Current Research:

Molecular Auditory Mechanisms Laboratories:

The focus of Dr. Xi (Erick) Lin’s team is to understand how ion channels and receptors contribute to the transduction and homeostasis in the cochlea. The transduction process in the cochlea, which turns mechanical vibration into auditory nerve impulses, and homeostasis mechanisms, which maintain special fluid and ionic balances in the inner ear, both require the concerted actions of many protein complexes in the cell membrane.

Currently, the laboratory focuses on two lines of investigation: First is understanding how efferent olivocochlear fibers (nerve fibers carrying impulses to the cochlea) interact with specific receptors (Ach and GABA receptors) in the cochlea. Second, are experiments investigating the role of gap junctions in the cochlea. Gap junctions are proteins involved in communication of small ions between cells. Mutations in the connexin (building blocks of gap junctions) genes are one of the most common forms of human genetic defects. In many ethnic groups, connexin mutations account for about 50% of prelingual severe-to-profound nonsyndromic hearing loss. It is not currently clear how these mutations affect the function of gap junctions in the inner ear. In addition, many ototoxic and tinnitus- inducing drugs interact directly with ion channels in the inner ear, therefore, Dr. Lin’s research should help understanding how malfunctions of these membrane proteins (e.g., connexins) contribute to sensorineural hearing loss, ototoxicity and some forms of drug-induced tinnitus.
Follow this link for more informations on Dr. Lin's research activities.

TINNITUS AND HYPERACUSIS:

A major focus of our departmental research is directed toward the problem of tinnitus – a phantom perception of sound in the ear. The goals of this research are to investigate underlying mechanisms of the generation of tinnitus as well as develop innovative treatment protocols for patients. Pawel Jastreboff, Ph.D., Sc.D. leads this effort. Dr. Jastreboff has established an animal model of tinnitus by inducing tinnitus with either salicylate ototoxicity or noise trauma and measurement of the tinnitus with an aversive behavioral paradigm.
Human treatment protocols use the method of Tinnitus Retraining Therapy, developed by Dr. Jastreboff, and rely on a combination of counseling and enhanced environmental sound to promote and direct the process of habituation.

CHRONIC SINUSITIS:

The role of immunomodulatory molecules (pro-inflammatory and inhibitory cytokines) in chronic sinusitis is being actively studied in our Department. In particular, Dr. Giri Venkatraman is studying the role of glycodelin, a novel proangiogenic and T-cell immunosuppressive molecule in the pathophysiology of chronic sinusitis. Questions being actively investigated are expression patterns of glycodelin in both normal and diseased respiratory mucosa, at what stage after the onset of chronic sinusitis the expression of glycodelin starts and, whether affecting glycodelin levels can alter the course of the disease. We are using state-of-the art basic science techniques to study a vexing and complex clinical problem, and foresee our data having clinical applications in the future.

REFLUX DISEASE:

The role of laryngopharyngeal reflux (LPR) in the pathogenesis of other diseases of the head and neck is unclear. Dr. John DelGaudio has active research evaluating the role of nasopharyngeal reflux in chronic rhinosinusitis and obstructive sleep apnea.

HEAD AND NECK:

Dr. Amy Chen’s research interests are in oncology health services research which includes barriers and access to health care issues and the impact of social and demographic factors on oncology outcomes. She is also interested in population based studies evaluating outcomes of oncology treatment. Lastly, Dr. Chen is involved in clinical trials for head and neck cancer, particularly with interest in molecular markers predictive of recurrence and survival.

VOICE DISORDERS:

Dr. Michael Johns’ clinical research interests at the Emory Voice Center are in voice disorders and dysphagia resulting from anterior surgical approach to cervical fusion. Another area of study is vocal pathology related to cellular phone use. Additionally, he is interested in laryngeal electromyographic findings in vocal fold motion asymmetry. His basic research interests are in laryngeal muscle mechanics in normal and paralyzed states and innovative approaches to laryngeal reinnervation and laryngeal visualization.
Dr. Hapner's research interests include the use of evidence-based medicine in the evaluation and treatment of voice disorders, the use of virtual reality in promoting generalization of learned skills outside the therapy environment, and adherence to treatment, stages of change, and motivational interviewing in voice. She is completing a validation study of the use of virtual reality environments in simulating natural speaking environments for voice patients. Dr. Hapner presents extensively on treatment adherence and health behavior change. Her interest in motivational interviewing has prompted an ongoing multi-site study of importance of self-efficacy in motivating health behavior change in voice therapy.

FACIAL PLASTICS:

Dr Yellin’s research interests both clinically and in the laboratory strive to define novel therapies for facial rejuvenation and wound repair. To that end, his basic science activities are designed to understand the signaling and differentiation of placental stem cells to augment and facilitate the repair of damaged skin, i.e., both traumatic injury and age-related photo injured skin changes. Additionally, he is developing novel solutions to reduce undesirable tissue adhesion to Med-Por subcutaneous implants and developing new human amniotic membrane based collagen skin augmentation materials. Clinically, studies include minimally invasive techniques for facial rejuvenation including the correction of photodamaged skin using intense pulsed light technology and facial and cervical contouring with external ultrasonic lipoplasty.