# Cholinergic Modulation of Cochlear Plasticity

> **NIH NIH R01** · JOHNS HOPKINS UNIVERSITY · 2020 · $499,581

## Abstract

This research proposal examines the impact of acoustic trauma, development and aging on the
innervation of cochlear hair cells, with particular focus on the role of the efferent system.
Emerging evidence suggests that afferent and efferent synapses interact in undefined ways
during a developmental critical period, and in parallel with altered acoustic function. How might
such interactions occur? Does activity of the hair cell determine synaptic arrangements, or do
synapses ‘compete’ for territory? In particular, do efferent inputs play an instructive role in the
differentiation of hair cell function? Or, are efferent (and afferent) synapses dependent upon
changes in hair cell excitation? To approach these questions, hair cell excitability and synaptic
function will be detailed before and after acoustic trauma in AChR-null (α9 null) mice, and in
those with gain of function AChRs (α9L9’T). Auditory function and synaptopathy will be
assessed in aging animals in α9 null and α9L9’T mice. Finally, the developmental maturation of
synapses on IHCs will be examined in TMC2 mechanotransduction null mice.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 9944516
- **Project number:** 5R01DC001508-29
- **Recipient organization:** JOHNS HOPKINS UNIVERSITY
- **Principal Investigator:** Paul Albert Fuchs
- **Activity code:** R01 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2020
- **Award amount:** $499,581
- **Award type:** 5
- **Project period:** 1992-09-30 → 2024-08-31

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/9944516

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 9944516, Cholinergic Modulation of Cochlear Plasticity (5R01DC001508-29). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-22 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/9944516. Licensed CC0.

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