New models to study hair cells in the inner ear and Usher Syndrome Type 1F
Official title: Novel inner ear organoid models for studying hair cells in normal development and in the deaf-blindness disease Usher Syndrome Type 1F
Funded at Harvard Medical School · NIH-10995551 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is creating tiny models of the inner ear to learn more about how hair cells grow and work, especially for people with Usher Syndrome Type 1F, which causes hearing and vision loss.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Fellowship grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Harvard Medical School NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2024 |
| Project end | August 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $36,919 |
| NIH project number | 1F31DC022152-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10995551 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with Usher Syndrome Type 1F or those with related hearing and vision impairments.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with other forms of hearing loss or vision impairment unrelated to Usher Syndrome Type 1F may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on developing novel inner ear organoid models to better understand hair cell development and function, particularly in the context of Usher Syndrome Type 1F, a condition that leads to deafness and blindness. By using human induced pluripotent stem cells to create three-dimensional organoids, researchers aim to replicate the complex environment of the inner ear, allowing for detailed study of how hair cells develop and function. The approach includes advanced techniques to analyze cellular behavior and communication within these organoids, providing insights that traditional models may not offer.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved understanding and potential treatments for individuals affected by Usher Syndrome Type 1F.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research using similar organoid models has shown promise in understanding other developmental processes, suggesting potential for success in this novel approach.
Where this research is happening
-
Harvard Medical School
Boston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Nist-Lund, Carl — Harvard Medical School
- Study coordinator: Nist-Lund, Carl
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.