Post-translational modifications and age-related hearing loss
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Updated: Aug 26, 2025

Immunolabeling and Counting Ribbon Synapses in Young Adult and Aged Gerbil Cochleae
Published on: April 21, 2022
Parveen Bazard1, Jennifer Pineros1, Alejandro A Acosta2
1Department of Medical Engineering, College of Engineering, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL 33620, USA; Global Center for Hearing and Speech Research, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL 33612, USA.
Abstract:
Post-translational modifications (PTMs) affect nearly all systems of the human body due to their role in protein synthesis and functionality. These reversible and irreversible modifications control the structure, localization, activity, and properties of proteins. For this reason, PTMs are essential in regulating cellular processes and maintaining homeostasis. Diseases such as Alzheimer's, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, cancer, and many others have been linked to dysfunctions of PTMs. Recent research has also shown that irregularities in PTMs can be linked to hearing loss, including age-related hearing loss (ARHL) - the number one communication disorder and one of the top neurodegenerative diseases in our aging population. So far, there has been no FDA approved treatment for ARHL; however, translational studies investigating PTMs involvement in ARHL show promising results. In this review, we summarize key findings for PTMs within the auditory system, the involvement of PTMs with aging and ARHL, and lastly discuss potential treatment options focusing on utilizing PTMs as biomarkers and therapeutic pathway components.
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