Investigating how individual synapses in balance-related cells function
Official title: Shedding light on balance: Interrogating individual synapses within vestibular epithelia
Funded at University of California Los Angeles · NIH-10754570 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how tiny connections in balance-related cells in your inner ear work, which could help us understand balance problems better and lead to new treatments for those issues.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California Los Angeles NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Los Angeles, United States) |
| Project start | February 1, 2023 |
| Project end | January 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $195,000 |
| NIH project number | 5R21DC020581-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10754570 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals experiencing balance disorders or hearing issues, particularly those related to vestibular function.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with balance issues not related to vestibular function or those with non-synaptic related conditions may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on understanding the structure and function of synapses in vestibular hair cells, which are crucial for balance. By using advanced optical biosensors and viral techniques, the study aims to measure neurotransmitter release at these synapses, providing insights into their unique architectures. This approach allows researchers to explore how different types of hair cells communicate and function, which could lead to a better understanding of balance disorders. Patients may benefit from findings that improve treatment options for conditions related to balance and hearing.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved treatments for balance disorders and related conditions.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown promise in using similar biosensor techniques to study synaptic function, indicating potential for success in this novel approach.
Where this research is happening
-
University of California Los Angeles
Los Angeles, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Hoffman, Larry F — University of California Los Angeles
- Study coordinator: Hoffman, Larry F
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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.