William F. Sewell, Ph.D.

Associate Professor, Department of Otology and Laryngology

wfs@epl.meei.harvard.edu

Research is centered on synaptic transmission and the chemistry and pharmacology in the inner ear. Current projects include: (1) understanding how glutamate receptor trafficking at the synapse between the sensory cell of the ear, the hair cell, and the auditory neuron regulates sensitivity of the ear to sound. (2) understanding the molecular structure of the synaptic ribbon, an intracellular presynaptic organelle important for neurotransmitter release from the sensory cell. To do this we have taken a proteomics approach to identify the protein components of synaptic ribbons purified with affinity chromatography. (3) genetic and molecular analyses of the zebrafish inner ear. The nearly transparent zebrafish is an excellent model system for understanding and manipulating the development of the inner ear. (4) inner ear drug delivery: we are working with colleagues at Draper Laboratory to develop a drug delivery system suitable for use in the human inner ear.

Publications:

Chen, Z. Kujawa, S.G., McKenna, M. J., Fiering, J., Mescher, M., Borenstien, J. T., Leary-Swan, E., Sewell, W. F., Inner ear drug delivery via a reciprocating perfusion system in the guinea pig. J. Controlled release 110: p. 2-19 (2005).

Chen, Z., Kujawa, S. G., Sewell, W. F. Auditory sensitivity regulation via rapid changes in expression of surface AMPA receptors. Nature Neurosci. 10:1238-40. (2007).

Wang, L., Sewell, W.F., Kim, S., Shin, J., MacRae, C., Zon, L., Seidman, J.G., and Seidman, C. Eya4 regulation of Na/K-ATPase is required for sensory system development in zebrafish. Development 2008