Dwayne Simmons, Ph.D. – PI
Biography
Dwayne D. Simmons is a graduate of Pepperdine University (BS) and Harvard University (PhD). He is currently the Cornelia Marschall Smith Endowed Professor and Chair of the Department of Biology at Baylor University. This past year, he was a Fulbright Scholar to the United Kingdom where he conducted research at the University of Sheffield on the role of calcium buffering in auditory function and deafness. He is also recipient of a Career Development Award from the National Institutes of Health (NIH). Most recently, he was a professor in the Department of Integrative Biology and Physiology at UCLA and director of several NIH-funded undergraduate research programs, whose goals are to increase the number of students from diverse backgrounds who enter biomedical research careers. He also directed diversity and education programs for the UCLA Brain Research Institute. He has taught courses in neuroscience, physiology and cell biology. His research primarily focuses on the cellular and molecular mechanisms associated with hearing loss in the brain and inner ear. In addition to UCLA, he has been on the faculties at Pepperdine University and Washington University School of Medicine. His hobbies include Biblical studies, hiking, biking, and history. He and his wife, D’Nisa, have a teenage son and younger daughter.
Major Area of Research
Aging brain function related to hearing and balance, neurodegeneration, and neuro-immune responses at Baylor University.
Publications
Jeng, J.-Y., Ceriani, F., Hendry, A., Johnson, S.L., Yen, P., Simmons, D.D., Kros, C.J., Marcotti, W., 2020. Hair cell maturation is differentially regulated along the tonotopic axis of the mammalian cochlea. The Journal of Physiology 598, 151–170. https://doi.org/10.1113/JP279012
Climer, L.K., Cox, A.M., Reynolds, T.J., Simmons, D.D., 2019. Oncomodulin: The Enigmatic Parvalbumin Protein. Front. Mol. Neurosci. 12. https://doi.org/10.3389/fnmol.2019.00235
Ceriani, F., Hendry, A., Jeng, J.-Y., Johnson, S.L., Stephani, F., Olt, J., Holley, M.C., Mammano, F., Engel, J., Kros, C.J., Simmons, D.D., Marcotti, W., 2019. Coordinated calcium signalling in cochlear sensory and non-sensory cells refines afferent innervation of outer hair cells. The EMBO Journal 38, e99839. https://doi.org/10.15252/embj.201899839
Ceriani, F., Hendry, A., Jeng, J.-Y., Johnson, S.L., Olt, J., Holley, M.C., Mammano, F., Kros, C.J., Simmons, D.D., Marcotti, W., 2018. Spontaneous and coordinated Ca2+ activity of cochlear sensory and non-sensory cells drives the maturation of OHC afferent innervation. bioRxiv 317172. https://doi.org/10.1101/317172
Hoffman, L.F., Choy, K.R., Sultemeier, D.R., Simmons, D.D., 2018. Oncomodulin Expression Reveals New Insights into the Cellular Organization of the Murine Utricle Striola. JARO 19, 33–51. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10162-017-0652-6
Morley, B.J., Dolan, D.F., Ohlemiller, K.K., Simmons, D.D., 2017. Generation and Characterization of α9 and α10 Nicotinic Acetylcholine Receptor Subunit Knockout Mice on a C57BL/6J Background. Front. Neurosci. 11. https://doi.org/10.3389/fnins.2017.00516
Tong, B., Hornak, A.J., Maison, S.F., Ohlemiller, K.K., Liberman, M.C., Simmons, D.D., 2016. Oncomodulin, an EF-Hand Ca2+ Buffer, Is Critical for Maintaining Cochlear Function in Mice. J. Neurosci. 36, 1631–1635. https://doi.org/10.1523/JNEUROSCI.3311-15.2016
Simmons, D.D., Lohr, R., Wotring, H., Burton, M.D., Hooper, R.A., Baird, R.A., 2014. Recovery of otoacoustic emissions after high-level noise exposure in the American bullfrog. Journal of Experimental Biology 217, 1626–1636. https://doi.org/10.1242/jeb.090092
Yang, D., Thalmann, I., Thalmann, R., Simmons, D.D., 2004. Expression of α and β parvalbumin is differentially regulated in the rat organ of corti during development. Journal of Neurobiology 58, 479–492. https://doi.org/10.1002/neu.10289
Morley, B.J., Dolan, D.F., Halsey, K., Simmons, D.D., 2013. The deletion of both the α9 and α10 nAChR subunits results in a different phenotype than the single deletion of the α9 or α10 subunit. Biochemical Pharmacology, Nicotinic Acetylcholine Receptors as Therapeutic Targets: Emerging Frontiers in Basic Research and Clinical Science (Satellite to the 2013 Meeting of the Society for Neuroscience) 86, 1237. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.bcp.2013.08.062
Arch, V.S., Simmons, D.D., Quiñones, P.M., Feng, A.S., Jiang, J., Stuart, B.L., Shen, J.-X., Blair, C., Narins, P.M., 2012. Inner ear morphological correlates of ultrasonic hearing in frogs. Hearing Research 283, 70–79. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.heares.2011.11.006
