Role of VEGF signaling in healthy hearing and aging-related cochlear thinning
Official title: The role of vascular endothelial growth factor signaling in normal hearing andaging-related cochlear atrophy
Funded at Oregon Health & Science University · NIH-11452096 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This grant studies how blood vessel signals affect hearing as people age, with the goal of protecting hearing and brain health in older adults.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Oregon Health & Science University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Portland, United States) |
| Project start | February 14, 2020 |
| Project end | May 31, 2031 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $529,386 |
| NIH project number | 2R01DC018534-06A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11452096 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Older adults experiencing age-related hearing loss or individuals at risk for ARHL.
✕Less likely to help
Individuals without hearing loss or not at risk for ARHL may not directly benefit from this research.
What this research studies
Age-related hearing loss is common and linked to changes in tiny blood vessels in the inner ear. The project focuses on how vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) signaling influences inner-ear health, hair cells, and nerve fibers over time. By studying these processes in humans and models, researchers aim to uncover targets that could prevent or slow hearing loss and its cognitive effects. If successful, this work could lead to new ways to preserve hearing and reduce aging-related brain changes.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: Potential to identify new strategies to protect hearing and reduce associated cognitive decline in older adults.
How similar studies have gone: Previous studies have linked vascular health to ARHL and show promise for targeting vascular pathways, though the exact cochlear VEGF mechanisms require further validation.
Where this research is happening
-
Oregon Health & Science University
Portland, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Shi, Xiaorui — Oregon Health & Science University
- Study coordinator: Shi, Xiaorui
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.