Improving balance function by regenerating sensory hair cells
Official title: Mentoring Patient Oriented Research in sensory disorders
Funded at Stanford University · NIH-11075849 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at a new way to help people who experience dizziness and balance issues by promoting the growth of tiny hair cells in the inner ear, using a special protein called Atoh1, to find better treatments for those affected.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Stanford University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Stanford, United States) |
| Project start | May 1, 2023 |
| Project end | April 30, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $195,466 |
| NIH project number | 5K24DC020986-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11075849 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include individuals with vestibular disorders, particularly those experiencing balance dysfunction due to hair cell degeneration.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with balance issues not related to hair cell degeneration or those with other underlying conditions affecting balance may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on understanding and enhancing the regeneration of sensory hair cells in the inner ear, which are crucial for maintaining balance. The team is investigating a novel method using a transcription factor called Atoh1 to promote the growth of these cells in the utricle, a part of the vestibular system. By analyzing live tissue samples from organ donors and patients with vestibular schwannoma, the researchers aim to uncover the molecular characteristics of human hair cells and develop effective therapies to restore balance function in individuals suffering from dizziness and vertigo.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments that restore balance function in patients with vestibular disorders.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in similar approaches using animal models, but this specific method of regenerating human hair cells is novel and untested.
Where this research is happening
-
Stanford University
Stanford, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Cheng, Alan Gi-Lun — Stanford University
- Study coordinator: Cheng, Alan Gi-Lun
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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.