How inner-ear nerve cells form and adapt to encode sound
Development and Plasticity of Neural Circuits Underlying Sound Encoding
This project looks at how different nerve cells that carry sound from the inner ear to the brain develop and change, which may explain hearing trouble after loud noise or with aging.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11324319 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
From the patient's viewpoint, the team studies spiral ganglion neurons (SGNs), the nerve cells that link inner hair cells to the brain and come in three types with different firing patterns. They use mouse models and genetic tools (including animals lacking Vglut3 and manipulations of the Runx1 gene) to follow how SGN types are specified before birth and refined after birth by activity. The researchers combine molecular profiling, genetics, and physiological recordings to see how losing or shifting SGN subtypes affects sound encoding, especially in noisy environments. Their experiments aim to identify mechanisms that could be targeted to restore the normal mix of SGN types needed for better hearing.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with sensorineural hearing loss related to noise exposure or age-related decline in auditory-nerve function are the eventual patient group most likely to benefit and to be candidates for future therapies informed by this research.
Not a fit: Patients whose hearing problems are due to middle-ear conductive issues or non-auditory conditions are unlikely to receive direct benefit from this basic-lab research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could reveal ways to restore or protect cochlear nerve-cell diversity and improve hearing in noisy settings or after acoustic injury.
How similar studies have performed: Previous animal studies have mapped SGN subtypes and shown that activity and genes like Runx1 influence their identities, but applying these findings to human treatments remains largely untested.
Where this research is happening
Boston, United States
- Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary — Boston, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Shrestha, Brikha Raj — Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary
- Study coordinator: Shrestha, Brikha Raj
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.