Investigating how calcium regulation affects hearing loss in cochlear cells.
Official title: Calcium Regulation in Cochlear Cells
Funded at Case Western Reserve University · NIH-11058784 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how changes in calcium levels in tiny hair cells in the ear might cause hearing loss as we age, and it aims to find ways to protect these cells to help older adults keep their hearing longer.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Case Western Reserve University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Cleveland, United States) |
| Project start | December 1, 2024 |
| Project end | November 30, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $673,048 |
| NIH project number | 1R01DC021795-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11058784 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are older adults experiencing age-related hearing loss or those at risk of acquired hearing loss.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with congenital hearing loss or those whose hearing loss is unrelated to age or acoustic exposure may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on understanding acquired hearing loss (AHL), particularly in aging individuals, by examining the role of calcium regulation in cochlear hair cells. The study aims to explore how mitochondrial dysfunction and calcium overload contribute to the damage and death of these cells, which are crucial for hearing. By using acoustic stimulation and analyzing the cellular responses, researchers hope to uncover the mechanisms behind AHL and identify potential therapeutic targets. The findings could lead to new strategies for preventing or mitigating hearing loss in older adults.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments that help preserve hearing in aging individuals.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding mitochondrial dysfunction in hearing loss, indicating that this approach has potential for success.
Where this research is happening
-
Case Western Reserve University
Cleveland, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Stepanyan, Ruben — Case Western Reserve University
- Study coordinator: Stepanyan, Ruben
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
Estrogen signaling and how the intestinal lining protects against injury
A study at Case Western Reserve University looks at how estrogen receptors in the gut lining help protect against intestinal injury and inflammatory bowel disease.
-
Diabetes: Long-term effects of intensive glucose control on complications
A long-term study follows adults with type 1 diabetes to see how keeping blood sugar close to normal affects eye, kidney, nerve, heart, and quality of life outcomes over many years.
-
Epidemiology of Diabetes Interventions and Complications (EDIC) Study follow-up
This long-term study follows adults with type 1 diabetes to see how early intensive glucose control affects complications and quality of life over many years.
-
Role of THAP1 in brain cell support cells shaping brain development
Aims to understand how the THAP1 protein in oligodendrocyte lineage cells helps shape the brain’s environment and myelination during development, which may relate to a movement disorder called DYT6 dystonia.
-
New human monoclonal antibodies to stop malaria caused by Plasmodium vivax
A researcher team is developing human monoclonal antibodies to prevent and treat malaria from Plasmodium vivax, with a plan to test promising antibodies in primates and prepare for human trials.
-
PopCASE: A user-friendly tool to link cancer data for communities and researchers
Aimed at improving population cancer research, PopCASE helps connect patient cancer data with community information to inform better care and outreach.
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.