Understanding how a protein affects hearing in mammals
Official title: Structural correlates of prestin activity
Funded at Yale University · NIH-10862035 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at a special protein called prestin that helps us hear, to see how different factors affect its function in the tiny hair cells in our ears, which could lead to better understanding and treatments for hearing problems.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Yale University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (New Haven, United States) |
| Project start | August 1, 2023 |
| Project end | July 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2023 |
| Award (this year) | $711,823 |
| NIH project number | 1R56DC021057-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10862035 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals experiencing hearing loss or related auditory pathologies.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with hearing loss due to non-mechanical causes, such as nerve damage, may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the role of prestin, a protein crucial for hearing, in the outer hair cells of the cochlea. The study aims to explore how mechanical load influences prestin's function and how various cytoskeletal proteins and the lipid environment affect its activity. By using advanced techniques in genetics, electrophysiology, and molecular biology, the researchers hope to uncover the mechanisms that enable mammals to hear. The findings could provide insights into hearing disorders and potential treatments.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new strategies for treating hearing loss and related conditions.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding the role of cellular proteins in hearing, making this approach both relevant and potentially impactful.
Where this research is happening
-
Yale University
New Haven, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Santos-Sacchi, Joseph R — Yale University
- Study coordinator: Santos-Sacchi, Joseph R
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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.