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Recent advances in molecular biology of otology seminar 2011
Understanding the genetics of presbycusis
Dr Sally Dawson, UCL Ear Institute
Dr Louisa Murdin, National Hospital for Neurology and Neurosurgery
Applying the genetics of otitis media to the clinic
Dr Michael Cheeseman, MRC Harwell
Dr Mahmood Bhutta, University of Oxford
Chaired by Professor David Moore, Director of the MRC Institute for Hearing Research, the symposium on Monday 21 March at the CBI Conference Suite in London brought together both researchers and clinicians to discuss the latest advances in the field, from both investigative and medical perspectives.
A branch of biomedicine, otology studies the normal and pathological anatomy and physiology of the ear, together with its diseases, diagnosis and treatment. Its key areas of concern consist of identifying the underlying mechanisms of Meniere’s disease, tinnitus, otitis media (glue ear) the use of cochlear implants and age-related hearing loss (presbycusis) – all of which are priority targets for Deafness Research UK.
The afternoon began with a presentation by Dr Marcelo Rivolta, University of Sheffield, showcasing the latest results from his laboratory investigating how to turn stem cells into inner ear cells that in the future may be capable of replacing the damaged cells that often lead to hearing loss. Professor Gerard O’Donoghue (Queens Medical Centre, Nottingham) followed with a thought-provoking presentation demonstrating the difficulty of delivering treatments such as stem cells to the inner ear and raised the future potential of nano-technology to solve this issue.
Dr Louisa Murdin (National Hospital for Neurology and Neurosurgery) presented three interesting case studies of age-related hearing loss, typically presenting in her clinic. Dr Sally Dawson (UCL Ear Institute) followed this with a presentation on the very latest findings on the genetic causes of age-related hearing loss that offers hope for better diagnosis and treatments for hearing loss in the future.
Finally, Dr Michael Cheeseman from the MRC Harwell unit in Oxford gave an interesting update on the latest results from models of glue ear which is helping to uncover the genetic basis of this disorder which affects many children under the age of five. Dr Mahmood Bhutta (University of Oxford) completed the meeting by outlining how the researchers in Oxford are now investigating whether the genes identified in models are responsible for glue ear in children, offering hope of a better understanding and treatment of this common condition.
The audience, consisting of researchers, audiologists and clinicians, took part in stimulating discussions following the presentations and many commented that the symposium was very informative and thought provoking.
