STRC

The STRC gene provides instructions for making a protein called stereocilin. Researchers are interested in stereocilin's role in hearing because of its presence in the inner ear. Hearing requires the conversion of sound waves to nerve impulses that are transmitted via the auditory nerve to the brain. Stereocilin may play a role in this conversion process. Studies indicate that stereocilin is associated with hairlike structures called stereocilia. Stereocilia project from specialized cells called hair cells and bend in response to sound waves. This bending motion triggers a series of reactions that generate a nerve impulse. Although the exact function of the stereocilin protein is unknown, it appears to be important for normal hearing.

nonsyndromic deafness - caused by mutations in the STRC gene

Researchers have identified a few STRC mutations that cause a form of nonsyndromic deafness (hearing loss without related signs and symptoms affecting other parts of the body) called DFNB16. These mutations add a small amount of DNA to the STRC gene or delete DNA from the gene. These changes probably result in an abnormal version of stereocilin. The abnormal stereocilin protein could impair the function of stereocilia, leading to hearing loss.