David Ornitz

Studying mice, scientists at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis have identified two signaling molecules that are required for the proper development of a part of the inner ear called the cochlea. The study contributes to the understanding of inner ear development, a first step toward the goal of being able to recover lost hearing.

David M. Ornitz, PhD, MD, the Alumni Endowed Professor of Developmental Biology at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis, has received a three-year, $300,000 grant from the March of Dimes Foundation for research titled “Mechanisms of FGF Signaling in Cochlear Development.”

Mice missing two important proteins of the vascular system develop normally and appear healthy in adulthood, as long as they are not injured in some way. If they are, their wounds don’t heal properly, a new study shows. The research has possible implications for treating diseases involving abnormal blood vessel growth, including in the skin and eye.

Scientists researching pediatric lung disease, childhood cancer, malaria and short bowel syndrome will share $3.1 million in new grants from the Children’s Discovery Institute (CDI). The grants, announced earlier this year, will fund 10 research initiatives at the School of Medicine and St. Louis Children’s Hospital.