Biotech News - New Study Aims to Uncover Genetic Factors for Hearing Loss

New Study Aims to Uncover Genetic Factors for Hearing Loss

International collaboration a first step in laying groundwork for
earlier diagnosis and treatment

08-29-2006

PHOENIX, AZ - AUGUST 29, 2006 - Researchers at the Translational
Genomics Research Institute (TGen), the House Ear Institute (HEI)
and other organizations have initiated a study to identify the genes
and genetic interactions involved in age-related hearing loss
(presbycusis). The study, which was funded primarily by The Seaver
Foundation, will use the latest state-of-the-art gene chip
technology to uncover the genetic predisposition of presbycusis, a
disorder thought to be caused by multiple genes, the environment and
ethnicity. Affymetrix, a company specializing in tools for
scientific research, is providing the micro-array technology
necessary for processing the DNA samples in this study. Through an
understanding of its molecular mechanisms, scientists hope to
develop earlier diagnostics and ultimately prevent the disorder.
Presbycusis is the loss of hearing that gradually occurs in most
individuals as they age. About 30-35 percent of adults between the
ages of 65 and 75 years have a hearing loss. It is estimated that 40-
50 percent of people 75 years and older have a hearing loss,
according to the National Institutes of Health, and it often leads
to isolation and depression.

"This study will serve as a foundation for gene discoveries in other
complex diseases and provides the groundwork for early diagnosis and
treatment of age-related hearing loss," said Rick A. Friedman, M.D.,
Ph.D., the principal investigator of the study at House Ear
Institute. Researchers at TGen, working with their counterparts at
the House Ear Institute, will utilize the Affymetrix technology to
examine DNA markers - 500,000 single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP) -
in high throughput fashion, which will provide them with the
opportunity to define the genetic basis of this prevalent disorder.
The study will evaluate nearly 2,000 patient samples collected at
the Hereditary Deafness Laboratory at the University of Antwerp,
Belgium. One of the short-term goals of the study is to create a
screening chip to identify variations in specific genes that lead to
presbycusis.

"This is a new era in medical research and our expertise in genetics
will allow inroads to be made into this disorder," said Dr. Dietrich
Stephan, head of TGen's Neurogenomics Division.

"Although it has been known that genes play an important role in age-
related hearing loss, the exact nature of these genes has not been
investigated until now," said Guy Van Camp, Ph.D., University of
Antwerp. "This project will put age-related hearing loss at the
forefront of genetic research."

# # #

About TGen
The Translational Genomics Research Institute (TGen), a non-profit
501(c)(3) organization, is focused on developing earlier diagnostics
and smarter treatments. Translational genomics research is a
relatively new field employing innovative advances arising from the
Human Genome Project and applying them to the development of
diagnostics, prognostics and therapies for cancer, neurological
disorders, diabetes and other complex diseases. TGen's research is
based on personalized medicine and the institute plans to accomplish
its goals through robust and disease-focused research.

About House Ear Institute
The House Ear Institute (HEI) is a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization
dedicated to advancing hearing science through research and
education to improve quality of life. Established in 1946 by Howard
P. House, M.D., as the Los Angeles Foundation of Otology, and later
renamed for its founder, the House Ear Institute has been engaged in
the scientific exploration of the auditory system from the ear canal
to the cortex of the brain for 60 years. HEI scientists continue to
explore the developing ear and ear diseases at the cell and
molecular level, as well as the complex ear-brain interaction. They
are also working to improve hearing aids and auditory implants,
diagnostics, clinical treatments and intervention methods. For
information on the House Ear Institute, please call (213) 483-4431
or visit the Web site at www.hei.org.

About the Hereditary Deafness Laboratory, University of Antwerp,
Belgium
This research group, headed by Dr. Guy Van Camp, has localized and
identified many genes for different forms of hereditary deafness
over the last 10 years. Most of this work was based on tissues from
large families, collected in Belgium and The Netherlands. Over the
last 2 years, this laboratory has started with the analysis of
complex forms of hearing impairment such as presbycusis and noise-
induced hearing impairment. These types of hearing impairment are
caused by a complex interplay between environmental factors, such as
noise or exposure to toxic substances or medication, and genes that
make people susceptible. The laboratory has developed new
methodologies for the analysis of these diseases.

About Affymetrix
Affymetrix is a pioneer in creating breakthrough tools that are
driving the genomic revolution. By applying the principles of
semiconductor technology to the life sciences, Affymetrix develops
and commercializes systems that enable scientists to improve quality
of life. The Company's customers include pharmaceutical,
biotechnology, agrichemical, diagnostics and consumer products
companies as well as academic, government and other non-profit
research institutes. Affymetrix offers an expanding portfolio of
integrated products and services, including its integrated GeneChip
brand platform, to address growing markets focused on understanding
the relationship between genes and human health. Additional
information on Affymetrix can be found at www.affymetrix.com.

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