Project Grant R01DC021686

This Project Grant award from the National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders (NIDCD), under the Research Related to Deafness and Communication Disorders program (CFDA 93.173), provides $533,978 to the University of Arizona to conduct research on the genomic and epigenomic landscape of otosclerosis. Otosclerosis is an age-related bone disorder affecting the otic capsule that can lead to hearing loss. The research aims to uncover the molecular basis of otosclerosis by utilizing advanced genomic and epigenomic techniques on a large cohort of otosclerosis cases and families. Specifically, the project will analyze rare genomic variants in large otosclerosis families, study common and rare genomic variants in a large otosclerosis case-control cohort, and identify epigenetic factors implicated in the disease. The research is expected to provide insights into the molecular mechanisms underlying otosclerosis, which may aid in the development of therapeutic interventions, diagnostic screening, patient management, and family counseling. The project period runs from March 12, 2025 to January 31, 2030.