Understanding the roles of different types of hair cells in balance and movement.
Official title: Molecular and functional characterization of type I and II vestibular hair cells in adult mice
Funded at University of Washington · NIH-11007165 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at special cells in the inner ear of adult mice that help with balance, to see how they react to damage and if they can heal themselves, which could help us find better ways to treat balance problems in people.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Fellowship grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Washington NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Seattle, United States) |
| Project start | July 6, 2023 |
| Project end | June 30, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $48,974 |
| NIH project number | 5F31DC020060-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11007165 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals experiencing vestibular deficits due to aging or exposure to ototoxic substances.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with intact vestibular function or those who do not have hair cell damage may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the molecular and functional characteristics of type I and type II vestibular hair cells in adult mice, which are crucial for maintaining balance and spatial orientation. The study aims to explore how these hair cells respond to damage and their potential for regeneration, particularly focusing on the differences between the two types of hair cells. By utilizing advanced molecular biology techniques, the researchers will analyze the unique features and possible subtypes of these hair cells to better understand their contributions to vestibular function. This knowledge could lead to insights into how vestibular deficits occur and how they might be treated.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new strategies for restoring balance and vestibular function in individuals with hair cell damage.
How similar studies have gone: While the regeneration of type II hair cells has been observed, the specific investigation of type I hair cells and their roles is relatively novel and has not been extensively tested.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Washington
Seattle, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Ciani, Amanda Nichole — University of Washington
- Study coordinator: Ciani, Amanda Nichole
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.