SLC26A5 (Solute Carrier Family 26 Member 5, also known as Prestin): SLC26A5, or Prestin, is a motor protein in the outer hair cells of the cochlea, essential for sound amplification and hearing. It acts as a voltage-sensitive motor protein, contributing to the exquisite sensitivity and frequency selectivity of the cochlea. Mutations or dysregulation of SLC26A5 can affect hearing function, making it a significant focus for understanding the molecular basis of hearing and for developing treatments for hearing loss....