Molecular studies of the human ear

Distribution and significance of connexins in the human cochlea have been analysed as also the expression of electric synapses in the human auditory nerve and prestin. In vitro analyses of NF2 cells and Nanoparticle mediated gene transfer of merlin and receptor mediated pharmacotherapy are under way (NanoEar project). Aquaporin has been identified. Freshly obtained human tissue has been analysed with high resolution SEM. Gene analyses are performed with expression of hair cell markers (Math-1/Atoh1 and Myosin VIIA).