Prospects for gene therapy in the fight against congenital deafness. Free Technical Library News

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Prospects for gene therapy in the fight against congenital deafness

10.04.2024

Congenital deafness is a serious condition that compromises the quality of life of people seeking hearing restoration. Researchers at the University of Oregon have discovered a new approach to treating this disorder using gene therapy. Let's dive into the details of this groundbreaking study.

Congenital deafness remains a serious medical problem, being the focus of many researchers seeking to find effective treatments. Researchers at the University of Oregon have taken a step forward by discovering a key element for gene therapy that could help restore hearing in people with this disorder.

Deafness is a problem facing hundreds of thousands of people around the world. Particularly acute is congenital deafness, which is associated with genetic mutations and often leads to the fact that patients cannot perceive sound waves at all.

Researchers at the University of Oregon focused on the gene responsible for the production of the protein otoferlin, which plays an important role in the functioning of the inner ear. The study of mutations in this gene and their effect on the development of deafness has led to the search for new treatment methods.

The team, led by John Colen, assistant professor of biochemistry and biophysics at the University of Oregon, focused on a shortened version of the otoferlin gene. The study, led by graduate student Aayushi Manchanda, found that this shortened version must contain a specific region of the gene known as the transmembrane domain, which plays an important role in the development of sensory cells in the ear.

The discovery of a truncated version of the otoferlin gene represents an important step in the development of gene therapy for the treatment of congenital deafness. This breakthrough could pave the way for the development of new treatments that could restore hearing to the millions of people around the world who suffer from this serious condition.

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