The goal of the Laboratory of Molecular Genetics is to identify, clone and characterize the genes that contribute to communication disorders. The Laboratory of Molecular Genetics has three sections, the Section on Human Genetics, the Section on Gene Structure and Function, and the Section on Systems Biology of Communication Disorders. The Section on Human Genetics is studying the genes responsible for hereditary hearing impairment and hearing loss coupled with blindness (Usher syndrome). Improved understanding of the mutated genes will provide important information on hearing and brain processing. The identification of the relevant genes will also permit early and more accurate diagnosis for certain forms of hereditary hearing and communication impairments as well as loss of sight.

Animals: Humans, Rodent
Campus Institute: National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders