Endocannabinoid signals in ear development
Official title: Project 2: Endocannabinoid Signaling in Development of Inner Ear
Funded at University of Mississippi Med Ctr · NIH-11401008 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A scientist at the University of Mississippi Medical Center is studying how natural cannabis-like signals affect how our inner ear develops, especially the cells that detect sound and balance.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Mississippi Med Ctr NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Jackson, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2025 |
| Project end | July 31, 2030 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $232,500 |
| NIH project number | 5P20GM156708-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11401008 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates are adults with or without ear conditions who may benefit from future translational work, as this study focuses on developmental biology using embryonic and early postnatal models.
✕Less likely to help
Direct benefits to participants are unlikely since this study focuses on developmental biology in non-human samples and early developmental stages.
What this research studies
This project maps where the body’s endocannabinoid system components appear in developing ear tissue and early postnatal ears. It also examines how CNR1-driven signaling influences the growth and wiring of spiral ganglion neurons that connect the ear to the brain. Researchers will look at embryos and newborn models to see which cells express specific receptors and enzymes involved in endocannabinoid signaling. The goal is to understand how these signals guide ear development and potentially affect hearing pathways.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, findings could illuminate new angles for preventing or mitigating developmental hearing or balance disorders.
How similar studies have gone: Previous work shows endocannabinoid signaling influences nervous system development; this project extends that to the inner ear.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Mississippi Med Ctr
Jackson, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Ghosh, Sumana — University of Mississippi Med Ctr
- Study coordinator: Ghosh, Sumana
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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.