Exploring how Tmc proteins affect hearing in zebrafish
Official title: Understanding the role of Tmc proteins in hair cell mechanotransduction of zebrafish
Funded at Case Western Reserve University · NIH-10862032 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study looks at how certain proteins in zebrafish help them hear, which could teach us more about human hearing and possibly lead to new treatments for deafness.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Case Western Reserve University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Cleveland, United States) |
| Project start | August 1, 2023 |
| Project end | July 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2023 |
| Award (this year) | $572,837 |
| NIH project number | 1R56DC020321-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-10862032 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for benefiting from this research include individuals with genetic forms of hearing loss linked to Tmc protein mutations.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with hearing loss due to non-genetic factors or unrelated conditions may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the role of Tmc proteins in the hearing process of zebrafish, which serve as a model for understanding human hearing mechanisms. By examining the cellular structure and genetic factors involved in hair cell function, the study aims to uncover how different Tmc proteins contribute to the ability to detect sound. The approach includes genetic analysis and electrophysiological assessments to observe how these proteins interact within the hair cells. Insights gained could help in understanding deafness and developing potential treatments.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new strategies for treating hearing loss and deafness in humans.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown success in using zebrafish models to study hearing mechanisms, indicating that this approach is promising.
Where this research is happening
-
Case Western Reserve University
Cleveland, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Mcdermott, Brian Michael — Case Western Reserve University
- Study coordinator: Mcdermott, Brian Michael
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
Estrogen signaling and how the intestinal lining protects against injury
A study at Case Western Reserve University looks at how estrogen receptors in the gut lining help protect against intestinal injury and inflammatory bowel disease.
-
Diabetes: Long-term effects of intensive glucose control on complications
A long-term study follows adults with type 1 diabetes to see how keeping blood sugar close to normal affects eye, kidney, nerve, heart, and quality of life outcomes over many years.
-
Epidemiology of Diabetes Interventions and Complications (EDIC) Study follow-up
This long-term study follows adults with type 1 diabetes to see how early intensive glucose control affects complications and quality of life over many years.
-
Role of THAP1 in brain cell support cells shaping brain development
Aims to understand how the THAP1 protein in oligodendrocyte lineage cells helps shape the brain’s environment and myelination during development, which may relate to a movement disorder called DYT6 dystonia.
-
New human monoclonal antibodies to stop malaria caused by Plasmodium vivax
A researcher team is developing human monoclonal antibodies to prevent and treat malaria from Plasmodium vivax, with a plan to test promising antibodies in primates and prepare for human trials.
-
PopCASE: A user-friendly tool to link cancer data for communities and researchers
Aimed at improving population cancer research, PopCASE helps connect patient cancer data with community information to inform better care and outreach.
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.