Awardee Focus: Dr Jacqueline Ogier

Dr Jacqueline Ogier is an auditory neuroscientist with a research focus on molecular pathways involved in acquired hearing loss.

Jackie recently completed a Research Scholarship with The Garnett Passe and Rodney Williams Memorial Foundation, submitting her doctoral thesis entitled “Saving the hair cell: Investigating apoptosis signal-regulating kinase 1 as a molecular target for preventing aminoglycoside induced hearing loss”. Hair cells are sensory receptors within the ear that are crucial to both our auditory (hearing) and vestibular (balance) systems. They are susceptible to aminoglycoside antibiotics, which became the basis of Jackie’s research.

“Aminoglycoside antibiotics are lifesaving medicines, crucial for the treatment of chronic or drug resistant infections” says Jackie, however those treated with the drug can experience permanent hearing loss and balance impairment. Investigating the less-studied mechanisms of aminoglycoside-induced hair cell death, Jackie found compelling evidence that ASK1 inhibition may be a useful strategy for the prevention of aminoglycoside induced hearing loss. The find allows for the possibility of developing adjuvant therapies that allow aminoglycoside antibiotics to be effective without damaging the hair cell.

“The Foundation’s research scholarship enabled me to perform important fundamental research, which I have had the privilege of presenting internationally at scientific conferences, and as published research articles” said Jackie, who is currently working in the Neurogenetics Laboratory at The Murdoch Children’s Research Institute, Melbourne. “I aim to continue my work as an auditory research scientist, investigating the fundamental aspects of audition with the hope that this information can be used as a basis for improving clinical outcomes”. 

To read Jackie’s review “ASK1 inhibition: a therapeutic strategy with multi-system benefits” click here or the link below.