Much of the hospital's success in identifying and treating children with hearing loss is the result of the rapid transfer of research findings from laboratories to clinic and bedside.
Areas of Research - Hereditary Communication Disorders
Our research programs in this area represent an integrated approach to a wide range of genetic communication disorders. This work began with studies of dyslexia, one of the first inherited behavioral traits for which a gene was localized to a specific chromosome. We subsequently extended our efforts to syndromes that have an impact on hearing.
Currently, the individual areas of research include:
- Gene Expression
- Gene Identification
- Gene Markers
- Cell Signaling and Tumor Angiogensis
- Vestibuler Gene
Isolating and cloning the genes for hearing disorders will result in immediate improvements in genetic counseling and may make it possible to use gene therapy and related techniques to effect a cure. Our goal is to acquire a better understanding of hearing and of the causes of hearing loss because detailed knowledge of specific genes will provide insights into different mechanisms that those genes control.
Effective research into the role of genetics in communicative dysfunction requires a good clinical program, molecular biology lab, statistical analysis capabilities, and access to families with specific hereditary disorders.
Current efforts are focused on:
1) Usher syndrome
2) Alport syndrome
3) Branchio-oto-renal syndrome
4) Dominant progressive hearing loss
5) Non-syndromic recessive hearing loss
6) Hereditary cleft palate
We use the most current molecular biology techniques to locate and characterize genes causing hearing loss, to develop animal models of known heritable forms of human deafness, and to develop and use tissue-specific cDNA libraries. In addition, we have established a resource of families with hearing problems who are willing to participate in genetic research. Collaborative work within this group is facilitated by a program/project grant on Usher Syndrome.
Boys Town National Research Hospital provides fact sheets on the following subjects:
These are located in the current Boys Town National Research Hospital site under "About Genetics and Deafness."