Molecular Biology Laboratory
Margaret Lomax, Ph.D., Laboratory Director
The long term goal of our research program is to identify the molecular mechanisms and biochemical pathways that are activated by noise overstimulation in animals. Depending upon the intensity and duration of the noise overstimulation, these pathways could provide protection against noise-induced hearing loss (animals) or they could activate pathways leading to cell death. To identify these pathways in mammals, we have used several different molecular approaches, including gene expression profiling with cDNA arrays on nylon membranes or Affymetrix GeneChips. In collaboration with other research labs at KHRI, we will attempt to develop strategies to enhance protective mechanisms and to block cell death pathways in the cochlea and auditory nerve.
