Understanding how a lipid affects hearing in inner ear cells
Official title: Regulation of hair cell mechanotransduction by PIP2
Funded at Johns Hopkins University · NIH-11068997 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how a special fat called PIP2 helps tiny hair cells in your inner ear turn sound waves into signals that your brain can understand, which is important for hearing, and it could help us find new ways to treat hearing loss.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Fellowship grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Johns Hopkins University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Baltimore, United States) |
| Project start | January 1, 2025 |
| Project end | December 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $48,974 |
| NIH project number | 1F31DC022480-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11068997 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals experiencing hearing loss or those with genetic mutations affecting hair cell function.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with hearing loss due to non-genetic factors or those without any identifiable hair cell dysfunction may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the role of a specific lipid, PIP2, in the mechanotransduction process of hair cells in the inner ear, which is crucial for converting sound waves into electrical signals. By using a combination of biochemical techniques and electrophysiology, the study aims to uncover how PIP2 interacts with proteins in the mechanotransduction complex and how mutations affecting this interaction can impact hearing. The findings could lead to a better understanding of hearing mechanisms and potential therapeutic targets for hearing loss.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new insights and treatments for hearing loss by targeting the molecular mechanisms involved in sound perception.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown success in understanding the roles of various proteins in mechanotransduction, but the specific role of PIP2 in this context is less explored, making this a novel investigation.
Where this research is happening
-
Johns Hopkins University
Baltimore, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Mittelstadt, Jonah Kendahl — Johns Hopkins University
- Study coordinator: Mittelstadt, Jonah Kendahl
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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.