Study reveals unexpected role of TMC proteins in deafness

https://www.news-medical.net/news/20260222/Study-reveals-unexpected-role-of-TMC-proteins-in-deafness.aspx Proteins long known to be essential for hearing have been hiding a talent: they also act as gatekeepers that shuffle fatty molecules across cell membranes. When this newly discovered function goes haywire-due to genetic mutations, noise-induced damage, or certain medications-it may be what kills the delicate sensory cells in our ears, causing permanent hearing loss. The research will be presented at the 70th Biophysical Society Annual Meeting in San Francisco from February 21–25, 2026.