New genes for early-onset hearing loss and precision medicine
Official title: A Collaborative Search for New Genes for Non-Syndromic Deafness
Funded at University of Miami School of Medicine · NIH-11366340 · Data updated 2026-11-12
Researchers are trying to identify genetic causes of hearing loss present at birth or in early childhood to enable earlier, DNA-based diagnoses and future gene-based therapies.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Miami School of Medicine NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Coral Gables, United States) |
| Project start | June 1, 2010 |
| Project end | August 31, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $1,951,011 |
| NIH project number | 2R01DC009645-16 |
| Project ID | NIH-11366340 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Individuals and families with congenital or early-onset hearing loss.
✕Less likely to help
People whose hearing loss is not due to genetic factors or who do not participate in genetic studies may not benefit.
What this research studies
This grant funds large-scale genomic studies of families affected by congenital or early-onset hearing loss. It uses advanced genome sequencing and machine learning to find genetic variants that cause the condition, followed by functional tests in relevant cells and disease models. The team will study how these genes work and how they affect pathways, with the goal of translating findings toward therapies that could help patients and families. The work combines discovery with preclinical testing to bridge from gene discovery to potential treatments.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, it could lead to earlier and more accurate genetic diagnoses and point toward targeted therapies for deafness.
How similar studies have gone: Previous gene-discovery efforts in deafness have led to identified genes and better diagnostic options, with ongoing advances in genome and cellular models.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Miami School of Medicine
Coral Gables, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Tekin, Mustafa — University of Miami School of Medicine
- Study coordinator: Tekin, Mustafa
Related research
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How microtubules help inner-ear hair cells develop and prevent deafness
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This grant studies how to improve speech understanding and spatial hearing for people using cochlear implants, especially those with implants in both ears or with single-sided deafness.
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Improving genetic testing for hearing loss
This project works to make genetic test results clearer and more useful for people with inherited hearing loss.
-
How Usher-1 proteins in inner-ear hair cells affect hearing
This project looks at how key Usher-1 proteins help tiny hair cells in the inner ear work and how problems in these proteins lead to inherited hearing and vision loss for people with Usher syndrome.
-
CRISPR-based exon-skipping to treat Usher syndrome deafness
A gene-editing approach using CRISPR techniques to fix faulty exon regions in Usher syndrome patients to protect hearing and balance functions.
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.