Scientists discover master gene in mice that could restore hearing lost with age
As we age, excessive noises and lifestyle factors can damage the sensory cells that transmit frequency information to the brain. Hearing loss is usually permanent. It has been difficult to selectively regenerate these sensory cells, which play a key role in transmitting sound from the outer and inner ears to the brain. But that may be changing.
Scientists from Northwestern University identified, in a mouse study, a master gene capable of programming ear hair-cells (also known as cochlear cells) to become outer or inner hair cells necessary for hearing. Nature published the breakthrough.
In a press release, Jaime Garcia-Anoveros PhD, the lead author of the study, said, \”Our findings give us the first cell switch that is clear to distinguish between the two types.\” It will give us a tool that was previously unavailable to make inner or outer hair cells. \”We have overcome a major obstacle.\”
Source:
https://www.iflscience.com/health-and-medicine/scientists-discover-master-gene-in-mice-that-could-restore-hearing-lost-in-aging/
