Molecular Genetics Laboratory
David Kohrman, Ph.D., Laboratory Director
We are interested in understanding the critical molecules required for development and function of the auditory and vestibular systems, the interactions between these molecules, and the regulatory programs that control their expression. One of our primary approaches is to identify genes that, when mutated, cause inherited inner ear disorders in the laboratory mouse. The mouse provides a well-characterized genetic system and a large collection of mutants that exhibit defects in hearing and balance.
Identification of the defective genes in these mutants, along with analysis of their pathophysiology, will help us to understand gene function in the normal inner ear. Unraveling the genetic basis of inner ear disorders will also provide insight into the critical mechanisms that are required for development and function of this complex sense organ. Finally, these studies will accelerate the development of clinical interventions useful for treatment of hearing loss and vestibular dysfunction in humans.
