Investigating how noise trauma affects specific brain cells in the auditory cortex.
Official title: TNF-α Signaling in Noise Trauma-Induced PV Neuron Loss and Dysfunction
Funded at University of Arizona · NIH-10795060 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how loud noises can harm certain brain cells that help us hear, using mice to see how blocking specific receptors might protect these cells and improve hearing issues like tinnitus.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Arizona NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Tucson, United States) |
| Project start | April 1, 2023 |
| Project end | March 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $191,875 |
| NIH project number | 5R21DC020502-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10795060 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research would include individuals experiencing auditory processing disorders or tinnitus, particularly those with a history of noise exposure.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have auditory processing issues or a history of noise trauma may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research explores the impact of noise trauma on parvalbumin-positive inhibitory interneurons in the auditory cortex, which are crucial for auditory processing. By using a mouse model, the study will manipulate specific receptors (TNFR1 and TNFR2) to understand their roles in neuron loss and dysfunction following noise exposure. The researchers will employ viral vectors to selectively knock down these receptors and assess the resulting effects on neuron survival and synaptic function. This approach aims to uncover the underlying mechanisms of auditory processing deficits and tinnitus caused by noise trauma.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new therapeutic strategies for preventing or treating auditory processing disorders and tinnitus.
How similar studies have gone: While the specific approach of manipulating TNFR1 and TNFR2 in the context of noise trauma is novel, similar studies have shown promise in understanding neuronal loss and dysfunction in other contexts.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Arizona
Tucson, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Bao, Shaowen — University of Arizona
- Study coordinator: Bao, Shaowen
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.