Ksr2 and obesity-related hearing loss in a mouse model: what it means for veterans
Official title: Mechanisms of Ksr2, an obesity and type 2 diabetes gene, in auditory neuropathy
Funded at VA Loma Linda Healthcare System · NIH-11411893 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This project studies how obesity and type 2 diabetes affect hearing using a mouse model to identify ways to protect hearing in people with metabolic problems.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | VA Loma Linda Healthcare System NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Loma Linda, United States) |
| Project start | July 1, 2026 |
| Project end | June 30, 2030 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| NIH project number | 1I01RD001197-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11411893 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates would be adults with obesity and/or type 2 diabetes experiencing or at risk for hearing problems, for whom metabolic health is a concern.
✕Less likely to help
Individuals without obesity or diabetes or no hearing concerns may have limited direct benefit.
What this research studies
Researchers will use Ksr2 knockout mice that become obese and develop diabetes to track changes in hearing over six months, including glucose and insulin measures and tests of auditory function. They will look at the biology of the cochlea to understand inflammation and neural damage linked to hearing loss. The team will try potential prevention strategies, such as adjusting diet and genetic interventions, to see if hearing loss can be slowed or prevented in this context. The study aims to translate insights into approaches that could help veterans who face obesity, diabetes, and higher risk of hearing problems.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the work could inform strategies to protect or preserve hearing in people with obesity and diabetes, especially veterans.
How similar studies have gone: Previous mouse studies have linked metabolic dysfunction with cochlear inflammation and hearing loss, suggesting potential relevance to humans but translating to therapies remains a challenge.
Where this research is happening
-
VA Loma Linda Healthcare System
Loma Linda, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Li, Hongzhe — VA Loma Linda Healthcare System
- Study coordinator: Li, Hongzhe
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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.