June 28, 2022

11:00 A.M.-12:00 P.M. Eastern Time

Join the LIVE Webcast  

 

Introduction: 

The lecture on “Progress toward hair cell regeneration and the restoration of hearing” is part of the NIDCD Beyond the Lab, Understanding Communication Disorders speaker series.

The virtual lecture open to all NIH staff and the public.

National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders senior investigator, Matthew W. Kelley, Ph.D., will explain how the process of hearing relies on the proper functioning of specialized cells in the inner ear, and discuss the potential for hair cell regeneration in humans.

The sensory hair cells of the inner ear (they are called hair cells because of tiny bundles of hair-like stereocilia that sit on top of each one) detect sounds and send that information to the parts of our brain that interpret and respond to the sound. Over our lifetimes, these hair cells can be damaged or destroyed by exposure to loud noises or certain medications, by physical injury, or by normal aging. For years, scientists around the world have researched how to regrow and replace damaged or destroyed hair cells to restore hearing.

Dr. Kelley will discuss recent research on replacing damaged or destroyed hair cells. He leads the NIDCD Section on Developmental Neuroscience, which identifies the molecular and cellular factors that play a role in the development of the different structures within the cochlea and inner ear, including hair cells. Research from Dr. Kelley’s lab, combined with the work of other colleagues, has identified a gene that may hold the key to developing new hair cells.

Important information:

The live videocast will be captioned and recorded for later viewing. Individuals with disabilities who need sign language interpreting and/or other reasonable accommodations to participate in this event should contact Lonnie Lisle (telephone: 240-464-4355) by June 21.

Tuesday, June 28, 2022