Structure of inner-ear protein is key to both hearing and inherited deafness

Using a combination of crystallization and physics-based simulations, researchers defined the structure of a protein, cadherin-23, that helps mediate our perception of sound. Their findings show the protein to be a rigid structure whose strength results from calcium ions binding within it. However, mutations that interfere with calcium-ion binding undermine the protein's firm structure and make it less resilient. This provides a possible explanation for certain forms of inherited deafness.

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