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Student Investigator Award
 Kristal Mills, BS
Doctoral Student, East Carolina University
Title: NADPH Oxidase and Auditory Function
Mentor: Sherri M. Jones, PhD, East Carolina University
Abstract: The vestibular system consists of two sets of organs—otolith organs and semi-circular canals. The otolith organs sense linear acceleration due to otoconia, calcium carbonate crystals that sit atop the gelatinous layer overlying these organs. Otoconia provide a mass load that bends the stereocilia of the hair cells, which ultimately activates vestibular neurons. Numerous genes have been identified that affect otoconia. Some of these genes, such as Nox3 and Noxo1, are also expressed in the cochlea. Nox3 and Noxo1 play a role in the formation of a NADPH oxidase complex thought to be critical in vestibular function. The NOX family of NADPH oxidase is reactive oxygen species (ROS) generating enzyme. ROS plays a rold in hearing loss—noise induced, drug induced, and age related. A functional role for Nox3 and Noxo1 in the auditory system is disputed or unknown. The purpose of the proposed research is to assess auditory function in Nox3 and Noxo1 mouse straings. To do this, we will measure auditory brainstem response and otoacoustic emissions in homozygotes and heterozygotes from 2 to 12 months of age. Vestibular evokes potentials will be used to test otolithic function. Data available from C5&BL/6J mice will be used as background strain controls.
Acknowledgement: I would like to acknowledge my mentor, Dr. Sherri Jones for her support in the development and refinement of my topic and protocol and for her expertise and assistance in preparing me to best carry out this project. Her mentorship throughout my time at East Carolina has been invaluable. I would also like to acknowledge Dr. Timothy Jones for use of his lab and lab equipment and for his help in my understand of the principle of instrumentation.
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