Harmonin, also known as Antigen NY-CO-38 / NY-CO-37, Autoimmune enteropathy-related antigen AIE-75, Protein PDZ-73, Renal carcinoma antigen NY-REN-3, Usher syndrome type-1C protein and USH1C, is a protein which is expressed in small intestine, colon, kidney, eye and weakly in pancreas. USH1C is expressed also in vestibule of the inner ear. USH1C contains 3 PDZ (DHR) domains. USH1C may be involved in protein-protein interaction. Defects in USH1C are the cause of Usher syndrome type 1C (USH1C), also known as Usher syndrome type I Acadian variety. USH is a genetically heterogeneous condition characterized by the association of retinitis pigmentosa and sensorineural deafness. Age at onset and differences in auditory and vestibular function distinguish Usher syndrome type 1 (USH1), Usher syndrome type 2 (USH2) and Usher syndrome type 3 (USH3). Defects in USH1C are also the cause of deafness autosomal recessive type 18 (DFNB18) which is a form of sensorineural hearing loss. Sensorineural deafness results from damage to the neural receptors of the inner ear, the nerve pathways to the brain, or the area of the brain that receives sound information.
