Creating a model to help regenerate sensory neurons in the inner ear
Official title: Development of an in vivo model system of sensory afferent neuron regeneration
Funded at Washington University · NIH-11053154 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at ways to help the inner ear grow new nerve cells that are important for hearing and balance, which could lead to better treatments for people dealing with hearing loss or balance issues caused by aging, loud noises, or injuries.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Washington University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Saint Louis, United States) |
| Project start | September 19, 2024 |
| Project end | August 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $427,625 |
| NIH project number | 1R21DC021762-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11053154 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals experiencing hearing loss or balance issues due to aging, noise exposure, or ototoxic injury.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with intact sensory neurons or those whose hearing loss is not related to neuron damage may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on understanding how to regenerate afferent neurons in the inner ear, which are crucial for hearing and balance. The project aims to develop an in vivo model system to study the cellular signals that influence the proliferation of neural stem cells in the cochlea. By investigating these mechanisms, the researchers hope to identify potential strategies for replacing lost neurons due to aging, noise exposure, or injury. This could lead to improved treatments for individuals suffering from hearing loss or balance disorders.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new therapies that restore hearing and balance by regenerating damaged sensory neurons.
How similar studies have gone: While the regeneration of sensory neurons in mammals is largely untested, there have been successful studies in other models that suggest potential pathways for neuron regeneration.
Where this research is happening
-
Washington University
Saint Louis, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Sheets, Lavinia — Washington University
- Study coordinator: Sheets, Lavinia
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.