Investigation of the genetics of progressive hearing loss
Project type
Honours
| Supervisor(s) | Division | |
| (Primary) | Molecular Medicine | .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) |
Dr Marina Carpinelli (Co-supervisor) |
Molecular Medicine | .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) |
Details of project
Position: Honours Studentship within the Divison of Molecular Medicine, as a member of the Hearing Co-operative Research Centre
Age-related hearing loss (presbycusis) is an increasing problem in the community. Despite the prevalence of this condition, very little is understood about genetic predisposition to this disorder. Our laboratory has used mutagenesis to develop a collection of mouse models of progressive hearing loss in order to investigate the genetics of presbycusis.
An opportunity exists for an Honours Student to fully characterise one of these models, in terms of both the animals’ hearing and genetic mutation. This will provide valuable information about the molecular basis of progressive hearing loss. In the long-term we hope to use this information to design drugs that will prevent and treat presbycusis.
Project references
- Biomolecular solutions for hearing loss
- Genomic and molecular therapeutic approaches to environmental and age-related hearing loss (Hearing CRC project)
Research interests
Better understanding of age-related (presbycusic) or acquired hearing loss will enable us to identify individuals most at risk, and to design commercial diagnostic tools for this purpose. Projects are also aimed at identifying molecules that may be targeted by drugs for the prevention or treatment of hearing loss.
Research theme
Chronic inflammatory diseases
Scientific discipline
- Genetics
- Molecular Biology
Keywords
Deafness, ENU mutagenesis, Hearing