Researchers explore the latent regeneration potential of the inner ear
Segil said, \”Our study suggests that therapeutic drugs, gene-editing, or other strategies could be used to make epigenetic changes to tap into the latent regeneration capacity of inner-ear cells to restore hearing.\” Similar epigenetic changes may be useful in non-regenerating tissue, such as the kidney, lungs, heart, and retina.
Scientists at the USC Stem Cell Laboratory of Neil Segil identified a barrier that prevents the regeneration of inner ear sensory cells. These cells are lost when hearing and balance disorders occur. According to a study published in Developmental Cell, overcoming this barrier could be the first step towards returning inner ear cell regeneration to a state similar that of a newborn.
Segil, a Professor at the USC Tina and Rick Caruso Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery Department, said that permanent hearing loss affects 60 percent of people who reach retirement age. Our study suggests that new gene engineering techniques could be used to channel the same regenerative ability present in embryonic inner-ear cells.
The inner ear’s hearing organ (cochlea) contains two types of sensory cell: \”hair cells\”, which have hair-like cellular protrusions that receive sound waves, and \”supporting cells\”, which play structural and functional functions.
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Stem Cell Scientists Explore the Latent Regenerative Potential of the Inner Ear
