Noise exposures causing hearing loss generate proteotoxic stress and activate the proteostasis network

We investigate how noise insults affect the cochlea with proteomics and functional assays. Quantitative proteomics reveals that exposure to loud noise causes proteotoxicity. We identify and confirm hundreds of proteins that accumulate, including cytoskeletal proteins, and several nodes of the proteostasis network. Transcriptomic analysis reveals that a subset of the genes encoding these proteins also increase acutely after noise exposure, including numerous proteasome subunits. Cochlear mRNA profiles of 60-day old FVB/NCrl mice after 30 minute exposures to 70, 94 and 105 dB SPL noise.