Understanding and treating vestibular dysfunction in Usher syndrome
Official title: Vestibular dysfunction and the development of therapies for Usher syndrome
Funded at Lsu Health Sciences Center · NIH-11007252 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking into how Usher syndrome affects hearing, vision, and balance, and it’s testing new treatments to help people with this condition feel better as the disease progresses.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Lsu Health Sciences Center NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (New Orleans, United States) |
| Project start | January 1, 2023 |
| Project end | December 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $635,126 |
| NIH project number | 5R01DC020243-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11007252 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include individuals diagnosed with Usher syndrome, particularly those with the USH1C mutation, across various age groups.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without Usher syndrome or those with different genetic mutations related to hearing and vision loss may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the genetic and molecular mechanisms behind Usher syndrome, a rare condition that causes hearing, vision, and balance loss. The project aims to track the progression of vestibular dysfunction in patients and a mouse model, while also testing potential therapies like antisense and gene replacement treatments. By examining how these therapies work at different stages of the disease, the research seeks to develop effective interventions for those affected by Usher syndrome.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new therapies that improve the quality of life for individuals with Usher syndrome by addressing their multisensory loss.
How similar studies have gone: While research on Usher syndrome is ongoing, this specific approach combining genetic therapy with a focus on vestibular dysfunction is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
-
Lsu Health Sciences Center
New Orleans, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Lentz, Jennifer Jean — Lsu Health Sciences Center
- Study coordinator: Lentz, Jennifer Jean
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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.