Scientists at the Indian Institute of Science Education and Research (IISER) Mohali, in Punjab, have identified a protein mutation that can boost treatment against hearing loss in the elderly population.&nbsp;
The team focussed on a fault in Cadherin-23, a protein essential for hearing in vertebrates.&nbsp; 
The protein, which is embedded in inner ear hair cells, works by converting sound waves into electrical signals that the brain can interpret.&nbsp;
In mice studies, the team found that the mutated form of Cadherin-23 fails to unfold properly and causes disruption in sound transmission through the inner ear.&nbsp; 
This led to progressive hearing loss in mice, said the team led by Sabyasachi Rakshit from the Insititute. &nbsp; 
In the study, the team used a magnetic tweezer to expose the protein&rsquo;s three variants&mdash;S47, V47 (natural variants), and P47 (mutant)&mdash;to continual and oscillatory forces. &nbsp;
The scientists found that V47 tolerated the greatest force and slowly unfolded. In other words, it could withstand mechanical stress better.&nbsp; 
While S47 exhibited intermediate stability, P47 unfolded quickly, tolerating the least force. It was more likely to remain unfolded, the reason behind its link to hearing loss.&nbsp;&nbsp;
Further, when subjected to repetitive force pulses that mimic natural mechanical stimuli in hearing, p47 exhibited less ability to tolerate repeated mechanical stresses. The results suggest a molecular basis for hearing impairments later in life.&nbsp;
The findings, published in the journal Nature Communications, will have potential use in hearing loss treatment by correcting the anomaly of the protein, said the researchers.&nbsp;
However, they noted that although the results may provide a mechanism for human hearing loss, they likely do not encompass the entire picture.&nbsp; 
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), more than 1.5 billion people (nearly 20% of the global population) live with hearing loss, while 430 million suffer disabling hearing loss.&nbsp; 
&mdash;IANS
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WHO: 20% of the global population has hearing loss (File Photo)

Mutated Cadherin-23 fails to unfold properly, disrupting sound signals in the inner ear

IISER Finds Mutation Protein Link to Hearing Loss

Mutated Cadherin-23 fails to unfold properly, disrupting sound signals in the inner ear

April 9, 2025 | 16:12 IST