Mouse Genetics as a Tool for Elucidating Molecular Pathways Involved in Hearing Loss

ABSTRACT

The identification of genes responsible for hereditary hearing loss allows us to understand these diseases at the molecular level with the potential of revealing mechanisms and pathways important in auditory function. As is the case in other human diseases, the importance of the mouse as a model in hearing research is increasing. Several genes identified in mouse mutants already have led to the identification of human deafness genes. The existence of phenotypic variations within a population carrying the same disease mutation indicates genetic modification of the phenotype by other loci. Identification of these modifiers will further our understanding of the biochemical and regulatory pathways through which the deafness disease genes act.

KEYWORDS

Genetics - hearing - modifier - tubby - deaf waddler

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