Understanding how fluid pressure is controlled in the inner ear
Official title: Molecular regulation of fluid pressure homeostasis in the inner ear
Funded at University of California Berkeley · NIH-11049144 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how the inner ear manages fluid pressure, which is important for hearing and balance, by observing zebrafish embryos, and it hopes to find new ways to help people with conditions caused by fluid buildup in the ear.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California Berkeley NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Berkeley, United States) |
| Project start | April 1, 2024 |
| Project end | March 31, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $524,996 |
| NIH project number | 5R01DC021710-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11049144 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals experiencing hearing or balance disorders related to fluid accumulation in the inner ear.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with hearing or balance issues not related to fluid pressure imbalances may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the mechanisms that regulate fluid pressure in the inner ear, which is crucial for hearing and balance. By studying zebrafish embryos, researchers can observe the inner ear's development and function in real-time. The project aims to identify molecular signals that control a pressure relief valve in the inner ear, which could lead to new treatments for disorders caused by fluid buildup. Advanced techniques like live imaging and genome editing will be employed to explore these processes.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new therapies for hearing and balance disorders caused by fluid pressure imbalances in the inner ear.
How similar studies have gone: While the specific approach of this research is novel, previous studies have shown success in understanding fluid dynamics in other biological systems.
Where this research is happening
-
University of California Berkeley
Berkeley, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Swinburne, Ian Andrew — University of California Berkeley
- Study coordinator: Swinburne, Ian Andrew
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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.