Portuguese discovery of biochemical Yale opens the way to catch deafness Lusa18 Feb, 2012, 10:11

A team of scientists led by Yale biochemist young Portuguese Nuno Raimundo unraveled the process of hearing loss, through genetic manipulation of mice, paving the way for a treatment for deafness.The discovery of the molecular mechanism that leads to deafness is narrated in the latest issue of "Cell", one of three major international journals alongside "Nature" and "Science", and demonstrates that "contrary to what previously thought , hearing loss is irreversible, "the scientist told the Lusa 35.The cells responsible for hearing "are there just are not working well, are not dead" and can be reactivated "pharmacologically manipulating two key proteins" within the DNA."If [hearing loss] is not treated as years pass - this is a very common problem, especially in people - can become irreversible. [The discovery] opens some windows of a therapeutic agent. May eventually reduce the incidence or crash, "Lusa said the scientist, postdoc at Yale.The study demonstrates that removal of a molecule known as "Superoxide" prevents cell death critical to identifying a number of hearing and other molecules which may serve as therapeutic targets.Raymond says he will continue this line of research in the coming year, namely "to see exactly when some cells [responsible for hearing] die, and die."There are already drugs on the market that act on some of the proteins in question, but have been used to treat other diseases, so Raymond estimates that a specific treatment for this problem will "never less than 10 years.""From the moment we identify a protein linked to a disease until they get hit with the right medicine, the quantities, everything takes time. One thing is to treat mice, other people," said the scientist told Lusa.But hearing loss "affects millions of citizens" and Raymond believes that there are plenty interested in developing a pharmaceutical drug.Degree in biochemistry in Lisbon, where he arrived to teach, Raymond headed to Finland to work in genetic research and then came to the prestigious Yale University in 2008 specifically for the design study of deafness.Its broader goal is to study the relationship between the cell and an essential organ of these, the mitochondria, the "batteries where it generates the chemical energy that keeps the cells working" and whose "fault" is linked to heart problems, liver or muscles.To widen your search to other "mitochondrial diseases", Raymond is planning to open his own laboratory in principle in Germany, where the conditions of funding and research are more "generous and flexible.""I understand how sometimes a mutation in mitochondrial DNA leads to the development of heart problems and sometimes degeneration of the brain. I understand why some tissues, organs of the body are more susceptible to mutations."Have your own lab is also an opportunity to strengthen collaboration with colleagues and institutions working in the same area in Portugal.Highlights the work generally well regarded institutions such as universities of Minho, Aveiro, the Foundation or Institute Gunbenkian Champalimaud."Little by little there will critical mass in Portugal and there is certainly an extraordinary level of creativity to be tapped, would put the country on top of the map of science. But all this involves funding, which this time is difficult," said.Raymond highlights the "ability to overcome and adapt" the Portuguese scientists, "especially the younger generations," a "kind of energy" who liked to have on your future laboratory."I'm nobody now, but as far as it is my ability, would be delighted and happy to help those [scientists] that in difficult circumstances can do work so worthwhile," he adds.