Cellular and Molecular Biology
Group
 We
are witnessing a revolution in voice research. Powerful new research
tools are being offered by modern cellular and molecular methodologies.
Human genomic
and proteomic research are expanding the realms of discovery leading to new
and exciting views of the mechanisms that regulate human development and
the contributions of these mechanisms to general health and healing. To truly
understand the voice, we must understand the molecular underpinnings of laryngeal
development and their response to environmental stresses like vibration.
The Cellular and Molecular Biology Group of the National Center for
Voice and Speech is working to elucidate the molecular constituency,
processes and regulation of the voice. Using a rigorous holistic
approach and a broad range of molecular techniques, this group seeks
to obtain a more complete and contextual molecular roadmap of laryngeal
development and function.
The central focuses of this group are:
-Cells in vibration
-DNA genotype analysis,
-RNA expression,
-Protein localization and interactions within the vocal folds of
the larynx.
Human stem cell research is a major emphasis of this group in: 1)
distinguishing the differences between cells of varying levels of differentiation
and their effects on extracellular matrix remodeling in the vocal folds,
2) creating a valid in vitro model of the lamina propria, and 3) developing
future therapeutic strategies.
Through this multilevel approach, the Cellular and Molecular Biology
Group looks to develop a clear paradigm of the cellular and molecular
interactions within the lamina propria of the vocal folds to assist
in generating sound therapies and remedies for voice disorders and
injuries.
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