Understanding how to regenerate hearing cells in the cochlea
Official title: Molecular basis of mammalian cochlear regeneration
Funded at Stanford University · NIH-11086581 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at ways to help people with hearing loss by trying to grow new hearing cells in the ears of mice, which could lead to new treatments that might one day help restore hearing for those who need it.
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 | May 1, 2023 |
| Project end | April 30, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $653,068 |
| NIH project number | 5R01DC021110-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11086581 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are adults experiencing sensorineural hearing loss due to the irreversible loss of cochlear hair cells.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with hearing loss caused by factors other than cochlear cell damage, such as auditory nerve damage, may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the potential to regenerate cochlear hair cells and supporting cells, which are crucial for hearing, particularly in individuals suffering from sensorineural hearing loss. The approach involves using specific transcription factors to stimulate the regeneration of these cells in the cochlea of mice, with the goal of understanding how to enhance the number and maturity of regenerated cells. By exploring both mitotic regeneration and the maturation of hair cells, the research aims to develop new strategies for reversing hearing loss. Patients may benefit from advancements in treatments that could restore hearing function.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new therapies that restore hearing by regenerating damaged cells in the cochlea.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown promising results in cell regeneration approaches, but this specific method of using transcription factors for cochlear regeneration is still being explored.
Where this research is happening
-
Stanford University
Stanford, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Cheng, Alan Gi-Lun — Stanford University
- Study coordinator: Cheng, Alan Gi-Lun
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.