Method and device for the analysis of connexin 26 for the purpose of diagnostics and therapy planning in cochlear research

Abstract

The method and device for analyzing connexin 26 can be used in cochlear research for diagnosis and treatment planning of hearing disorders.

background

Until now, attempts have been made to compensate for hearing loss by using costly hearing implants. The present new technology pursues a different approach. Animal studies in mice have shown a correlation between the function of gap junction proteins and their essential role in ageinduced hearing loss.

Motivation

The use of complex hearing implants, which has been common up to now, is associated with costly and lengthy treatments.

Innovation / Solution

The present technology is a highly miniaturized device for determining the activity of the half-cell channel connexin 26 (Cx26). Mutations in Cx26 that affect activity can be visualized in parallel optical methods. Point mutations in Cx26 cause the channel to be improperly positionized or nonfunctional. Certain mutations in Cx26 have the consequence that, due to a point mutation, the transport protein Cx26 is incorrectly sequenced and therefore degraded, representing a folding disease. Other point mutations result in altered channel function. It is also possible that protein folding is disturbed by cellular stress. The aim is to compensate for or correct corresponding losses of activity by chemical agents. In order to be able to test this, a rapid optical test procedure is used, in which the activity is made visible on the basis of the restored transport function. This will provide starting points for novel drugs that can halt or counteract hearing loss.

Benefits

fields of application

The field of application is primarily cochlear research. It is anchored in biomedicine or biotechnology. The invention can be used for diagnostics and therapy planning of hearing disorders.