Continuing to break the sound barrier: genes in hearing.
The past year has seen major advances in our understanding of the genes involved in Usher syndrome, as well as the discovery of a myriad of other genes expressed specifically in hair cells. Mouse models continue to be invaluable in illuminating our knowledge of how mutations in genes lead to deafness. The role of mitochondrial genes in the hearing process has also contributed to elucidating the workings of the auditory system.
Call
Linda M
LM
Department of Obstetrics, Brigham and Women's Hospital, 75 Francis Street, Thorn 623, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, USA. lcall@rics.bwh.harvard.edu
Morton
Cynthia C
CC
D000818:Animals; D004272:DNA, Mitochondrial; D006198:Hair Cells, Auditory / Q000378:metabolism; D006309:Hearing / Q000235:genetics*; D006801:Humans
D004272:DNA, Mitochondrial