Molecular Biology
Research Laboratory

Studying the genetic basis of hearing related diseases. Ongoing human pathologic studies of inner ear disorders, with a current focus on identifying determinants of cholesteatoma pathology.

We gratefully acknowledge the generous support of the following organizations and individuals:

• Banner Good Samaritan Medical Center, and Steven Seiler
• The Nathan Cummings Foundation, and Michael and Sheila Zuieback
• The Arizona Community Foundation
• Victor L. Hsu, PhD
• Tanya Thal, MS
• David P. Gardner, PhD
• Gloria Yueh, PhD
• Steve and Aileen Sherman
• Dora and Paul Hsu, PhD

The EAR Foundation of Arizona Biomedical Research Program was established in Phoenix in 2003. The research laboratory is located on the campus of Banner Good Samaritan Medical Center. It is our intention that this Research Program serve the community to bridge the basic research studies of ear disease, the clinical forum, and the hearing impaired. Our Research Program is dedicated to studying the underlying mechanisms of specific disease states that result in hearing loss.

Cholesteatoma Study

Aural cholesteatoma is a common and potentially severe condition that currently is only treatable by surgical intervention. A cholesteatoma is an epidermoid cyst-like structure that develops within the middle ear cavity of children and adults, and exhibits sustained growth and potential tissue erosion. Cholesteatoma is a common cause for children and adults to undergo major ear surgery in the United States. Unfortunately, even following radical surgery, the incidence of recurrence is high. Patient complaints of ear pain, refractory infections, vertigo, or progressive hearing loss are sequelae of the tissue destructive nature of a cholesteatoma, and represent a major source of morbidity in our community. Importantly, the critical factors that determine whether a cholesteatoma develops, is quiescent, or exhibits hyperproliferative growth and bone erosion are not known.

Experimental Approach

To gain a better understanding of the molecular signals that regulate cholesteatoma growth and pathology we are studying the correlation between the clinical severity of a cholesteatoma and its gene expression profile of (1) molecules normally involved in regulating epithelial migration and proliferation and (2) enzymes that normally remodel the extracellular matrix. Identification of relevant molecules that determine the pathological characteristics of a cholesteatoma will contribute not only to a better understanding of cholesteatoma biology, but also to the long-term goal of identifying potential targets for therapeutic or post-surgical treatment to reduce the incidence or severity of cholesteatoma.

Upregulated gene expression
in Cholesteatoma