TMC function, dysfunction and the prospects for inner ear gene therapy
Jeffrey R. Holt, Ph.D.
Associate Professor
Department of Otolaryngology
Harvard Medical School
Holt/Geleoc Lab
abstract:
TMC proteins are of considerable interest for basic inner ear biologists and for translational and clinical neuroscientists because they cause deafness in mice and humans when mutated. Our research group has proposed they may be components of the elusive mechanotransduction channel in sensory hair cells. Evidence for and against this hypothesis will be presented. In addition, a potential gene therapy approach to restore hair cell and auditory function in mice and humans with Tmc1 mutations will be discussed.
host: Ed Rubel