lead selection for the human candidate for adenovirally delivered AtOH1??
"Scientists have identified the Atonal genes (AtOH1) as a regulator of sensory hair cell formation and regeneration. Auditory cells and cells used for balance have development pathways that are the same genetically and during development a cell chooses to take a path of an auditory cell or a supportive cell. The hypothesis, after identifying AtOH1, is to use this gene to transform a supportive cell into an auditory cell by delivering the atonal gene to these cells. When the gene is delivered, it should lead to a cascade of transcription and activate signals for nerve growth and recruitment.
Animal models have shown positive results after the delivery of the gene. While other genes are potentially being identified as being involved in hearing. GenVec is currently in lead selection for the human candidate for adenovirally delivered AtOH1 
. Currently the program is moving slowly 
as the company is focusing on TNFerade for pancreatic cancer, though the receipt of grant funds are allowing the program to move forward".
source: Yahoo! Message Boards - GenVec, Inc. (GNVC) - Merriman Curhan Ford Buy Rating: $3.5