Miller, M.E., Nasiri, A.K., Farhangi, P.O., Farahbakhsh, N.A., Lopez, I.A., Narins, P.M., Simmons, D.D., 2012. Evidence for water-permeable channels in auditory hair cells in the leopard frog. Hearing Research 292, 64–70. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.heares.2012.08.004
Simmons, D.D., Morley, B.J., 2011. Spatial and temporal expression patterns of nicotinic acetylcholine alpha 9 and alpha 10 subunits in the embryonic and early postnatal inner ear. Neuroscience 194, 326–336. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.neuroscience.2011.08.005
Simmons, D., Duncan, J., de Caprona, D.C., Fritzsch, B., 2011. Development of the Inner Ear Efferent System, in: Ryugo, D.K., Fay, R.R. (Eds.), Auditory and Vestibular Efferents, Springer Handbook of Auditory Research. Springer, New York, NY, pp. 187–216. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4419-7070-1_7
Fu, B., Le Prell, C., Simmons, D., Lei, D., Schrader, A., Chen, A.B., Bao, J., 2010. Age-related synaptic loss of the medial olivocochlear efferent innervation. Molecular Neurodegeneration 5, 53. https://doi.org/10.1186/1750-1326-5-53
Simmons, D.D., Tong, B., Schrader, A.D., Hornak, A.J., 2010. Oncomodulin identifies different hair cell types in the mammalian inner ear. Journal of Comparative Neurology 518, 3785–3802. https://doi.org/10.1002/cne.22424
Osman, A.A., Schrader, A.D., Hawkes, A.J., Akil, O., Bergeron, A., Lustig, L.R., Simmons, D.D., 2008. Muscle-like nicotinic receptor accessory molecules in sensory hair cells of the inner ear. Molecular and Cellular Neuroscience 38, 153–169. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.mcn.2008.02.008
Gagnon, P.M., Simmons, D.D., Bao, J., Lei, D., Ortmann, A.J., Ohlemiller, K.K., 2007. Temporal and genetic influences on protection against noise-induced hearing loss by hypoxic preconditioning in mice. Hearing Research, Pharmacological Strategies for Prevention and Treatment of Hearing Loss and Tinnitus 226, 79–91. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.heares.2006.09.006
Jenkins, S.A., Simmons, D.D., 2006. GABAergic neurons in the lateral superior olive of the hamster are distinguished by differential expression of gad isoforms during development. Brain Research 1111, 12–25. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.brainres.2006.06.067
Simmons, D.D., Meenderink, S.W.F., Vassilakis, P.N., 2006. Anatomy, Physiology, and Function of Auditory End-Organs in the Frog Inner Ear, in: Narins, P.M., Feng, A.S., Fay, R.R., Popper, A.N. (Eds.), Hearing and Sound Communication in Amphibians, Springer Handbook of Auditory Research. Springer, New York, NY, pp. 184–220. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-0-387-47796-1_7
Bergeron, A.L., Schrader, A., Yang, D., Osman, A.A., Simmons, D.D., 2005. The Final Stage of Cholinergic Differentiation Occurs Below Inner Hair Cells During Development of the Rodent Cochlea. JARO 6, 401–415. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10162-005-0018-3
Morley, B.J., Simmons, D.D., 2002. Developmental mRNA expression of the α10 nicotinic acetylcholine receptor subunit in the rat cochlea. Developmental Brain Research 139, 87–96. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0165-3806(02)00514-X
Raji-Kubba, J., Micevych, P.E., Simmons, D.D., 2002. The superior olivary complex of the hamster has multiple periods of cholinergic neuron development. Journal of Chemical Neuroanatomy 24, 75–93. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0891-0618(02)00022-4
Simmons, D.D., 2002. Development of the inner ear efferent system across vertebrate species. Journal of Neurobiology 53, 228–250. https://doi.org/10.1002/neu.10130
Moore, J.K., Simmons, D.D., Guan, Y.-L., 1999. The Human Olivocochlear System: Organization and Development. AUD 4, 311–325. https://doi.org/10.1159/000013855
Morris, J.C., Phelps, P.E., Simmons, D.D., 1999. NADPH-diaphorase histochemistry reveals an autonomic-like innervation in the postnatal hamster cochlea. J. Comp. Neurol. 412, 458–468. https://doi.org/10.1002/(sici)1096-9861(19990927)412:3<458::aid-cne6>3.0.co;2-f
Simmons, D.D., Bertolotto, C., Typpo, K., Clay, A., Wu, M., 1999. Differential development of cholinergic-like neurons in the superior olive: a light microscopic study. Anat Embryol 200, 585–595. https://doi.org/10.1007/s004290050306
Simmons, D.D., Morley, B.J., 1998. Differential expression of the α9 nicotinic acetylcholine receptor subunit in neonatal and adult cochlear hair cells. Molecular Brain Research 56, 287–292. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0169-328X(98)00056-4
