Understanding how zinc in the brain helps with recovery from noise damage
Official title: Cortical neuromodulatory mechanisms underlying adaptation and plasticity
Funded at University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh · NIH-10931690 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how zinc in the brain helps with healing and adjusting after hearing damage, which could lead to better treatments for issues like tinnitus and sensitivity to sound.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Pittsburgh, United States) |
| Project start | September 18, 2023 |
| Project end | July 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $584,312 |
| NIH project number | 5R01DC020923-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10931690 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include individuals experiencing hearing loss, tinnitus, or hyperacusis, particularly those with a history of noise exposure.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with hearing loss not related to noise trauma or those with other unrelated auditory conditions may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the role of synaptic zinc as a neuromodulator in the brain, particularly focusing on how it affects adaptation and recovery after noise-related damage. The study aims to explore specific mechanisms by which zinc influences brain cell communication and plasticity, which is the brain's ability to adapt and recover. By examining these processes, the research seeks to provide insights into improving hearing and addressing conditions like tinnitus and hyperacusis that arise from auditory damage.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments for hearing loss and related disorders, enhancing recovery and quality of life for affected individuals.
How similar studies have gone: Previous studies have shown promise in understanding the role of neuromodulators in sensory processing, suggesting that this approach could yield significant insights and advancements.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh
Pittsburgh, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Tzounopoulos, Thanos — University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh
- Study coordinator: Tzounopoulos, Thanos
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.