Creating human inner ear models to study hearing and balance disorders
Official title: Development of human inner ear organoid platforms for human auditory/vestibular disorders
Funded at University of Miami School of Medicine · NIH-11021405 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is working on creating tiny models of the inner ear from stem cells to help us learn more about hearing loss and balance problems, so we can test new treatments for the genetic issues that cause these conditions.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Miami School of Medicine NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Coral Gables, United States) |
| Project start | January 1, 2025 |
| Project end | December 31, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $767,494 |
| NIH project number | 1R01DC022239-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11021405 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals with congenital or acquired hearing loss, particularly those with a known genetic basis for their condition.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with hearing loss not linked to genetic factors or those with non-auditory related balance issues may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on developing human inner ear organoids from pluripotent stem cells to better understand and treat hearing loss and balance disorders. By generating these organoids, researchers aim to test gene therapies and advanced genome editing techniques to address genetic mutations that lead to dysfunction in sensory hair cells. The project will also involve innovative in vitro studies to explore the effects of identified genetic variants on inner ear function. This approach combines multiple cutting-edge methodologies to create a comprehensive model for studying auditory and vestibular disorders.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments for hearing loss and balance disorders caused by genetic mutations.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown promise in using organoid models for studying various diseases, indicating that this approach could be effective for auditory and vestibular disorders as well.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Miami School of Medicine
Coral Gables, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Liu, Xue Z — University of Miami School of Medicine
- Study coordinator: Liu, Xue Z
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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.