Understanding how certain proteins affect balance and hearing in the inner ear
Official title: Defining the role of MET components in vestibular hair cell maturation and gene therapy responsiveness
Funded at Boston Children's Hospital · NIH-11033756 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how certain proteins in the inner ear help balance and hearing cells grow and work properly, which could lead to better treatments for balance problems caused by genetic issues.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Career grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Boston Children's Hospital NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project start | December 17, 2024 |
| Project end | November 30, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $132,705 |
| NIH project number | 1K99DC022343-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11033756 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals under 21 years old who experience balance or hearing issues due to genetic factors.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with balance or hearing issues not linked to the specific genetic mutations being studied may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the role of mechanoelectrical transduction (MET) components in the maturation of vestibular hair cells, which are crucial for balance and hearing. By examining how different regions of the inner ear express these proteins, the study aims to determine their impact on vestibular responses and the potential for gene therapy. The approach includes using calcium imaging techniques to observe hair cell activity and how it varies across different regions. This could lead to insights into how to improve treatments for balance disorders caused by genetic mutations.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new gene therapies that improve balance and hearing in patients with related disorders.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in understanding the role of MET components in hearing and balance, indicating that this approach could yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
Boston Children's Hospital
Boston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Ratzan, Evan — Boston Children's Hospital
- Study coordinator: Ratzan, Evan
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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.