Understanding how caspase-3 helps develop the auditory brainstem
Official title: Non-Apoptotic Functions of Caspase-3 in Brainstem Development
Funded at University of California-Irvine · NIH-10888087 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how a protein called caspase-3 affects the development of the hearing part of the brain, and it aims to understand how blocking this protein during early growth might change how well babies hear when they hatch.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California-Irvine NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Irvine, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2024 |
| Project end | August 31, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $590,478 |
| NIH project number | 1R01DC021209-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-10888087 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals with developmental auditory processing issues or those at risk for auditory system abnormalities.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with established hearing loss unrelated to developmental issues may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the role of caspase-3, a protein typically associated with cell death, in the development of the auditory brainstem. The study will explore how caspase-3 activation influences the formation of neural connections necessary for hearing. Researchers will examine the effects of inhibiting caspase-3 during embryonic development and assess the resulting impacts on auditory nerve axon targeting and synaptic structure. By testing auditory responses in hatchlings, the research aims to clarify the importance of caspase-3 in auditory system maturation.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved understanding of auditory development and potential interventions for hearing impairments.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown that understanding molecular mechanisms in neural development can lead to significant advancements in treating auditory disorders.
Where this research is happening
-
University of California-Irvine
Irvine, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Cramer, Karina S — University of California-Irvine
- Study coordinator: Cramer, Karina S
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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.