Understanding how Zfp719 mutations cause adult hearing loss
Official title: Pathogenic mechanisms of adult hearing loss caused by Zfp719 mutations
Funded at University of Pennsylvania · NIH-11384515 · Data updated 2026-11-12
Researchers are studying why changes in the Zfp719 gene lead to adult-onset hearing loss and what that could mean for people who start losing hearing later in life.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Pennsylvania NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Philadelphia, United States) |
| Project start | August 5, 2024 |
| Project end | July 31, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $655,530 |
| NIH project number | 5R01DC021475-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11384515 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Adults with unexplained or genetic forms of hearing loss who may have variants in genes related to Zfp719/ZNF175 pathways.
✕Less likely to help
People whose hearing loss is not linked to Zfp719/ZNF175 or unrelated causes may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This project uses patient-derived data from a hospital biobank and mouse studies to explore how Zfp719 mutations disrupt inner ear function and cause hearing loss in adults. Scientists will map genetic variants, study how these variants alter ear cell biology, and examine the resulting pathology in mouse models to connect genes to hearing changes. The goal is to pinpoint why some adults develop hearing loss due to genetics and to identify potential targets for future therapies. Results could help clinicians understand a subset of adult-onset hearing loss and pave the way for genetic testing and personalized care.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the work could improve genetic testing and open avenues for targeted treatments to prevent or slow adult-onset hearing loss.
How similar studies have gone: Preclinical mouse studies have shown that Zfp719-related inner ear pathology resembles certain human hearing loss features, supporting further exploration.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Pennsylvania
Philadelphia, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Epstein, Douglas J — University of Pennsylvania
- Study coordinator: Epstein, Douglas J
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
Noise-related hearing loss and its link to Alzheimer's progression
Researchers are looking at whether hearing damage from loud noise speeds memory loss and dementia in people at risk for Alzheimer's.
-
Audiological rehabilitation for children with unilateral hearing loss
A research project aims to help children who hear with one ear by testing ways to improve their hearing and communication through targeted audiology interventions.
-
Choosing the right hearing device for kids with moderate-to-severe hearing loss
This grant explores which hearing device—hearing aids or cochlear implants—works best for children aged 0-11 with moderate-to-severe hearing loss.
-
Noise-related hearing loss and brain-to-ear feedback in hearing protection
A small, patient-friendly study will look at how loud noise changes the brain’s control over hearing and whether this affects conditions like tinnitus or sensitivity to sound.
-
How loud noise can change the brain's sound decisions
This project looks at how loud noise-related hearing loss may affect how people process sounds and make quick decisions about what they hear.
-
Understanding how tactile language and wearable tech can help DeafBlind children learn and use language
A study at Gallaudet University tests a new tactile language and wearable haptic devices to help DeafBlind children build early language and everyday life skills.
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.