SLC26A5 (Solute Carrier Family 26 Member 5, also known as Prestin): SLC26A5,also known as Prestin, is a motor protein found in the outer hair cells of the cochlea. It plays a critical role in sound amplification and hearing sensitivity by functioning as a voltage-sensitive motor protein. Alterations in SLC26A5 can impair hearing, making it an important target for research on the molecular mechanisms of hearing and potential therapies for hearing loss.