How the inner ear builds its high-to-low sound map
Patterning of the Cochlear Apex-to-Base Axis
['FUNDING_R01'] · UNIVERSITY OF MICHIGAN AT ANN ARBOR · NIH-11259448
This project looks at how developmental signals shape different parts of the cochlea so we can better understand causes of hearing problems and guide future treatments.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_R01'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | UNIVERSITY OF MICHIGAN AT ANN ARBOR (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (ANN ARBOR, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11259448 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
This work focuses on how chemical signals like sonic hedgehog and retinoic acid, plus small RNAs and chromatin factors, give cells along the cochlea a positional identity that determines hair cell size and organization. Researchers will manipulate signaling pathways in embryonic models and map where retinoic acid and hedgehog effectors are active, identify key target genes, and study changes in chromatin accessibility using methods such as ATAC-seq. The experiments use mammalian and avian embryonic tissue and molecular lab techniques to link signaling gradients to specific gene and epigenetic programs. The goal is to create a detailed molecular map of how different cochlear regions are specified during development.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: This project appears to be laboratory-based and does not enroll patients directly, so there are no patient eligibility criteria for participation.
Not a fit: People seeking immediate treatments for age-related or noise-induced hearing loss are unlikely to benefit directly from this embryonic-development focused research in the near term.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this could reveal molecular causes of developmental hearing problems and point to targets for future therapies to prevent or repair hearing loss.
How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have shown roles for sonic hedgehog and retinoic acid in cochlear patterning, but the proposed integration through miRNAs and chromatin modifiers represents a newer, less-tested direction.
Where this research is happening
ANN ARBOR, UNITED STATES
- UNIVERSITY OF MICHIGAN AT ANN ARBOR — ANN ARBOR, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: WALDHAUS, JOERG — UNIVERSITY OF MICHIGAN AT ANN ARBOR
- Study coordinator: WALDHAUS, JOERG
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.