Inner ear protein function studied using RNA interference

Funded Activity Summary

The proper functioning of all cells tissues and organs depends on specific proteins that are manufactured by readout from the genome. The inner ear is no exception to this general principle and hence the normal hearing process depends critically on the proper functioning of key proteins. However, because of inherent limitations in the methods used to study their function in living tissues, the precise role of many inner ear proteins in the complex hearing process is not known or is at best poorly understood. In this project we will use a recently developed technique called RNA interference, to reduce the amounts of specific targeted proteins in the inner ear of experimental animals. We will then study the effects on the inner ear's ability to detect sounds. The technique differs from other genome-manipulating methods because it can be applied to a single intact organ in the mature animal. The results of this project will illuminate the role of specific inner ear proteins in the process of sound detection. The project will also demonstrate the feasibility of using the RNA interference technique to modify function in the adult inner ear, thus paving the way for future therapies for inherited hearing disorders.

Funded Activity Details

Start Date: 01-01-2007

End Date: 01-01-2009

Funding Scheme: NHMRC Project Grants

Funding Amount: $365,230.00

Funder: National Health and Medical Research Council

Research Topics

ANZSRC Field of Research (FoR)

Peripheral Nervous System

ANZSRC Socio-Economic Objective (SEO)

There are no SEO codes available for this funding activity

Other Keywords

Meniere's disease | RNA interference | cochlea function | deafness | gene therapy | hearing | inner ear cell biology | otolaryngology | physiology of hearing | protein function

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