Protein handling involves the proper synthesis, assembly, trafficking and localization of proteins within the auditory system. Many unique and highly specialized proteins with exquisitely precise subcellular localizations are critical for each step of sound processing. Many forms of hearing loss involve improper assembly, trafficking, and/or regulation of key auditory proteins.
We want to know how critical auditory proteins are assembled, trafficked and properly localized, and how these processes are affected in hearing loss.
We employ a multifaceted experimental toolkit that includes mouse genetics, biochemistry, fluorescent and electron microscopy and cell and tissue culture to investigate our research questions.