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              Research
              Intramural Research
  
      Neurotology Branch


**Ronna Hertzano, M.D. Ph.D., Chief**

Research Statement

Our hearing depends on highly specialized mechanosensitive sensory cells named hair cells (HCs). The progressive loss of HCs is either the cause or the final common pathway of most forms of age-related hearing loss (ARHL), with outer hair cells (OHCs) being particularly sensitive. Attempts to induce cochlear HC fates from stem cells, in an effort towards regenerative therapy for hearing loss, result primarily in the production of immature HC-like cells more like vestibular HCs. Thus, the current toolkit for directing progenitor cells towards mature and functional HC fates is limited. For these reasons, the first focus area of my laboratory is the study of the molecular pathways that direct hair cell differentiation and survival. To this end, we develop and apply a variety of methods for cell-type-specific multi-omic analysis of the developing and mature inner ear, and couple them with advanced bioinformatic analyses. We validate our discoveries using functional studies in model systems and share identified genes and pathways with our human genetics collaborators.

Similarly, it is equally important to prevent hearing loss, and in particular, age-related and noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL). Through molecular studies of NIHL, we recently identified critical sexual dimorphisms in the response to noise and its treatments. For this reason, the second focus area of my work is sex differences in hearing and the cell type-specific molecular basis of acquired hearing loss. We currently focus on the role and mechanism of estrogenic signaling on the protection of the ear from sound over-exposure.

The third focus area of my research is the development of innovative tools for sharing, visualization, and analysis of multi-omic data. Here I lead an interdisciplinary team to make multi-omic data generated by individuals and consortia available in a meaningful way to both bench scientists and bioinformaticians.

Finally, I have a strong interest in mentorship, and my team consists of individuals with diverse backgrounds and expertise.
Lab Personnel
    
      Ronna Hertzano, M.D., Ph.D. Senior Investigator +1 301 496 3805 (Send e-mail)
          Reza Amanipour, Ph.D. +1 301 402 3365 (Send e-mail)
          Kathleen Gwilliam +1 301 402 3365 (Send e-mail)
          Gabby Manilla +1 301 402 3365 (Send e-mail)
          Beatrice Milon, Ph.D. +1 310 435 5656 (Send e-mail)
          Kevin Rose +1 301 402 3365 (Send e-mail)
          Christopher Shults, M.S. +1 301 402 3365 (Send e-mail)
          Benjamin Shuster, M.S. +1 310 435 5656 (Send e-mail)
          Ningjin Wu, M.D. +1 301 402 3365 (Send e-mail)
Interested in discussing potential jobs or research opportunities in this group? Contact the research group leader listed at the top of the Lab Personnel section.
Last Updated Date:
      March 15, 2023
              NIDCD Research in the News
    
      Ronna Hertzano to lead new Neurotology Branch at NIDCD COVID-19
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