Mirna Mustapha
Academic Appointments
- Assistant Professor, Otolaryngology (Head and Neck Surgery)
- Member, Bio-X
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Professional Overview
Scientific Focus
Current Research Interests
Hearing is one of the most sensitive functions controlled by thyroid hormone (TH). TH is required for the timely coordination of a complex set of differentiation events in the maturing cochlea. Hypothyroidism retards the differentiation of the cochlea, including synaptogenesis, neurogenesis and myelinogenesis. The mechanisms that prompt the progression of these developmental events are poorly understood. Our preliminary data shows that many genes are differentially regulated by thyroid hormone in the cochlea.
Identifying which of these genes play important roles in cochlear hair cell innervation and synapse formation will further basic understanding about how the auditory system develops. In addition, knowledge of these genes could help devise strategies for stimulating the innervation of newly generated hair cells. To establish or restore hearing, it is vital that newly formed hair cells be connected functionally to the brain. We expect that our research will contribute to this important clinical/translational research effort by identifying genes involved in stimulating innervation and synapse formation.
Publications
- Genetic background of Prop1(df) mutants provides remarkable protection against hypothyroidism-induced hearing impairment. J Assoc Res Otolaryngol. 2012; (2): 173-84
- High frequency of the p.R34X mutation in the TMC1 gene associated with nonsyndromic hearing loss is due to founder effects. Genet Test Mol Biomarkers. 2010; (3): 307-11
- Deafness and permanently reduced potassium channel gene expression and function in hypothyroid Pit1dw mutants. J Neurosci. 2009; (4): 1212-23
- Complexity and integration in the control of inner-ear development. Genome Biol. 2007; (9): 315
- Whirler mutant hair cells have less severe pathology than shaker 2 or double mutants. J Assoc Res Otolaryngol. 2007; (3): 329-37
- Defects in whirlin, a PDZ domain molecule involved in stereocilia elongation, cause deafness in the whirler mouse and families with DFNB31. Nat Genet. 2003; (4): 421-8
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