advancing rapidly, and I only foresee it gaining momentum from here,” he concluded.
To find out more about the Regenerative Bioscience Center in CAES, visit rbc.uga.edu. Additional information regarding the Translational Glycomaterials and Neural Repair Laboratory can be found at karumbaiahlab.org.
The article Associate professor journeys from agricultural biotechnology to healing the brain was originally published on UGA Today.