Research Projects
Hair Cell Damage and Repair
Hearing loss is America’s leading disability, affecting millions of people of all ages. To develop preventative and restorative clinical approaches, it is crucial to understand how the hearing process works on the cellular and molecular level. Hearing is mediated by sensory hair cells, part of a highly specialized neuroepithelium in the inner ear. Given that mammalian hair cells do not regenerate, the repair of hair cell damage is important for continued auditory function throughout life. Our lab therefore focuses on the molecules and mechanisms involved in hair cell repair and maintenance.
Hearing loss is America’s leading disability, affecting millions of people of all ages. To develop preventative and restorative clinical approaches, it is crucial to understand how the hearing process works on the cellular and molecular level. Hearing is mediated by sensory hair cells, part of a highly specialized neuroepithelium in the inner ear. Given that mammalian hair cells do not regenerate, the repair of hair cell damage is important for continued auditory function throughout life. Our lab therefore focuses on the molecules and mechanisms involved in hair cell repair and maintenance.
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Research focus I:
Maintenance and repair of the hair cell mechanotransduction complex |
Research focus II:
Maintenance and repair of the mechanosensory hair bundle |
Research focus III:
Ototoxicity |
