Understanding how hair cells in the inner ear detect motion and gravity
Official title: Diversification of the mechanotransduction complex in vestibular hair cells
Funded at Stanford University · NIH-10886798 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at special hair cells in the inner ear that help us sense gravity and movement, using zebrafish and mice to learn how these cells work differently in various parts of the ear, which could help us understand balance and motion better.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Stanford University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Stanford, United States) |
| Project start | July 14, 2023 |
| Project end | June 30, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $650,253 |
| NIH project number | 5R01DC020879-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10886798 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals experiencing balance issues or vestibular disorders, particularly those under 21 years old.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with non-vestibular related conditions or those over 21 years old may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the specialized hair cells in the vestibular system, which are crucial for sensing gravity and head movements. It focuses on two types of hair cells and how their mechanotransduction machinery varies across different zones within the vestibular organs. By studying the expression of specific proteins in zebrafish and mice, the research aims to uncover the molecular mechanisms that enable these cells to function differently based on their location. This could lead to a better understanding of balance and motion detection.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could enhance our understanding of balance disorders and lead to improved treatments for patients with vestibular dysfunction.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown success in understanding mechanotransduction in similar cellular contexts, indicating that this approach has potential for meaningful discoveries.
Where this research is happening
-
Stanford University
Stanford, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Nicolson, Teresa a — Stanford University
- Study coordinator: Nicolson, Teresa a
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.