MOON-ROCKET GRANT
RESEARCH PROJECTS FOR USH 1
Children with Usher syndrome type 1 are born deaf and have an inactive balance organ. In childhood, the first symptoms of night blindness and an increasingly narrow field of vision begin.
RESEARCH PROJECTS FOR USH 2
Children with Usher syndrome type 2 are born with a hearing loss and develop the first symptoms of deteriorating vision around puberty. In addition to an increasingly narrow field of vision, some may also have a (significant) increase in hearing loss.
RESEARCH PROJECTS FOR USH 3
So far, one Usher gene is known to cause Usher Syndrome type 3, being USH3A.
This type, which is very rare in the Netherlands, is more progressive, so here the loss of hearing as well as the loss of eyesight can go very fast.
IMPROVE QUALITY OF LIFE
Apart from deterioration of hearing and eyesight, people suffering from Usher Syndrome more often have health problems. It is still unclear whether this is a consequence of Usher Syndrome or that Usher Syndrome is caused by this. The quality of life can be improved by means of proper support and aids, but there are also treatments that possibly can relieve or mitigate associated problems.
STARRING THE ZEBRAFISH
RUNNING RESEARCH PROJECTS
Thanks to all donated funds, Stichting Ushersyndroom has already been able to finance three research projects. The study ‘Mini-genes USH 2a’ has been completed by now. We expect that the results of this will soon be published. The follow-up study ‘Mini-genes USH 2c’ has just been started. The ‘CRUSH study’, a natural development study, is in full swing.
THE MAJOR CHALLENGES
By now, 10 genes are known to be responsible for Usher Syndrome. A lot of different mutations of each Usher gene are known. Mutations are changes in the DNA all of which result in improper (or insufficient) production of the Usher protein. The many mutations and the huge size of most Usher genes make research into a treatment for Usher Syndrome really complicated.Â
APPLY FOR FUNDING
An application for (co-)financing of (research) projects is to be submitted to the Board of the Stichting Ushersyndroom, which will assess the application following a fixed procedure and, if in line with the strategic objectives and resources of the Foundation, fully or partly allocate the application.
