# Functional Integrity of the Aging Auditory Synapse

> **NIH NIH P01** · UNIVERSITY OF NEVADA RENO · 2020 · $265,028

## Abstract

Abstract: Age related hearing loss (ARHL) has a major impact on quality of life of more
than 70% of those over the age of 70. It is a growing problem with significant
socioeconomic ramifications. The cause of ARHL is complex and likely involves both
environmental and genetic factors. Symptoms associated with ARHL, specifically, the
initial loss of ability to discriminate sound in a noisy environment that progress to high
frequency loss that can further progress to lower frequencies over time, suggest a
common vulnerability that is independent of the initial trigger. We are postulating that
common to ARHL is an initial loss of hair cell afferent fiber synapses. Much as with
noise induced hearing loss, we hypothesize a selective loss of high threshold fibers. We
will test these hypotheses using multiple genetic mouse models of ARHL. Each will be
monitored using whole animal auditory testing including auditory brainstem responses
and distortion product otoacoustic emissions to document the time course of onset of
ARHL in each model. Specific Aim 2 will evaluate synaptic maintenance and proteins
associated with pre and postsynaptic elements to further characterize the temporal
windows associated with hearing loss. Specific Aim 3 will use electrophysiological and
optical technologies to measure synaptic vesicle release and trafficking, monitor calcium
homeostasis and record postsynaptic properties synaptic potentials as well as electrical
properties. Each aim is well integrated with the goals and techniques available from
each of the other investigators on this proposal and together we shall identify a global
framework in which to address this important translational problem.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 9969307
- **Project number:** 5P01AG051443-05
- **Recipient organization:** UNIVERSITY OF NEVADA RENO
- **Principal Investigator:** Anthony J Ricci
- **Activity code:** P01 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2020
- **Award amount:** $265,028
- **Award type:** 5
- **Project period:** — → 2023-05-31

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/9969307

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 9969307, Functional Integrity of the Aging Auditory Synapse (5P01AG051443-05). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-23 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/9969307. Licensed CC0.

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