Harvard Medical School scientists have developed a drug-like cocktail that can regenerate hair cells in the inner ear of mice, offering hope for treating hearing loss in humans.
New approach to hearing loss treatment
A team of researchers led by Zheng-Yi Chen, an associate professor of otolaryngology at HMS and an associate scientist in the Eaton-Peabody Laboratories at Mass Eye and Ear, observed zebrafish and chickens to identify the molecular signaling pathways that promote cell division and the growth of new. They discovered via their studies the vital function the Notch and Myc molecular signaling pathways served in this process.
The scientists activated these pathways in adult transgenic mice in 2019, which caused the division of the remaining inner ear cells and the formation of hair cell characteristics. These cells had the ability to link withThe researchers' most recent study used single-cell RNA sequencing to find that activating Myc and Notch activated the Wnt and cAMP pathways downstream.
“Think about a brake when driving a car,” explained Chen. “If the brake is always engaged, you can’t drive. We found an siRNA that could remove the brake in this genetic pathway.” They then created a drug-like cocktail using these chemicals and siRNA molecules, which they delivered to the inner ear of a healthy adult mouse with damaged hair cells.Advanced imaging techniques showed that the activation of Myc and Notch by a drug-like cocktail and adenovirus resulted in the regeneration of functioning hair cells. To get over restrictions and difficulties in administering this medication to the inner ear, more research is required.
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