The role of mitochondrial DNA in age-related hearing loss [ 2004 - 2006 ]

Research Grant

Researchers: Prof Carolyn Sue (Principal investigator) ,  Ms Elena Rochtchina ,  Prof Jie Jin Wang

Brief description Hearing loss is an extremely common and under-studied age-related disability, affecting 39% of Australians aged 50 years or older. Both genetic and environmental factors may contribute to the development of age-related hearing loss. Human genetic material (DNA) resides in two places in body cells; the nucleus and in organelles called mitochondria. This is due to the fact that mitochondria were derived from bacteria that were engulfed by the cell back in primordial life. Although this genetic material is different to nuclear DNA, it has an essential role in helping to provide energy for the cell. Genetic mutations in the DNA residing in the mitochondria have been associated with a number of conditions, usually affecting tissues that require large amounts of energy, such as the brain, muscle, heart, retina and the cochlea of the ear. The commonest clinical manifestation of mitochondrial disease is thought to be hearing loss. This project investigates the role that abnormal mitochondrial DNA plays in the development of hearing impairment by studying subjects from a representative Australian community who participated in a large population study of hearing loss. We will assess whether different sectors of mitochondrial DNA predispose particular individuals to the development of hearing loss or accelerate its onset. The Blue Mountains Hearing Study is able to take into account other factors known to be associated with hearing loss (industrial noise exposure, diabetes, smoking).

Funding Amount $AUD 260,475.00

Funding Scheme NHMRC Project Grants

Notes Standard Project Grant