Human inner ear organoids for CHARGE syndrome
Modeling CHARGE Syndrome with Human Inner Ear Organoids
['FUNDING_R01'] · INDIANA UNIVERSITY INDIANAPOLIS · NIH-11234283
This project uses lab-grown human inner ear tissue to learn how CHD7 gene changes cause hearing problems in people with CHARGE syndrome.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_R01'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | INDIANA UNIVERSITY INDIANAPOLIS (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (INDIANAPOLIS, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11234283 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
Researchers are growing tiny human inner ear tissues (organoids) from stem cells that carry CHD7 mutations found in CHARGE syndrome. They will compare different CHD7 mutations to see how each changes gene activity, hair cell structure, and function. The team will trace how ear cell types form and whether they drift away from normal development in mutant organoids. Findings will link specific gene defects to the kinds of hearing loss people with CHARGE experience.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: The work is focused on CHARGE syndrome caused by CHD7 mutations, so people with CHARGE or known CHD7 variants are the patient group most relevant to this research even though the project does not enroll patients.
Not a fit: People whose hearing loss has causes unrelated to CHD7 or CHARGE syndrome are unlikely to directly benefit from this laboratory study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: Could identify the cellular causes of hearing loss in CHARGE syndrome and point to targets for future treatments or diagnostics.
How similar studies have performed: Organoid approaches have successfully modeled inner ear development and some genetic forms of deafness, but applying human cochlear organoids specifically to different CHD7 mutations is a newer direction.
Where this research is happening
INDIANAPOLIS, UNITED STATES
- INDIANA UNIVERSITY INDIANAPOLIS — INDIANAPOLIS, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: HASHINO, ERI — INDIANA UNIVERSITY INDIANAPOLIS
- Study coordinator: HASHINO, ERI
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.
Conditions: CHARGE syndrome