Investigating how specific brain signals affect hearing processing.
Official title: GABA and NPY Signaling Interact to Shape Inhibition in the Auditory Tectothalamic Pathway
Funded at University of Texas San Antonio · NIH-11012316 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how certain brain signals, called GABA and Neuropeptide Y, work together in a part of the brain that helps us hear, especially as we get older and may experience hearing loss, to better understand how these changes affect our ability to process sounds.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Texas San Antonio NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (San Antonio, United States) |
| Project start | December 1, 2021 |
| Project end | December 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $249,000 |
| NIH project number | 5R00DC019415-04 |
| Project ID | NIH-11012316 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 auditory processing difficulties.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with hearing loss due to non-age-related factors, such as noise exposure or genetic conditions, may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on understanding the role of GABA and Neuropeptide Y (NPY) in the auditory system, particularly in the inferior colliculus, which is crucial for processing sounds. The study aims to uncover how these signals interact to influence the way neurons respond to auditory cues, especially in the context of age-related hearing loss. By examining the mechanisms of inhibition in auditory processing, the research seeks to provide insights into how diminished synaptic inhibition affects hearing in older adults. This could involve advanced techniques to analyze neuronal behavior and signaling pathways in animal models.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new strategies for treating age-related hearing loss and improving auditory processing in older adults.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding auditory processing through similar signaling pathways, indicating potential for success in this area.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Texas San Antonio
San Antonio, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Silveira, Marina Augusto — University of Texas San Antonio
- Study coordinator: Silveira, Marina Augusto
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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.