Our goal is to understand the molecular mechanisms of mechano­sensitivity in the sensory cells of the mammalian inner ear, the hair cells.  This research is important not only because it is crucial for understanding our senses of hearing and balance, but also because hair cell studies often establish methodologies and serve as a model for exploring mechanotransduction in other systems.  Since most cases of severe hearing loss and deafness are associated with the damage to the inner ear hair cells, our experimental models are often relevant to the different types of deafness in humans.

We use mouse models with targeted gene deletion (knockout) or deafness-related mutations to determine the function of specific proteins.  The function is assessed at the cellular, molecular, and whole animal levels. We use patch-clamp techniques, 3D electron microscopy of cryo-preserved or freeze-substituted samples, live cell confocal microscopy, calcium imaging, superresolution optical imaging, and cochlear physiology techniques.  We also develop emerging nanotechnology to visualize individual proteins at the surface of a living cell and to probe their function.  Prospective post-doctoral fellows and graduate students are expected to learn cutting edge techniques of cell physiology and cell biology and collaborate with a number of laboratories across the country and overseas.