Simmons, D.D., Bertolotto, C., Kim, J., Raji‐Kubba, J., Mansdorf, N., 1998. Choline acetyltransferase expression during a putative developmental waiting period. Journal of Comparative Neurology 397, 281–295. https://doi.org/10.1002/(SICI)1096-9861(19980727)397:2<281::AID-CNE9>3.0.CO;2-X
Simmons, D.D., Raji‐Kubba, J., Popper, P., Micevych, P.E., 1997. Developmentally regulated expression of calcitonin gene-related peptide in the superior olive. Journal of Comparative Neurology 377, 207–216. https://doi.org/10.1002/(SICI)1096-9861(19970113)377:2<207::AID-CNE4>3.0.CO;2-7
Simmons, Dwayne D., Moulding, H.D., Zee, D., 1996a. Olivocochlear innervation of inner and outer hair cells during postnatal maturation: an immunocytochemical study. Developmental Brain Research 95, 213–226. https://doi.org/10.1016/0165-3806(96)00084-3
Simmons, Dwayne D., Moulding, H.D., Zee, D., 1996b. Olivocochlear innervation of inner and outer hair cells during postnatal maturation: an immunocytochemical study. Developmental Brain Research 95, 213–226. https://doi.org/10.1016/0165-3806(96)00084-3
Simmons, D. D., Mansdorf, N.B., Kim, J.H., 1996a. Olivocochlear innervation of inner and outer hair cells during postnatal maturation: Evidence for a waiting period. Journal of Comparative Neurology 370, 551–562. https://doi.org/10.1002/(SICI)1096-9861(19960708)370:4<551::AID-CNE10>3.0.CO;2-M
Simmons, D. D., Mansdorf, N.B., Kim, J.H., 1996b. Olivocochlear innervation of inner and outer hair cells during postnatal maturation: Evidence for a waiting period. Journal of Comparative Neurology 370, 551–562. https://doi.org/10.1002/(SICI)1096-9861(19960708)370:4<551::AID-CNE10>3.0.CO;2-M
Simmons, Dwayne D., Song, C., Giboney, P., 1994. Kainic acid stimulates uptake of divalent cations in postnatal cochlear neurons. NeuroReport 5, 1433–1437.
Simmons, D.D., 1994. A transient afferent innervation of outer hair cells in the postnatal cochlea. NeuroReport 5, 1309–1312.
Simmons, D. D., Bertolotto, C., Narins, P.M., 1994a. Morphological gradients in sensory hair cells of the amphibian papilla of the frog, Rana pipiens pipiens. Hearing Research 80, 71–78. https://doi.org/10.1016/0378-5955(94)90010-8
Simmons, D. D., Rogers, M.S., Woody, D., 1994b. Acute effects of capsaicin on the postnatal spiral ganglion. International Journal of Developmental Neuroscience 12, 517–525. https://doi.org/10.1016/0736-5748(94)90036-1
Simmons, D.D., Raji-Kubba, J., 1993. Postnatal calcitonin gene-related peptide in the superior olivary complex. Journal of Chemical Neuroanatomy 6, 407–418. https://doi.org/10.1016/0891-0618(93)90015-V
Simmons, D.D., Bertolotto, C., Narins, P.M., 1992. Innervation of the amphibian and basilar papillae in the leopard frog: Reconstructions of single labeled fibers. Journal of Comparative Neurology 322, 191–200. https://doi.org/10.1002/cne.903220205
Simmons, D.D., Manson-Gieseke, L., Hendrix, T.W., Morris, K., Williams, S.J., 1991. Postnatal maturation of spiral ganglion neurons: A horseradish peroxidase study. Hearing Research 55, 81–91. https://doi.org/10.1016/0378-5955(91)90094-P
Simmons, D.D., Manson-Gieseke, L., Hendrix, T.W., McCarter, S., 1990. Reconstructions of efferent fibers in the postnatal hamster cochlea. Hearing Research 49, 127–139. https://doi.org/10.1016/0378-5955(90)90100-4
Simmons, D.D., Liberman, M.C., 1988a. Afferent innervation of outer hair cells in adult cats: I. Light microscopic analysis of fibers labeled with horseradish peroxidase. Journal of Comparative Neurology 270, 132–144. https://doi.org/10.1002/cne.902700111
Simmons, D.D., Liberman, M.C., 1988b. Afferent innervation of outer hair cells in adult cats: I. Light microscopic analysis of fibers labeled with horseradish peroxidase. Journal of Comparative Neurology 270, 132–144. https://doi.org/10.1002/cne.902700111
Simmons, D.D., Liberman, M.C., 1988c. Afferent innervation of outer hair cells in adult cats: II. Electron microscopic analysis of fibers labeled with horseradish peroxidase. Journal of Comparative Neurology 270, 145–154. https://doi.org/10.1002/cne.902700112
Liberman, M.C., Simmons, D.D., 1985. Applications of neuronal labeling techniques to the study of the peripheral auditory system. The Journal of the Acoustical Society of America 78, 312–319. https://doi.org/10.1121/1.392492
Hudson, S., Trail, J., Simmons, D., Baldwin, L., Myers, R., Tom, B., Mohr, J., Tallman, G., 1983. Preparation of enzymatically cleaned leaf epidermal strips of Nicotiana glauca. Plant Science Letters 32, 1–8. https://doi.org/10.1016/0304-4211(83)90092-5
