# Structural correlates of prestin activity

> **NIH NIH R56** · YALE UNIVERSITY · 2023 · $711,823

## Abstract

Twenty years after the identification of prestin, an anion transporter (SLC26) family
member, as the lateral membrane motor protein of the outer hair cell (OHC), we are
faced with the possibility of more fully understanding how this single molecule can
influence the mammal’s exquisite sense of hearing. We propose to target a focused set
of aims, including 1) determining the influence of mechanical load in governing prestin’s
frequency dependence; simultaneous measures of sensor charge movement (complex
NLC), electromotility are planned, 2) determining the effect of several cytoskeletal
proteins on electromotility and charge movement and 3) ascertaining how the lipid and
proteomic environment in the lateral wall changes along the tonotopic axis and its effects
on sensor charge movement. In order to reach these goals, we will employ a host of
genetic, electrophysiological, molecular biological and biochemical methods. We believe
that the information that we obtain through these studies will aid in understanding how
the OHC enables us to hear so well and in turn how we might combat pathologies of the
OHC that afflict millions.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 10862035
- **Project number:** 1R56DC021057-01
- **Recipient organization:** YALE UNIVERSITY
- **Principal Investigator:** DHASAKUMAR S NAVARATNAM
- **Activity code:** R56 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2023
- **Award amount:** $711,823
- **Award type:** 1
- **Project period:** 2023-08-01 → 2026-07-31

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/10862035

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 10862035, Structural correlates of prestin activity (1R56DC021057-01). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-24 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/10862035. Licensed CC0.

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