Finding molecules that activate GPR156, a receptor tied to hearing and balance
Discovery of synthetic and endogenous ligands for orphan GPCR GPR156
This project looks for natural and lab-made molecules that switch on GPR156, a protein linked to hearing and balance, to help develop new treatments for ear and balance problems.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Rochester NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Rochester, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11170727 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Researchers use sensitive cell-based tests that report when GPR156 is active to screen large libraries of candidate compounds. They will look for natural ligands present in brain tissue and apply proximity-labeling and proteomics to identify proteins that bind GPR156. Promising molecules and interacting proteins will be validated in physiologically relevant systems to confirm effects on signaling pathways related to hearing and balance. The goal is to create therapeutic leads that could move into animal testing and, eventually, human trials.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with hearing loss, vestibular (balance) disorders, or related inner ear or neurological conditions could be among those who might benefit from therapies developed from this research.
Not a fit: Patients with health issues unrelated to hearing or balance are unlikely to receive direct benefit from this project.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could produce new drug leads or biological targets for treating hearing loss and balance disorders.
How similar studies have performed: Related screening and ligand-discovery approaches have identified ligands for some orphan GPCRs, but finding functional ligands and partners for GPR156 remains largely novel.
Where this research is happening
Rochester, United States
- University of Rochester — Rochester, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Orlandi, Cesare — University of Rochester
- Study coordinator: Orlandi, Cesare
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.