Thursday, November 27, 2014

Gene Mutation Linked to Deafness






Recently scientists at The Scripps Research Institute (TSRI) have discovered how there is one gene  in particular essential to hearing. By studying this gene they believe they have uncovered a new cause of deafness. Tmie is the name of the gene believed to be held responsible. Mutations in this gene can cause deafness from birth. After reintroducing the gene to mice and seeing promising results towards restoring hearing,  Professor Ulrich Müller says "This raises hopes that we could, in principle, use gene-therapy approaches to restore function in hair cells and thus develop new treatment options for hearing loss". Mechanotransduction is the process that allows us to hear. Mechanical sounds waves are converted into electrical signals for the brain. The signals are passed from fine hairs within the eye along ion channels to the brain. After 6 months of studying genes, the team eventually found the protein TMIE which interacted with the top link protein and acts as the connections the links to the ion channel. This study will hopefully open the door towards new genetic gene replacement therapy and the curing of deafness in certain individuals.

http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/releases/285938.php

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