Mirna Mustapha-Chaib, Ph.D.
The Research
University of Michigan
Determine the functional role of the unique amino terminus of MYO15 in hearing using genetically engineered mice
Assessing the role of the N-terminus of MYO15 in structural development of hair cells and in the neurosensory process of hearing is expected to provide basic information about the process of hearing at the molecular level. Long term, we expect proteins that interact with the N-terminus of MYO15 will also be defective in some forms of hearing loss. Models similar to the one we propose have been used as proof of principle for gene therapy. Mutations in humans indicate that the N-terminal portion of MYO15 is required in some way for hearing. Using our resources and experience in genetically engineered mice will advance the understanding of the specific molecular function of the N-terminus of Myo15 in mammalian hearing and determine the consequences on morphological development and signal transduction within the cochlear hair cells. Thus, these studies will immediately make a contribution to the rapidly advancing field of molecular hearing research. The next step will be to identify the proteins that interact with the N-terminus, screen pedigrees for mutations in these genes and work towards therapeutic intervention for genes that are common causes of deafness.