Hearing impairment: A panoply of genes and functions

Amiel A. Dror, Karen B. Avraham*

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalReview articlepeer-review

130 Scopus citations

Abstract

Research in the genetics of hearing and deafness has evolved rapidly over the past years, providing the molecular foundation for different aspects of the mechanism of hearing. Considered to be the most common sensory disorder, hearing impairment is genetically heterogeneous. The multitude of genes affected encode proteins associated with many different functions, encompassing overarching areas of research. These include, but are not limited to, developmental biology, cell biology, physiology, and neurobiology. In this review, we discuss the broad categories of genes involved in hearing and deafness. Particular attention is paid to a subgroup of genes associated with inner ear gene regulation, fluid homeostasis, junctional complex and tight junctions, synaptic transmission, and auditory pathways. Overall, studies in genetics have provided research scientists and clinicians with insight regarding practical implications for the hearing impaired, while heralding hope for future development of therapeutics.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)293-308
Number of pages16
JournalNeuron
Volume68
Issue number2
DOIs
StatePublished - 21 Oct 2010

Funding

FundersFunder number
European Commission FP6037188
National Institute of Deafness and Communication Disorders, Israel Science Foundation1486/07
National Institutes of Health
National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication DisordersR01DC005641
Ministry of Health -Singapore
Ministry of Health, State of Israel

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