We will study the developmental mechanisms by which sensory neurons in the dorsal root ganglia (DRG) acquire mechanotransduction competence. The acquisition of mechanotransduction competence occurs in three waves and we will use expression profiling to identify genes whose expression starts with the onset of mechanosensitivity during these waves. A small group of unconventional myosin genes when mutated cause deafness in humans and mice but we have in addition shown that these genes are also required for normal cutaneous mechanoreceptor function. We will study the mechanisms by which these genes modulate mechanotransduction channels and mechanoreceptor function. We have started a large scale somatosensory and hearing phenotyping program in normal human volunteers as well as in individuals with congenital hearing loss.
We aim to identify individuals who carry mutations in genes that influence both touch and hearing acuity. The project aims to identify functionally relevant genes that play role in mechanosensory cells and to elucidate their mechanisms of action.
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