This cell and developmental biology thesis project explored the relationship between V-ATPase (a cellular protein), and its influence on the development of a specific cell type, the auditory hair cell. The hair cells we studied were in two locations across the zebrafish- the inner ear macula and lateral line neuromast. Researching the effects of V-ATPase loss in the same cell type, but in different locations, allowed us to make further developmental comparisons between the wild type (with V-ATPase) and mutant (V-ATPase loss) groups.

Clinically, patients with mutations of V-ATPase exhibit sensorineural hearing loss. As of 2014, hearing loss was the most common sensory deficit in humans (Stawicki et al., 2014). The clinical presentation provides significance and reason to study this protein; the more we understand about its functionality, the more likely we are to someday be able to treat those with this specific type of hearing loss more effectively.

I would also like to acknowledge the Ronald E. McNair Scholarship for supporting my research and growth as a student and future expert in my field. Thank you for granting me community, camaraderie, and experience that will contribute greatly to my career. I could not have done this without you all.

Links to Project Materials:

Additional support provided by: The Ronald E. McNair Scholarship

Falk College of Sport and Human Dynamics 2020, Natural Science & Engineering Projects 2020, 2020