Background
==========

Previously, a quantitative trait loci (QTL) for hearing loss on chromosome 16 in a 118 TNE and CAST background has been identified.  The overlap of two of interval specific congenic recombinant strains (ISCRS) strains reduced the QTL interval into a 5,378,407 bps genome region. 

Results
=======

By examining the genomic information of the QTL on chromosome 16, between the two flanking markers, D16mit191 and D16mit86, we identified a total of 84 genetic elements in the 5,378,407 bps genome region.  Among these genetic elements, we found seven with potential function in hearing loss preference (Table [1](#T1){ref-type="table"}).  We then examined the SNPs, insertions and deletions, and gene expression levels of those seven genes. 

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Candidate genes for hearing loss on Chr 16

  Ensembl Accession    Symbol   Full Name
  -------------------- -------- ----------------------------------------
  ENSMUSG00000039639   Kcne1    potassium voltage-gated channel
  ENSMUSG00000022949   CLIC6    Chloride intracellular channel 6
  ENSMUSG00000022952   RUNX1    Runt-related transcription factor 1
  ENSMUSG00000079514   SLC5A3   Sodium/myo-inositol cotransporter
  ENSMUSG00000022982   Sod1     superoxide dismutase 1
  ENSMUST00000047383   Kcne2    potassium voltage-gated channel
  ENSMUSG00000022967   Ifnar1   interferon (alpha and beta) receptor 1

Conclusions
===========

Our current data suggest that the Kcne1 and Sod1 genes are potentially the most hearing loss relevant genes.  However, further experiments and examination are still needed to confirm their candidacy.  Several other candidate genes are also in the process of being identified. 

Acknowledgments
===============

Support for this research is partially from the NIAAA (1R01 AA016342), NIH, the Veterans Administration Medical Center, and DNA Discovery Core, University of Tennessee, Memphis, Tennessee.