Understanding how to regenerate sensory cells in the inner ear
Official title: Hippo-mediated control of growth and regeneration in the inner ear sensory organs
Funded at University of Southern California · NIH-11014410 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how to help the inner ear grow back tiny hair cells that are important for hearing and balance, by exploring a specific signaling pathway, and it aims to find new treatments that could help adults regain their hearing and balance.
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 | February 1, 2023 |
| Project end | January 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $465,993 |
| NIH project number | 5R01DC020268-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11014410 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are adults experiencing hearing loss or balance issues due to damage to their inner ear sensory cells.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with congenital hearing loss or those whose conditions are not related to sensory cell damage may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the mechanisms that prevent the regeneration of sensory hair cells in the inner ear of mammals, focusing on the Hippo signaling pathway. By studying how this pathway can be inhibited, the researchers aim to promote the proliferation of supporting cells, which could lead to the regeneration of hair cells responsible for hearing and balance. The project involves both laboratory experiments and potential pharmacological interventions to stimulate cell regeneration in vivo. The ultimate goal is to develop therapeutic strategies that could restore hearing and balance functions in adults.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments for hearing loss and balance disorders in adults.
How similar studies have gone: While the Hippo pathway is a relatively new area of study in the context of inner ear regeneration, preliminary research has shown promising results in other contexts of cell regeneration.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Southern California
Los Angeles, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Gnedeva, Ksenia — University of Southern California
- Study coordinator: Gnedeva, Ksenia
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.