# Age-related Structural Analyses Core

> **NIH NIH P01** · UNIVERSITY OF NEVADA RENO · 2020 · $170,144

## Abstract

Project Summary
 The mission of the National Institute on Aging includes elucidation of the causes as well as treatment of
all aspects of aging. Age-related hearing loss (ARHL) is one of the most common ailments associated with
aging. In fact, the number of people with ARHL exceeds that of any other acquired hearing loss. The
prevalence of this aging pathology is a compelling indicator of the need to identify the in-depth mechanisms of
ARHL and to provide comprehensive strateties with which the communication disability can be alleviated. The
prevailing account suggests that the etiology of ARHL is intrinsic to the neural mechanisms of aging. Neuronal
degeneration as a persistent feature of ARHL abounds in archival human temporal bone analyses, providing a
compelling rationale for targeting spiral ganglion neurons (SGN). The overall aims of the present application
are to investigate the very early, initiating mechanisms of sensorineural ARHL and to propose avenues for
restoration of auditory function.
 The purpose of Core C is to support Projects 1 through 3 in advancing knowledge, at the cellular and
molecular neuroscience level in the 8th nerve, its synapses, cells of input in the organ of Corti and cell bodies in
Rosenthal’s canal. Core C's mission is to assess age-related ultrastructural changes at the hair cell-SGN
synapses, in the SG cell as well as the integrity of the tight junctions in the organ of Corti. Studies of 8th nerve,
SGC and HC function conducted in the main Projects are enhanced by high resolution and/or ultrastructural
characterizations of the biological specimen. To this end, the Project investigators have access to integrated
services of Core C that include a comprehensive range of electron microscopy and imaging techniques. These
services include tissue preparation and image acquisition services for structural/ultrastructural analysis as well
as ultrastructural localization of proteins in the auditory periphery thus allowing the Project investigators to
focus on innovative cellular and molecular analyses of the same tissue.
 The Core services allow a centralized source for microscopy and digital imaging services. The
availability of complex tissue preparation and subsequent staining by a highly qualified electron microscope
technician, collaboration with scientists well-versed in freeze-fracture and electron tomography assures
consistent data collection using classical and cutting edge technology. The Core Director assures that the most
appropriate experimental designs and data analysis have been utilized. Appropriate review of requests for
structural analyses assures that there is a fair and equitable distribution of resources among users.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 9969303
- **Project number:** 5P01AG051443-05
- **Recipient organization:** UNIVERSITY OF NEVADA RENO
- **Principal Investigator:** Michael Anne NMI Gratton
- **Activity code:** P01 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2020
- **Award amount:** $170,144
- **Award type:** 5
- **Project period:** — → 2023-05-31

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/9969303

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 9969303, Age-related Structural Analyses Core (5P01AG051443-05). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-22 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/9969303. Licensed CC0.

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