Cytomegalovirus effects on nerve and hearing-related proteins
HCMV infection downregulates nidogen 1 and myelin protein zero
['FUNDING_R01'] · UNIVERSITY OF IDAHO · NIH-11299002
Tests if cytomegalovirus reduces key nerve proteins in newborns and young children that can lead to hearing loss.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_R01'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | UNIVERSITY OF IDAHO (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (MOSCOW, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11299002 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
From a patient's view, scientists are using human nerve cells grown together in 3D to see how cytomegalovirus (CMV) changes proteins that help nerves stay insulated and anchored, especially those important for hearing. The team infects these human Schwann cell–neuron co-cultures or exposes them to a viral protein to watch changes in myelin protein zero (MPZ) and nidogen 1 and how myelination is affected. The work relies on human-derived cells and comparisons to infected human tissue to better mirror what happens in babies with congenital CMV. Findings aim to explain why some infants born with CMV later develop hearing loss even if they seemed healthy at birth.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates would be infants or young children with congenital CMV infection or families willing to provide clinical samples, especially when there is concern for sensorineural hearing loss.
Not a fit: People without CMV infection or adults with unrelated causes of hearing loss are unlikely to get direct benefit from this specific work.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this could clarify how congenital CMV causes delayed hearing loss and point to targets to prevent or treat nerve damage in affected infants.
How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have linked CMV to reduced MPZ and to hearing loss in infants, but using an all-human 3D Schwann cell–neuron culture is a relatively new approach.
Where this research is happening
MOSCOW, UNITED STATES
- UNIVERSITY OF IDAHO — MOSCOW, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: FORTUNATO, ELIZABETH A — UNIVERSITY OF IDAHO
- Study coordinator: FORTUNATO, ELIZABETH A
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 below.