Gene and Variant Curation Panels for Hearing Loss
Official title: Gene and Variant Curation Expert Panels for Hearing Loss
Funded at Indiana University Indianapolis · NIH-11381768 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A team is building and refining a global resource to accurately connect hearing loss genes and genetic variants with their clinical impact to improve diagnosis and care.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Indiana University Indianapolis NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Indianapolis, United States) |
| Project start | August 1, 2025 |
| Project end | July 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $341,942 |
| NIH project number | 5U24DC022542-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11381768 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Patients with hereditary hearing loss or suspected genetic causes who undergo genetic testing.
✕Less likely to help
Patients whose hearing loss is not genetic or whose variants remain of uncertain significance may not see immediate clinical change.
What this research studies
This NIH grant supports an international group of experts who curate and validate gene-disease connections and variant pathogenicity for hearing loss. The effort aims to improve how hereditary hearing loss is diagnosed and managed by standardizing how genes and variants are interpreted in clinical testing. It involves organizing panels, harmonizing evidence, and integrating findings into a publicly accessible resource to guide clinicians and patients. The work is collaborative across institutions and will adapt to evolving genetic knowledge and clinical testing needs.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, it could lead to more precise genetic diagnoses and better-informed treatment and counseling for people with hearing loss.
How similar studies have gone: Previous gene-variant curation efforts have improved diagnostic accuracy and consistency across laboratories.
Where this research is happening
-
Indiana University Indianapolis
Indianapolis, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Azaiez, Hela — Indiana University Indianapolis
- Study coordinator: Azaiez, Hela
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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.