Guoqiang Wan, Ph.D.

Meet the Researcher

Guoqiang Wan, Ph.D. received his B.Sc in biochemistry in 2004 and Ph.D in neuroscience in 2011, from National University of Singapore.

Wan is now a postdoctoral research fellow in F.M. Kirby Neurobiology Center at Children’s Hospital Boston and Harvard Medical School.

Dr. Wan is funded by the Wes Bradley, M.D. Memorial Grant.

The Research

University of Michigan
Functions of supporting cell-derived neurotrophin-3 in noise-induced hearing loss

Emerging evidence shows that “benign” noise levels, initially thought to only result in temporary hearing impairment, can cause irreversible damage to the connections between hair cells the auditory neurons, and the synapses, which can lead to a permanent hearing decrease later in life. Currently, we have a limited understanding of how these synapses are maintained in the healthy cochlea and how they can be regenerated after noise overexposure. The overall goal of this study is to examine the potential of the neurotrophic factor, neurotrophin-3 (NT-3), to assist in preserving or regenerating these synaptic connections in cochlea after noise overexposure. We have generated genetic mouse models that allow us to remove or overproduce NT-3 from the supporting cells, which are the cells surrounding the sensory hair cells. We have found that NT-3 produced from the supporting cells is critical for regulation of hearing sensitivity and synaptic density in the cochlea. Based on this finding, we propose that NT-3 may present a novel therapeutic agent for NIHL. In this proposal, we will use these mouse models to address the following questions: does removing NT-3 exacerbate the damage to the loss of synapses and hearing sensitivity after noise overexposure? Does overproducing NT-3 prevent or promote recovery from noise-induced loss of synapses and hearing? These experiments will provide us with a better understanding of the pathophysiology of NIHL and the potential of neurotrophin-based therapeutics for treating hearing loss.

Research area: Fundamental Auditory Research; Noise-Induced Hearing Loss

Long-term goal of research: To assess the efficacy of NT-3 and possibly its agonists/modulators as therapeutics for sensorineural hearing loss.