Synaptic mechanisms of noise-induced hearing loss (B09*)

• Subject Area: Otolaryngology, Phoniatrics and Audiology ; Molecular Biology and Physiology of Neurons and Glial Cells
• Term: from 2019 to 2022
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 154113120

Cochlear inner hair cell synapses are vulnerable to insults such as noise exposure. This can cause a permanent loss of a subpopulation of these synapses, likely required for normal perception of speech in noisy environment. We would like to understand the cellular mechanisms that underlie the disappearance of the presynaptic organelles, ribbons, from the exposed hair cells. Furthermore, we would like to examine the therapeutic potential of a small chemical compound in reducing the extent of noise-induced synaptic cochlear damage. For this, we will use mouse genetics and optogenetics tools in combination with systems and cell physiology, immunohistochemistry, live cell ribbon imaging, and pharmacology.

• DFG Programme: Collaborative Research Centres
• Subproject of: SFB 889: Cellular Mechanisms of Sensory Processing
• Applicant Institution: Georg-August-Universität Göttingen
• Project Head: Professorin Dr. Tina Pangrsic Vilfan