Work

The Potential of Stem Cells for the Restoration of Auditory Function in Humans

Year: 2013

Type: review

Abstract: Hearing loss is one of the most common disabilities, affecting approximately 10% of the population. Hair cells and spiral ganglion neurons are usually damaged in most cases of hearing loss. Currently, there is virtually no biological approach to replace damaged hearing cells. Recent developments in stem cell technology provide new opportunities for the treatment of deafness. Two major strategies have been investigated: differentiation of endogenous stem cells into new hair cells; and introduction of exogenous cells into the inner ear to substitute injured hearing neurons. Although there is still a learning curve in stem cell-based replacement, the probability exists to utilize personalized stem cells to eventually provide a novel intervention for patients with deafness in future clinical research trials.

Source: Regenerative Medicine

DOI: 10.2217/rme.13.32

Authors: Zhengqing Hu, Mats Ulfendahl

Institutions: Wayne State University, Karolinska Institutet

Language: English

Topic: Hearing, Cochlea, Tinnitus, Genetics

Subfield: Sensory Systems

Field: Neuroscience

Domain: Life Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: green

Funder: National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders