Abstract.
The techniques of human molecular genetics have been rapidly applied to the study of hearing loss. These studies have implicated more than 60 loci as causes of nonsyndromic hearing loss. Mutations at more than a dozen nuclear genes have been demonstrated to cause hearing loss, and these have been covered in recent reviews. However, a perhaps unexpected feature of the molecular characterization of human hearing loss has been the occurrence of mutations in the mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA). The importance of mitochondrial function in hearing is emphasized by the recent discovery of mutations in a nuclear-encoded mitochondrial protein which results in hearing loss. This article reviews the current status of our knowledge of mtDNA mutations that have been shown to cause hearing loss, and the suggestion of potential molecular, cellular and tissue-specific pathophysiological mechanisms by which dysfunction of mitochondria may lead to a loss of hearing.
Similar content being viewed by others
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Additional information
Received 26 April 2000; revised 22 June 2000; accepted 22 June 2000
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
Hutchin*, T., Cortopassi, G. Mitochondrial defects and hearing loss . CMLS, Cell. Mol. Life Sci. 57, 1927–1937 (2000). https://doi.org/10.1007/PL00000673
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/PL00000673