524 Investigating the genetic underpinning and associated audiological features of childhood hearing loss in Puerto Rico

Objectives/Goals: Hearing loss (HL) can result from environmental and genetic factors. Some genetic variants may be more prevalent in populations living in geographic or cultural isolation. This study explores the genetic variants associated with HL in Puerto Rico and correlates these with auditory...

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Main Authors: Elinette Albino, Brenda Quiñones-Flores, Carmen Brewer, Rabia Faridi, Soami Santiago De Snyder, Thomas B. Friedman, Wanda M. Lugo Velez, Celinés Rodriguez-Acevedo, Carmen J. Buxo, Isabelle Roux
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: Cambridge University Press 2025-04-01
Series:Journal of Clinical and Translational Science
Online Access:https://www.cambridge.org/core/product/identifier/S2059866124011038/type/journal_article
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author Elinette Albino
Brenda Quiñones-Flores
Carmen Brewer
Rabia Faridi
Soami Santiago De Snyder
Thomas B. Friedman
Wanda M. Lugo Velez
Celinés Rodriguez-Acevedo
Carmen J. Buxo
Isabelle Roux
author_facet Elinette Albino
Brenda Quiñones-Flores
Carmen Brewer
Rabia Faridi
Soami Santiago De Snyder
Thomas B. Friedman
Wanda M. Lugo Velez
Celinés Rodriguez-Acevedo
Carmen J. Buxo
Isabelle Roux
author_sort Elinette Albino
collection DOAJ
description Objectives/Goals: Hearing loss (HL) can result from environmental and genetic factors. Some genetic variants may be more prevalent in populations living in geographic or cultural isolation. This study explores the genetic variants associated with HL in Puerto Rico and correlates these with auditory and balance disorders to uncover novel variants. Methods/Study Population: After obtaining individual informed consent and assent for a minor when applicable, we will collect clinical audiological data and biological samples (n  =  600) from families across Puerto Rico with a history of severe to profound HL. Genomic DNA will be extracted, and exome and mitochondrial genome sequencing will be conducted to identify causal variants in genes associated with HL. The study will assess the prevalence of both novel and reported variants in genes associated with HL and investigate founder variants in the Puerto Rican population. Involvement of genes so far not associated with HL will also be considered when a genetic diagnosis cannot be established. Auditory phenotypes will be correlated with genetic findings, allowing for a comprehensive analysis of genetic contributions to HL in this population. Results/Anticipated Results: This research will advance understanding of the genetic causes of HL in Puerto Rico, leading to more accurate diagnoses, personalized treatment options, and the discovery of novel genes associated with HL. It will also serve as an evidence-based reference to analyze the adequacy of current neonatal hearing screening protocols in PR. Recruitment and sample collection have begun, and we expect our findings to uncover population-specific variants. These results will provide a foundation for further genetic studies aiming at identifying the causes of HL in Puerto Ricans regardless of age of onset. Discussion/Significance of Impact: This study will enhance our understanding of hereditary HL and serve as a basis for developing population-specific diagnostic tools and interventions, particularly in the Puerto Rican population. The research will support future genetic studies and address health disparities in HL in the island.
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spelling doaj-art-45d6a68926a045a18e0eaa085fbbf3702025-08-20T02:40:52ZengCambridge University PressJournal of Clinical and Translational Science2059-86612025-04-01915415410.1017/cts.2024.1103524 Investigating the genetic underpinning and associated audiological features of childhood hearing loss in Puerto RicoElinette Albino0Brenda Quiñones-Flores1Carmen Brewer2Rabia Faridi3Soami Santiago De Snyder4Thomas B. Friedman5Wanda M. Lugo Velez6Celinés Rodriguez-Acevedo7Carmen J. Buxo8Isabelle Roux9School of Health Professions, Clinical Laboratory Sciences Program, Medical Sciences Campus, University of Puerto Rico, Rio Piedras, PRLaboratory of Molecular Genetics, National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MDNeurotology Branch, Division of Intramural Research, National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MDLaboratory of Molecular Genetics, National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MDSchool of Health Professions, Doctor of Audiology Program, Medical Sciences Campus, University of Puerto Rico, Rio Piedras, PRLaboratory of Molecular Genetics, National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MDSchool of Health Professions, Doctor of Audiology Program, Medical Sciences Campus, University of Puerto Rico, Rio Piedras, PRSchool of Health Professions, Puerto Rico Genetics Laboratory, Medical Sciences Campus, University of Puerto Rico, Rio Piedras, PRSchool of Dental Medicine, Medical Sciences Campus, University of Puerto Rico, Rio Piedras, PRLaboratory of Molecular Genetics, National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MDObjectives/Goals: Hearing loss (HL) can result from environmental and genetic factors. Some genetic variants may be more prevalent in populations living in geographic or cultural isolation. This study explores the genetic variants associated with HL in Puerto Rico and correlates these with auditory and balance disorders to uncover novel variants. Methods/Study Population: After obtaining individual informed consent and assent for a minor when applicable, we will collect clinical audiological data and biological samples (n  =  600) from families across Puerto Rico with a history of severe to profound HL. Genomic DNA will be extracted, and exome and mitochondrial genome sequencing will be conducted to identify causal variants in genes associated with HL. The study will assess the prevalence of both novel and reported variants in genes associated with HL and investigate founder variants in the Puerto Rican population. Involvement of genes so far not associated with HL will also be considered when a genetic diagnosis cannot be established. Auditory phenotypes will be correlated with genetic findings, allowing for a comprehensive analysis of genetic contributions to HL in this population. Results/Anticipated Results: This research will advance understanding of the genetic causes of HL in Puerto Rico, leading to more accurate diagnoses, personalized treatment options, and the discovery of novel genes associated with HL. It will also serve as an evidence-based reference to analyze the adequacy of current neonatal hearing screening protocols in PR. Recruitment and sample collection have begun, and we expect our findings to uncover population-specific variants. These results will provide a foundation for further genetic studies aiming at identifying the causes of HL in Puerto Ricans regardless of age of onset. Discussion/Significance of Impact: This study will enhance our understanding of hereditary HL and serve as a basis for developing population-specific diagnostic tools and interventions, particularly in the Puerto Rican population. The research will support future genetic studies and address health disparities in HL in the island.https://www.cambridge.org/core/product/identifier/S2059866124011038/type/journal_article
spellingShingle Elinette Albino
Brenda Quiñones-Flores
Carmen Brewer
Rabia Faridi
Soami Santiago De Snyder
Thomas B. Friedman
Wanda M. Lugo Velez
Celinés Rodriguez-Acevedo
Carmen J. Buxo
Isabelle Roux
524 Investigating the genetic underpinning and associated audiological features of childhood hearing loss in Puerto Rico
Journal of Clinical and Translational Science
title 524 Investigating the genetic underpinning and associated audiological features of childhood hearing loss in Puerto Rico
title_full 524 Investigating the genetic underpinning and associated audiological features of childhood hearing loss in Puerto Rico
title_fullStr 524 Investigating the genetic underpinning and associated audiological features of childhood hearing loss in Puerto Rico
title_full_unstemmed 524 Investigating the genetic underpinning and associated audiological features of childhood hearing loss in Puerto Rico
title_short 524 Investigating the genetic underpinning and associated audiological features of childhood hearing loss in Puerto Rico
title_sort 524 investigating the genetic underpinning and associated audiological features of childhood hearing loss in puerto rico
url https://www.cambridge.org/core/product/identifier/S2059866124011038/type/journal_article
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