Meet Our Primary Investigators

Anil Lalwani, MD, FACS | Laboratory of Molecular Otology

The research focus of LMO, in close collaboration with the Laboratory of Molecular Genetics (PI: Anand N. Mhatre, PhD) is on two key areas: identifying genes that are critical for hearing through the use of molecular genetic and molecular biologic methods, and developing and investigating gene transfer technology for the treatment of hearing disorders. Previously, Drs. Lalwani and Mhatre identified the gene responsible for DFNA17, an autosomal dominant deafness locus previously mapped by LMO/LMG. Individuals with abnormalities in the MYH9 gene exhibit cochleosaccular dysplasia, a condition that is present in nearly 70 percent of those with hereditary hearing impairments. Mutations in MYH9 can cause both syndromic and nonsyndromic deafness. Currently, a major focus of LMO and LMG is to develop the genetic tools to study and dissect the role of MYH9 in the inner ear.

LMO is also involved in a variety of other translational research projects. We are beginning to tease out the genetic factors that influence outcome with cochlear implants to better advice patients and families. LMO is also interested in investigating the molecular pathophysiology of Meniere’s disease. In addition, we are exploring the feasibility of stem cell therapy in the inner ear for hearing and vestibular disorders.

Anand Mhatre, PhD | Laboratory of Molecular Genetics

Research in the Laboratory of Molecular Genetics (LMG), in close collaboration with the Laboratory of Molecular Otology (PI: Anil K. Lalwani, MD) is directed towards understanding the molecular pathogenesis of specific forms of hearing loss and the development of gene or stem cell-based approaches for its treatment. Our laboratories have linked a mutant allele of MYH9, encoding NMHC-IIA, a nonmuscle myosin heavy chain, to DFNA17, a nonsyndromic form of hereditary hearing loss (HHL). We are investigating the role of NMHC-IIA in hearing and the pathogenic effects of its mutant allele, MYH9R705H, through the development and characterization of in vitro and in vivo models. A potential mechanism of pathogenesis linked to MYH9 mutations is investigated through ultra-structural localization studies of NMHC-IIA within the cochlear sensory hair cells and through gene expression studies searching for splice variants that may exert a distinct biological roles. Transgenic mouse models over-expressing enzymes involved in the inactivation or homeostasis of the reactive oxygen species (ROS) are being used to address the role of oxygen-based free radicals in the acquired forms of hearing loss, age related hearing loss, being the most common, and prevalent example. The mouse models of hearing loss being generated and characterized in our laboratory represent the ideal hosts for testing the efficacy of gene and stem cell based therapeutic approaches that we are developing. Selected Publications

Arlene Neuman, PhD and Mario Svirsky, PhD | Laboratory for Translational Auditory Research

Scientists in this laboratory study and normal and impaired human auditory system, using tools that range from behavioral to computational to physiological. Major interests of the laboratory include the study of sensory aids such as cochlear implants and hearing aids, and the development of techniques to improve clinical outcomes using such aids. Related to this is our interest in basic mechanisms of speech perception and auditory psychophysics, and their evaluation using realistic, ecologically valid procedures.

Pamela Roehm, MD, PhD

Dr. Roehm's translational and basic research includes investigating the role of neurotrophins in herpes virus latency in vestibular and trigeminal ganglion neurons, and characterization of trafficking of neurotrophin receptors in spiral ganglion neurons. Her clinical studies focus on the effects of aging on cochlear implant speech outcomes. Dr. Roehm's Research Images and Research Videos

Robert Machold, PhD

Dr. Machold's research interests are centered around the development of the mammalian brain, particularly the origin and function of the projection neurons of the auditory and ascending cholinergic arousal systems. Using transgenic fate mapping techniques in mice, I have found that in the brainstem, many of these diverse populations of neurons utilize a common proneural genetic program during their specification. Currently, I am analyzing the genetic pathways downstream of this proneural program in order to understand how the distinct projection neurons classes are specified. In particular, I am interested in the origins of the brainstem cholinergic system and its functional role in regulating overall brain activity during development and in the adult animal. Cholinergic signaling has been hypothesized to be critical for many aspects of cognition and neural plasticity, and dysfunction of the cholinergic system has been implicated in a number of neurocognitive disorders including Alzheimer’s disease, Down syndrome and autism. To test the role of cholinergic signaling in vivo, I have generated mice that lack the ability to produce acetylcholine in specific brain regions, and am currently characterizing their abnormalities at the cellular and behavioral level in order to improve our understanding of this important neuromodulatory pathway. Dr. Machold's Research Images

Susan Waltzman, PhD

Susan B. Waltzman, PhD is Professor of Otolaryngology and Co-Director of the NYU Cochlear Implant Center at NYU Langone Medical Center. Her research is focused on two main areas: outcomes with cochlear implants and isolating the variables which affect performance with cochlear implants. Current and on-going investigations include the impact of new technology, bilateral implantation and long-term electrical stimulation in addition to outcomes in very young children, adolescents and special populations. Dr. Waltzman is the author of more than 80 peer-reviewed articles, numerous book chapters and a textbook on cochlear implants.

J. Thomas Roland, Jr., MD, FACS

Dr. Roland's research endeavors encompass three main areas: 1. Cochlear Implant electrode development and evaluation. A model for the evaluation of new CI electrode design that includes real time fluoroscopic analysis, intra-cochlear and hydraulic force measurements and histologic evaluation is used to evaluate and suggest modifications for new electrode designs. The goal is to produce a totally atraumatic electrode design that achieves precise and reliable positioning within the cochlea. Additional studies are done in collaboration with the clinical and research team associated with the NYU CI Center. Clinical trials for new electorde designs, outcomes in challenging patient populations and radiographic analysis of electrode position are underway. 2. Neurofibromatosis type 2 management. A comprehensive center for the evaluation and treatment of patients with NF2 includes a multidisciplinary team involved in surgical and medical treatment, developing drug trials and developing strategies for hearing preservation and restoration. 3. Outcomes studies for the management of acoustic neuroma and other skull base tumors. This includes the development of facial reanimation techniques and advanced surgical techniques. Surgical management outcome, hearing preservation and restoration and novel monitoring of facial nerve and hearing are some of the studies that are underway.