Sex differences in auditory function and disorders are gaining increased attention. While women generally exhibit a lower overall prevalence of hearing loss, approximately 8.3 million are affected, with 1.67 million experiencing onset during middle age. Hearing loss in women tends to worsen after menopause, often impacting low- and mid-frequency ranges essential for speech perception. Autoimmune-related hearing impairment is also more prevalent among women, likely due to their greater vulnerability to immune disorders. However, the mechanisms underlying female hearing loss remain poorly understood, posing challenges for advancing diagnostic and therapeutic strategies.
Our ongoing research, supported by the National Institutes of Health, focuses on understanding sex differences in inner ear biology and disease development. We have identified galectin-3, a protein from the lectin family, as a pivotal immune molecule in the cochlea. Galectin-3, known for its roles in inflammation and immune responses, is highly expressed in cochlear immune and supporting cells. Our findings indicate that galectin-3 deficiency increases female susceptibility to age-related cochlear degeneration, underscoring its critical role in preserving auditory function.
Our research seeks to elucidate how galectin-3 and other female-specific molecules interact with hormones to influence cochlear health and the progression of hearing loss. Specifically, we aim to:
- Investigate the role of galectin-3 in cochlear function.
- Examine immune mechanisms contributing to female susceptibility to galectin-3 deficiency.
- Explore the hormonal regulation of cochlear gene expression.
This study addresses a critical and understudied aspect of hearing loss in women, offering the potential for clinical applications. The insights gained could facilitate the identification of biomarkers for female hearing loss and lay the foundation for developing sex-specific therapeutic approaches.