These included EYA4, LMX1A, PTK2/FAK, UBE3B, MMP2, SYNJ2, GRM5, TRIOBP, LMO-7, and NOX4. Consistent with their findings, we also identified SPTBN1, a mouse ortholog Spectrin expressed in the cuticular plate at the base of the stereocilia, deletion of which causes profound deafness.64 Here, MMP2 is linked to deafness.