Prof. Andrew Forge, UCL

The inner ear is structurally complex. A molecular description of its architecture is now emerging from the use of contemporary methods of cell and molecular biology, and from studies of ontogenetic development. With the application of clinical and molecular genetics, it has now become possible to identify genes associated with inherited, non-syndromic deafness and balance dysfunction in humans and in mice. This work is providing new insights into how the tissues of the inner ear are built to perform their tasks, and into the pathogenesis of a range of inner ear disorders. The inner ear provides sensory information relating to hearing (from the cochlea) and balance (from the vestibular system). It comprises a series of interconnected fluid-filled membranous canals (the membranous labyrinth) inside bony channels at the base of the skull (Fig. 1). I