Dozens and dozens of genes have been linked to hearing loss, but there are numerous others that are yet to be discovered. University of Iowa researchers have recently identified claudin-9 as having a connection. Seems like a "Genes connected to the ear" class is in my future. Road trip to Iowa City?
"Using a deaf mouse model, the researchers identified the deafness-causing defect in the claudin-9 gene. That mutated gene fails to produce normal claudin-9 protein, which, the University of Iowa team showed, is needed to maintain the proper distribution of potassium in the inner ear." MORE
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