Eustachian Tube Growth and Development: Anatomy/Function. Protocol Description. This study measures Eustachian tube function and facial growth over time in three groups of children: one with recurrent ear infections, one with chronic middle ear fluid, and one with little past history of otitis media.
Causes of Kartagener syndrome. Kartagener syndrome is caused by a mutation in the DNAI1 gene, which makes a cellular protein required for normal functioning cilia (cilia line the respiratory tract) and sperm motility.
The genetic mutation is in the gene encoding the neurotrophic tyrosine kinase receptor (NTRK1 gene). NTRK1 is a receptor for nerve growth factor (NGF). This protein induces outgrowth of axons and dendrites and promotes the survival of embryonic sensory and sympathetic neurons.