# Structural correlates of prestin activity

> **NIH NIH R01** · YALE UNIVERSITY · 2020 · $664,712

## Abstract

With the identification of prestin, an anion transporter (SLC26) family member, as the
elusive lateral membrane motor protein of the outer hair cell (OHC), we are faced with
the possibility of understanding how this single molecule can effect the mammal’s
exquisite sense of hearing. We propose to target a focused set of aims, including 1)
determining the role of a leakage conductance in prestin, distinct from its transporter
pathway, in hearing and defining its structural basis; 2) determine the role of anion
binding residues, and the influence of mechanical load in governing prestin’s frequency
dependence; simultaneous measures of sensor charge movement (NLC), electromotility
and evoked-forces are planned and 3) determine the structural components of pillars
that link prestin to the underlying cytoskeleton, and confirming the importance of such
links in hearing. 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:** 9872145
- **Project number:** 5R01DC008130-12
- **Recipient organization:** YALE UNIVERSITY
- **Principal Investigator:** DHASAKUMAR S NAVARATNAM
- **Activity code:** R01 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2020
- **Award amount:** $664,712
- **Award type:** 5
- **Project period:** 2007-01-01 → 2022-02-28

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/9872145

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 9872145, Structural correlates of prestin activity (5R01DC008130-12). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-22 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/9872145. Licensed CC0.

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