# The role of ion channels in shaping the function of inner ear neurons

> **NIH NIH R01** · UNIVERSITY OF SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA · 2020 · $350,625

## Abstract

SUMMARY
Vestibular and auditory afferent neurons are the primary conduits for information transfer from
the sensory periphery to the brainstem. Many hearing and balance impairments are caused by
death or damage to these neurons or their partner hair cells. In both vestibular and auditory
afferents some functionally distinct neuronal sub-groups are more susceptible to damage than
others. By understanding the mechanisms that shape the function of these sensory neurons,
we hope to better understand why this is the case. We hypothesize that heterogeneity in the
composition of neuronal ion channels is important for shaping their function. We base our
hypothesis on the observation that the cell bodies of vestibular and auditory afferents are
remarkably heterogeneous in their intrinsic firing patterns and ion channels. Previous studies
could not reliably link ion channel properties to afferent function because the isolated cell bodies
lacked the necessary morphological markers that would allow functional identification. To deal
with this problem, we will perform patch-clamp recordings together with single cell labeling in
semi-intact neuro-epithelium preparations in which neurons are still connected to their hair cells.
We will link ion channel properties with neuronal function by exploiting established associations
between function and patterns of afferent connectivity with hair cells. Combined with
pharmacological manipulation of candidate ion channels and theoretical modeling, our
experiments will test if and how specific groups of ion channels influence neuronal function.
Alternatively, the approach will offer new candidate ion channels for consideration. These
experiments will also contribute to our understanding of neuronal differentiation by mapping ion
channel properties onto afferent connectivity during critical developmental periods when afferent
innervation patterns are forming and stabilizing. By taking a developmental approach we will
disentangle the significance of ion channel diversity as an indication of neuronal maturation
versus its importance for adult function. Our focus on vestibular and auditory afferents within
one study, using similar methodology, will reveal ion channel specializations that are unique to
each system and specializations that are common across both systems. In defining how ion
channels differ among functionally distinct neuronal groups, our work may identify the
mechanisms that render some neurons more susceptible to damage, which could lead to
pharmacological interventions for protecting vulnerable neuronal groups.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 9933874
- **Project number:** 5R01DC015512-04
- **Recipient organization:** UNIVERSITY OF SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA
- **Principal Investigator:** RADHA KALLURI
- **Activity code:** R01 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2020
- **Award amount:** $350,625
- **Award type:** 5
- **Project period:** 2017-07-01 → 2022-06-30

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/9933874

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 9933874, The role of ion channels in shaping the function of inner ear neurons (5R01DC015512-04). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-23 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/9933874. Licensed CC0.

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