Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 2, 2026

Candidate Gene Testing in Clinical Cohort Studies with Multiplexed Genotyping and Mass Spectrometry
Published on: June 21, 2018
Hearing function and thresholds: a genome-wide association study in European isolated populations identifies new loci
Giorgia Girotto1, Nicola Pirastu, Rossella Sorice
1Medical Genetics, Department of Reproductive Sciences and Development, IRCCS-Burlo Garofolo, University of Trieste, Italy.
Background:
Hearing is a complex trait, but until now only a few genes are known to contribute to variability of this process. In order to discover genes and pathways that underlie auditory function, a genome-wide association study was carried out within the International Consortium G-EAR.
Methods:
Meta-analysis of genome-wide association study's data from six isolated populations of European ancestry for an overall number of 3417 individuals.
Results:
Eight suggestive significant loci (p<10(-7)) were detected with a series of genes expressed within the inner ear such as: DCLK1, PTPRD, GRM8, CMIP. Additional biological candidates marked by a single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) with a suggestive association (p<10(-6)) were identified, as well as loci encompassing 'gene desert regions'-genes of unknown function or genes whose function has not be linked to hearing so far. Some of these new loci map to already known hereditary hearing loss loci whose genes still need to be identified. Data have also been used to construct a highly significant 'in silico' pathway for hearing function characterised by a network of 49 genes, 34 of which are certainly expressed in the ear.
Conclusion:
These results provide new insights into the molecular basis of hearing function and may suggest new targets for hearing impairment treatment and prevention.
More Related Videos
09:52Generation of High Quality Chromatin Immunoprecipitation DNA Template for High-throughput Sequencing (ChIP-seq)
Published on: April 19, 2013
11:35Screening for Functional Non-coding Genetic Variants Using Electrophoretic Mobility Shift Assay (EMSA) and DNA-affinity Precipitation Assay (DAPA)
Published on: August 21, 2016
Related Concept Videos
Genome-wide Association Studies-GWAS
GWAS does not require the identification of the target gene involved in...
Pharmacogenomics: Identification of New Drug Targets
Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms-SNPs
Human Genetics
The complex relationship between genetics and psychology is observable through common biological components such...
Principles of Pharmacogenetics: Types of Genetic Variants
Genetic Screens
Forward genetic screens
Forward or “classical” genetic screens involve creating random mutations in an organism’s DNA using radiation, mutagens, or insertion of additional bases, which result in visible changes...