Genetically modified gerbils to study how brain cells help locate sounds
Official title: Genetically modified gerbils to advance investigation of cellular properties underlying timing- and intensity-based sound localization in mammals with a hearing frequency range more similar to humans
Funded at Northeast Ohio Medical University · NIH-11437958 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A scientist team will create genetically modified gerbils to understand how specific brain cells in the brainstem help us pinpoint where sounds come from, especially at frequencies similar to human hearing.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Northeast Ohio Medical University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Rootstown, United States) |
| Project start | July 20, 2026 |
| Project end | June 30, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $440,000 |
| NIH project number | 1R21DC024044-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11437958 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates are individuals interested in hearing science and hope to benefit from advances in understanding how the brain localizes sounds, including those with hearing loss or central auditory processing challenges.
✕Less likely to help
People without an interest in neuroscience or hearing research or those seeking direct clinical treatment in the near term may not benefit.
What this research studies
This project will use CRISPR methods to produce new gerbil strains with targeted changes in neurons in the superior olivary complex, which is key for comparing signals from both ears. Researchers will use two-photon and other techniques to study the activity of glycinergic and glutamatergic neurons in the lateral superior olive both in living animals and in tissue samples. The goal is to map how these neuron types contribute to timing and intensity cues that underlie sound localization, with an eye toward improving models that resemble human hearing. The work combines genetic modification, advanced imaging, and precise brainstem measurements to create resources that future studies can use to probe hearing and speech processing.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this could lead to better animal models that reflect human hearing, accelerating discoveries related to speech understanding and hearing disorders.
How similar studies have gone: Past work using CRISPR and animal models has shown that precise genetic tools can illuminate brain circuits involved in hearing; this project extends that approach to a species closer to human hearing.
Where this research is happening
-
Northeast Ohio Medical University
Rootstown, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Winters, Bradley D — Northeast Ohio Medical University
- Study coordinator: Winters, Bradley D
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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.