Otolaryngology

We use anatomical and physiological techniques to study synaptic transmission in the cochlea and brain stem in the context of auditory sensory processing and noise-induced hearing loss. Projects include development of therapies to prevent excitotoxicity by antagonizing calcium-permeable AMPA-type glutamate receptors.

Research keywords: Hearing; Synaptic transmission; Drug development

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Hair cells are the exquisitely sensitive sensory receptors of the auditory and vestibular systems. Research in the Sheets Lab focuses on understanding mechanisms of damage to hair-cell organs exposed to noise or ototoxic drugs and discovering cellular processes that drive repair following damage. We use the zebrafish model for our research. Zebrafish lateral-line organs contain hair cells on the surface of the body that are analogous to human hair cells yet are easily accessible. Additionally, we take advantage of the zebrafish’s ability to regenerate complex tissues to identify novel strategies for restoring damaged hair cells and innervating nerves in humans.

Research keywords: sensory neuroscience; regeneration; zebrafish

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