Hearing Loss Gene Discovered
Posted on: Tuesday, 19 June 2007, 15:00 CDT
Belgian scientists have identified a gene responsible for the most common cause of hearing loss among white adults -- otosclerosis.
A University of Antwerp team, led by Melissa Thys, said the finding might lead to new treatments for the malady that affects approximately 1 in 250 people.
Otosclerosis causes progressive hearing loss as the growing bone in the middle ear interrupts sound waves passing to the inner ear. While the causative factors remain unknown, one of the genetic components has been identified.
The gene (TGBF1) in which the variant is located points to a pathway that contributes to the disease, said Thys. "This may be a lead for better forms of treatment in the future; currently the best option is an operation.
However, there is often an additional component of hearing loss that can't be restored by surgery, she added. As the gene involved is a growth factor and the disease manifests itself by the abnormal growth of bone in the middle ear, it may have a large potential for therapy.
The research was reported during this week's annual meeting of the European Society of Human Genetics in Nice, France.
Source: United Press International
Related Articles
- Developmental Delay Could Stem From Nicotinic Receptor Deletion
- MTV survey: Loud music causes hearing loss
- Hearing Aids Offer Hope for Those Who Suffer from Persistent 'Ringing in the Ears,' Better Hearing Institute Survey Finds
- Miracle-Ear(R) Recognizes Hearing Aid Awareness Week
- This Band Ain't Too Proud to Beg
- Loss of Gene Linked to Spread of Childhood Cancer
- Nutritional genomics identifies a potential weight-loss resistance gene
- Cochlear Implants' Performance not Affected by Amount of Hearing Loss in the Implanted Ear
- Gene is Found Affecting the Aging Process
- Gadget Turns Plants Into Speakers
 |
 |
User Comments (0)
RSS Feeds