- The DFNB31 gene product whirlin connects to the Usher protein network in the cochlea and retina by direct association with USH2A and VLGR1. van Wijk, E., van der Zwaag, B., Peters, T., Zimmermann, U., Te Brinke, H., Kersten, F.F., Märker, T., Aller, E., Hoefsloot, L.H., Cremers, C.W., Cremers, F.P., Wolfrum, U., Knipper, M., Roepman, R., Kremer, H. Hum. Mol. Genet. (2006)