Why immune cells in the inner ear act differently after loud-noise damage
Investigating the origin and functional properties of immune cells in noise-induced hearing loss
['FUNDING_R21'] · OREGON HEALTH & SCIENCE UNIVERSITY · NIH-11097202
This work looks at why different immune cells in the inner ear respond differently after loud-noise injury and how that might affect hearing recovery.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_R21'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | OREGON HEALTH & SCIENCE UNIVERSITY (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (PORTLAND, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11097202 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
Scientists will trace the developmental origins of macrophages, the main immune cells in the cochlea, and read their gene activity one cell at a time to see how they differ. Most work uses animal models of noise-induced hearing loss and compares cells from different ages and stages after noise exposure. The team combines fate-mapping (to mark where cells come from) with single-cell RNA sequencing (to profile each cell's activity). Results will show which macrophage types are present after noise damage and how they might help or harm recovery.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Adults who have experienced noise-induced hearing loss or recent loud-noise exposure are the patients most likely to benefit from or be eligible for follow-up studies based on this work.
Not a fit: People whose hearing loss is due to aging, genetic disorders, or non-noise-related causes may not directly benefit from this specific project.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this could point to new ways to reduce harmful inflammation after loud-noise injury and improve hearing recovery.
How similar studies have performed: Related single-cell and fate-mapping work in the brain has shown distinct macrophage origins and functions, but applying these methods to the cochlea is relatively new.
Where this research is happening
PORTLAND, UNITED STATES
- OREGON HEALTH & SCIENCE UNIVERSITY — PORTLAND, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: AJAMI, BAHAREH — OREGON HEALTH & SCIENCE UNIVERSITY
- Study coordinator: AJAMI, BAHAREH
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 below.