Direct cellular reprogramming and inner ear regeneration. (1st February 2019)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Atkinson, Patrick J.; Kim, Grace S.; Cheng, Alan G.
• Is Part Of: Expert opinion on biological therapy. Volume 19:Number 2(2019)
• Page Start: 129
• Page End: 139
• Publication Date: 2019-02-01
• Subjects: Cochlea -- hair cell -- hearing loss -- supporting cell -- utricle; Gene therapy -- Periodicals; Protein drugs -- Periodicals; Peptide drugs -- Periodicals; Immunotherapy -- Periodicals; Drug delivery systems -- Periodicals; 615.5
• DOI: 10.1080/14712598.2019.1564035
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1471-2598

Abstract

ABSTRACT: Introduction : Sound is integral to communication and connects us to the world through speech and music. Cochlear hair cells are essential for converting sounds into neural impulses. However, these cells are highly susceptible to damage from an array of factors, resulting in degeneration and ultimately irreversible hearing loss in humans. Since the discovery of hair cell regeneration in birds, there have been tremendous efforts to identify therapies that could promote hair cell regeneration in mammals. Areas covered : Here, we will review recent studies describing spontaneous hair cell regeneration and direct cellular reprograming as well as other factors that mediate mammalian hair cell regeneration. Expert opinion : Numerous combinatorial approaches have successfully reprogrammed non-sensory supporting cells to form hair cells, albeit with limited efficacy and maturation. Studies on epigenetic regulation and transcriptional network of hair cell progenitors may accelerate discovery of more promising reprogramming regimens.