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Sensory Neuroscience Research

 

DNA Strand - Research

​​​The Center for Sensory Neuroscience aims to understand neurosensory systems function at the molecular level in both healthy tissues and genetic disease states with a particular focus on hearing.

 

 

Functional Genetics Laboratoryhttps://tsthospital.boystown.org/research/sensory-neuroscience/functional-geneticsMarisa L. Zallocchi, Ph.D.Functional Genetics LaboratoryResearchLab
Gene Expression Laboratoryhttps://tsthospital.boystown.org/research/sensory-neuroscience/gene-expressionDominic Cosgrove, Ph.D.Gene Expression LaboratoryResearchLab
Molecular Diagnostic Laboratoryhttps://tsthospital.boystown.org/research/sensory-neuroscience/molecular-diagnosticM. Rohan Fernando, Ph.D.Molecular Diagnostic LaboratoryResearchLab
Neurochemistry Laboratoryhttps://tsthospital.boystown.org/research/sensory-neuroscience/neurochemistryBarbara Morley, Ph.D.Neurochemistry LaboratoryResearchLab
Vestibular Genetics Laboratoryhttps://tsthospital.boystown.org/research/sensory-neuroscience/vestibular-geneticsYesha Lundberg, Ph.D.Vestibular Genetics LaboratoryResearchLab

News

Read the latest news about life-changing research at Boys Town National Research Hospital.

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Boys Town Research Paper Named Editor’s Choice by The Journal of Pathologyhttps://tsthospital.boystown.org/news/research-paper-named-editors-choiceBoys Town Research Paper Named Editor’s Choice by The Journal of Pathology2022-09-01T05:00:00Z<p>​​​<img src="https://assets.boystown.org/hosp_peds_images/Dom-Cosgrove.jpg" alt="Dom Cosgrove" class="ms-rtePosition-2" style="margin:5px 10px;width:150px;height:150px;" />A recent article by Dominic Cosgrove, Ph.D., Senior Director of the Boys Town National Research Hospital® Research Center, and his team was featured in the September issue of <em>The Journal of Pathology</em> and has been selected by the Editor-in-Chief to be his Editor's Choice. The Editor's Choice award is given to the article that the editor feels is the “must read" of the issue. Dr. Cosgrove's article presents recent findings in the ongoing research of Alport syndrome, that will enable scientists to have a better understanding of the molecular mechanism of the disease.</p><p>Alport syndrome is a genetic condition characterized by kidney disease, hearing loss and eye abnormalities. It is caused by an inherited defect in type IV collagen, a structural component of basement membranes that is needed for the normal function of the kidneys, ears and eyes. This rare disease occurs in approximately 1 in 2,500 to 5,000 births.</p><p>“People with Alport syndrome experience a progressive loss of kidney function and frequently develop sensorineural hearing loss, caused by abnormalities of the inner ear," said Dr. Cosgrove. “In 1991, when I first joined Boys Town, Alport syndrome was the first and only disease that had a known genetic cause."</p><p>Dr. Cosgrove's research solves a long mystery regarding a role for collagen receptors in Alport syndrome by identifying type III collagen in capillary basement membranes of the ear and the kidney that causes progressive damage to these organs. His findings open the door to a better understanding of the mechanism of the disease. This new understanding is particularly significant as it will enable pharmaceutical companies to better treat those dealing with the disease through the establishment of a drug therapies that addresses the kidney function and hearing loss in patients with Alport syndrome.</p><p>Boys Town congratulates Dr. Cosgrove and his team on this important discovery that will led to more effective treatment for those suffering hearing loss due to Alpert syndrome.</p><p><a href="https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/path.5969">https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/path.5969</a><br></p>
Change Lives and Earn Moneyhttps://tsthospital.boystown.org/news/change-lives-earn-moneyChange Lives and Earn Money2022-06-14T05:00:00Z<p>​You can earn money, help advance science and change lives by participating in research studies this summer at Boys Town! Boys Town is looking for participants from all age groups to join our life-changing research studies. Participants can earn at least $15 per hour for their time. Studies are non-invasive and fun – and can help change the lives of children with hearing, communication, developmental, behavioral and mental health challenges.  We need participants with and without these challenges.</p><p><a href="https://www.boystownhospital.org/research/participate">Browse our list of current openings</a> and sign up today! This is a great summer break activity for kids and adults alike! <strong>Don't see a study that fits you?</strong> Boys Town is always looking for research participants<a href="https://www.boystownhospital.org/research/participate">; sign up</a> to be notified of future studies. </p>
Boys Town Scientists Provide Key Pre-Clinical Evidence for Treating Usher Syndrome with Gene Therapyhttps://tsthospital.boystown.org/news/treating-usher-syndrome-with-gene-therapyBoys Town Scientists Provide Key Pre-Clinical Evidence for Treating Usher Syndrome with Gene Therapy2011-10-03T05:00:00Z<p>A team of scientists from Boys Town National Research Hospital, in collaboration with Oxford BioMedica, have received Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval for the first treatment ever developed for Usher Syndrome.</p><p>Boys Town scientists Dominic Cosgrove, Ph.D., Director of the Center for the Study and Treatment of Usher Syndrome; Marisa Zallocchi, Ph.D., and You-Wei Peng, M.D., Ph.D, conducted the pre-clinical research of the investigational drug UshStat®, giving evidence for FDA approval.</p><p>Usher Syndrome results in deafness at birth associated with delayed onset and progressive blindness. The newly approved treatment involves the introduction of a functioning copy of the defective gene into retinal cells. The treatment is aimed at the most common of the most severe clinical sub-type of Usher syndrome (USH1B), which has early onset and rapid progression of retinal disease. The disorder affects about 1 in 30,000 people in the United States and Europe.</p><p>The clinical trial will involve up to 18 patients with Usher syndrome type 1B and will be performed at Oregon Health and Science University's Casey Eye Institute in Portland, Oregon. The study will be led by Professor Richard Weleber and will evaluate safety, tolerability, and aspects of the biological activity of the treatment. Based on the pre-clinical data, it is anticipated that a single application of UshStat® to the retina could provide long term or potentially permanent stabilization of vision. Clinical trials may be initiated by the end of 2011.</p><p>Boys Town National Research Hospital has been a leader in research on Usher syndrome for 25 years and played an important role in isolation of the gene mutation for Usher type 1B that may now be corrected by gene therapy. </p><p>This research has been supported by the Foundation Fighting Blindness (a public charity), the National Institutes of Health and the Nebraska Tobacco Settlement Biomedical Research Development Fund. This is the third program for retinal gene therapy developed by Oxford BioMedica to enter clinical development under the PhaseI/II collaborative agreement signed with Sanofi in April of ​2009.</p>

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