Understanding how different brain cells process sound in a key hearing area
Official title: Cell-type basis for auditory processing in the inferior colliculus
Funded at University of Southern California · NIH-10989962 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is exploring a part of the brain that helps us hear and figure out where sounds come from, and it's looking to find out more about the different types of brain cells there and how they work, which could help us understand hearing problems better and find new ways to treat them.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Southern California NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Los Angeles, UNITED STATES) |
| Project start | December 9, 2022 |
| Project end | November 30, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $546,084 |
| NIH project number | 5R01DC020887-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-10989962 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals experiencing hearing deficits or related auditory processing issues.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with normal hearing and no auditory processing concerns are unlikely to benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the inferior colliculus, a crucial part of the brain responsible for processing sounds. It aims to identify specific types of neurons within this area and understand how they contribute to hearing and sound localization. Using advanced techniques like single-nucleus RNA sequencing, the study will map out the connections and functions of these neurons. This could lead to insights into how hearing deficits occur and how they might be treated.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new strategies for diagnosing and treating hearing impairments.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in understanding auditory processing through similar cellular and molecular approaches, indicating potential for success in this area.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Southern California
Los Angeles, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Zhang, Li I — University of Southern California
- Study coordinator: Zhang, Li I
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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.