Hong-Bo Zhao, MD, PhD

Our auditory research lab currently mainly focuses on 1) deafness mechanisms underlying Cx26 (GJB2) gap junction gene mutations induced hearing loss, 2) mechanisms underlying noise-induced cochlear synaptopathy and hearing loss, and 3) functional and pathological changes of Alzheimer's disease in hearing system. Based on these studies, we are planning to develop gene therapy for Cx26 mutation induced deafness, which is responsible for >50% of nonsyndromic heretical hearing loss in clinic. We will also develop a post-noise treatment, and identify and provide early hearing biomarkers for early AD detection. Both of them have important significance in treatment of noise-induced hearing loss and the AD prevention and treatment.