Brno, Czech Republic, January 26, 2026 – Scientists have pinpointed genes crucial for the growth of both hearing and vocalization in mammals, offering new insights into the biological foundations of interaction. A new international study reveals how changes in the Dlx5 and Dlx6 genes impact the formation of structures essential for producing and perceiving sound.
Genes shaping Sound: A Dual Role in Voice and Hearing
This research clarifies how specific genes influence the development of the vocal and auditory systems, potentially unlocking new understandings of speech and hearing disorders.
- The Dlx5 and Dlx6 genes are vital for the development of the vocal tract and auditory system.
- Researchers used advanced micro-CT scanning to create detailed 3D models of mouse embryos.
- Inactivating these genes led to meaningful abnormalities in both voice production and hearing structures.
- The study highlights the power of advanced imaging in biological research.
What genes are responsible for the development of hearing and vocalization? The Dlx5 and Dlx6 genes play a central role in shaping the entire system responsible for voice production and hearing in mammals, according to the findings.
Researchers from the CEITEC Brno University of Technology collaborated with French biologists on the study, published in the scientific journal PLOS One. The team hypothesized that the Dlx5 and Dlx6 genes, already known for their role in limb and facial development, might also exhibit pleiotropy – influencing multiple traits concurrently.To test this, they selectively deactivated these genes in mouse embryos.
The key to this finding was high-resolution imaging. Specialists at the CEITEC Laboratory of X-ray Micro- and Nano-Computed Tomography utilized micro-CT scanning, a more precise version of medical CT technology, to create detailed three-dimensional models of the developing embryos. This allowed scientists to observe internal structures without causing damage. Each embryo was scanned, generating thousands of images that were then assembled into complete digital models.
The results were striking. Inactivating the Dlx5/6 genes resulted in serious abnormalities in the musculoskeletal structures of the vocal tract and impacted the development of the outer, middle, and inner ear. This demonstrates a central role for these genes in the coordinated development of the entire communication system.
Researchers emphasize the growing importance of advanced imaging technologies in biological research. Techniques initially developed for industrial applications are now providing scientists with the tools to address complex questions in genetics and development, fostering collaboration between technical and life sciences.
