Understanding how the brain organizes sound frequency processing
Official title: Cellular and Molecular Basis of Tonotopic Map Formation in the Mouse Cochlear Nucleus
Funded at Loyola University of Chicago · NIH-10640620 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how certain molecules in the brain help organize the way we hear different sounds, using special mice to learn more about this process, which could eventually help people with hearing problems.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R15 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Loyola University of Chicago NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Chicago, United States) |
| Project start | April 1, 2019 |
| Project end | March 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2023 |
| Award (this year) | $436,500 |
| NIH project number | 2R15DC017866-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10640620 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for participation or benefit from this research would include individuals with auditory processing disorders or related hearing difficulties.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with normal auditory processing and no hearing issues may not receive any benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the cellular and molecular mechanisms that form tonotopic maps in the auditory system, which are essential for sound frequency discrimination. By studying mutant mice, the researchers aim to uncover how specific signaling molecules, like ephrins and Eph receptors, contribute to the organization of auditory neurons. The project focuses on understanding the role of these molecules in maintaining the precision of sound processing in the cochlear nucleus. Insights gained from this research could help in understanding auditory dysfunctions and disorders.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved treatments for auditory processing disorders, enhancing patients' ability to discriminate sounds.
How similar studies have gone: Previous studies have shown success in understanding similar mechanisms in other sensory systems, suggesting potential for breakthroughs in auditory research.
Where this research is happening
-
Loyola University of Chicago
Chicago, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Yu, Wei-Ming — Loyola University of Chicago
- Study coordinator: Yu, Wei-Ming
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
Modeling how proteins pick their metal partners
A grant to help understand how proteins choose the right metal ion to work properly inside our bodies.
-
Designing new iron-based catalysts for carbonyl-olefin metathesis
A scientist team is designing smarter iron-containing catalysts to enable carbonyl-olefin metathesis in making medicinal compounds.
-
Molecular role of PhLP3 in human sperm production
A science team is studying a protein called PhLP3 to understand how it affects human sperm development and male fertility.
-
How Spanish-speaking Latino children's language environments affect their bilingual development
This study looks at how talking with family and hearing conversations around them helps Spanish-speaking Latino kids learn two languages, and it aims to find the best ways to support their bilingual growth.
-
Exploring how Spanish-speaking Latino children's early language environments affect their bilingual development
This study looks at how the language experiences of Spanish-speaking Latino kids at home help them learn two languages and improve their reading skills, so we can find better ways to support their learning and success in school.
-
Imaging liver cancer metabolism using advanced technology
This study is exploring a new way to take pictures of how the liver works, especially for people with liver cancer, using a safe and non-invasive method that could help doctors better understand and treat liver diseases.
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.