New research reveals key factor controlling the development of ears at an early stage
In a new study led by King’s College, and published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences journal, researchers found that a single gene (the protein-coding gene Sox8) could cause non-ear cells to adopt ear characteristics during embryonic development. These findings show how cell fate is regulated during embryonic development. They may also help to inform reprogramming or regenerative strategies that can be used for ear malformations.
The inner ear, which is responsible for hearing and balance in humans, is crucial for communication with their environment. Humans are affected by developmental malformations in the ear that can have long-lasting effects. Age-related hearing problems also affect a significant portion of the population. There are currently no biological therapies, only hearing aids and cochlear implant. This is because the normal development of the ear is not well understood, nor are many of its controlling factors.
Researchers at the Faculty of Dentistry, Oral and Craniofacial Sciences of King’s, working with colleagues at the Francis Crick Institute, examined the early stages of ear development in order to understand what makes cells become ear-forming cells and how they differ from other cells that form sense organs.
Source:
https://phys.org/news/2022-07-uncovers-key-factor-ear-early.html
