Understanding how cochlear nerve connections form to support hearing
Official title: Cellular and Molecular Mechanisms of Cochlear Innervation
Funded at Georgetown University · NIH-11358386 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This grant studies how nerve cells in the inner ear connect with hair cells to help the brain hear, focusing on how early, spontaneous activity shapes healthy hearing.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Georgetown University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Washington, United States) |
| Project start | July 1, 2018 |
| Project end | June 30, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $596,882 |
| NIH project number | 5R01DC016595-09 |
| Project ID | NIH-11358386 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Not applicable to a specific patient population in this basic science grant.
✕Less likely to help
Direct patient benefit is not the primary focus of this basic science study.
What this research studies
The research examines how spiral ganglion neurons connect with hair cells in the cochlea during development and how supporting cells and signaling molecules guide this wiring. Using imaging and gene-expression techniques, the team will explore how transcription factors and signaling pathways influence spontaneous activity and synapse formation. The goal is to uncover mechanisms that, when disrupted, lead to hearing impairment, with potential implications for future therapies to preserve or restore hearing.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: A deeper understanding of ear wiring could inform new strategies to prevent or treat certain forms of hearing loss.
How similar studies have gone: Previous work shows that early cochlear development and signaling pathways shape SGN-hair cell connections, supporting the plausibility of this approach.
Where this research is happening
-
Georgetown University
Washington, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Coate, Thomas M — Georgetown University
- Study coordinator: Coate, Thomas M
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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.