Keeping inner-ear hair bundles (stereocilia) stable
Cytoskeletal stability in stereocilia maintenance
This work learns how tiny actin filaments at the tips of inner-ear hair cells stay stable so hearing loss from genetics, aging, or noise might be prevented or repaired.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Indiana University Indianapolis NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Indianapolis, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11168892 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Hearing depends on tiny hair-like projections called stereocilia on sensory cells in the inner ear, and this research focuses on how the actin filaments inside those tips are made and maintained. The team uses mouse models and lab experiments to map a newly discovered population of short actin filaments found at stereocilia tips and to compare how these filaments behave in different rows of hair cells. By testing the molecules that control actin addition and removal at stereocilia tips, researchers aim to define the cellular mechanisms that keep hair bundles the right length and shape. Insights from these experiments could point to ways to protect or restore stereocilia during aging or after noise damage.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: The patient groups most relevant to this research are people with sensorineural hearing loss from genetic defects in stereocilia, age-related hearing loss, or noise-induced damage.
Not a fit: People whose hearing loss is conductive (middle-ear problems) or due to central nervous system causes are unlikely to benefit from stereocilia-focused findings.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could identify molecular targets to preserve or repair the tiny hair bundles that underlie many forms of hearing loss.
How similar studies have performed: Prior basic-science studies have revealed key actin-related processes in stereocilia and the investigators have previously found differences in actin turnover, but translating these findings into patient therapies remains early-stage.
Where this research is happening
Indianapolis, United States
- Indiana University Indianapolis — Indianapolis, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Perrin, Benjamin J — Indiana University Indianapolis
- Study coordinator: Perrin, Benjamin J
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 below.