Dr. Margaret Kovach, associate professor in the Department of Biological and
Environmental Sciences, has received $189,609 from the National Institutes
of Health (NIH) to fund a research project entitled "Molecular Pathology of
Deafness Due to Mutation in PMP22."

Dr. Kovach will utilize the award for genetic research, specifically
examining the function of the PMP22 gene in normal hearing.  Dr. Kovach's
research draws upon a past study that linked the mutation of PMP22 to
deafness in a number of individuals afflicted with Charcot-Marie-Tooth (a
debilitating disease that attacks the nerves connecting the brain and spinal
cord to muscles and sensory cells).  Dr. Kovach's investigation will focus
on the gene and its role in normal hearing by comparing the expression and
localization of the PMP22 gene and protein in the inner ear of normal mice
to mice with a mutant PMP22 and neuropathic phenotype.  Dr. Kovach will
enlist two to four undergraduate students each year and one Research
Associate to assist her in the experimentation.  

Congratulations to Dr. Kovach!  This grant award and detailed research
agenda brings recognition to UTC's research capacity, and the research
findings will advance understanding of genetic markers associated with
deafness as well as potential new treatments for the millions who face
challenges associated with hearing loss.