A Boost for Research: The Triological Society’s grants help physician-scientists launch investigative careers

Q: Hypothetically, what would be the title of your first peer-reviewed article?

A: There are a few options. One would be ‘Unraveling the Transcriptional Cascade Necessary for Hair Cell Development and Survival.’ Or, ‘Regulatory Networks in the Ear Necessary for Inner Ear Development and Function.’

Q: What would you say about your research to a group of your peers at the next Triological Society meeting?

A: We’ve developed a protocol that reliably identifies in the ear immediate targets of transcription factors. We applied it to study three or four transcription factors and identified 30 candidate genes for hearing loss, [genes] that we are now validating in collaboration with other research groups that have collected DNA from families that suffer from hereditary forms of hearing loss. We hope to be able to apply these genes not only toward genetic screening, but also to better understand hearing and possibly develop therapeutic interventions in the future. ENT TODAY