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Using Sox2 to alleviate the hallmarks of age-related hearing loss
Journal article   Peer reviewed

Using Sox2 to alleviate the hallmarks of age-related hearing loss

Ebenezer N Yamoah, Mark Li, Anit Shah, Karen L Elliott, Kathy Cheah, Pin-Xian Xu, Stacia Phillips, Samuel M Young, Daniel F Eberl and Bernd Fritzsch
Ageing research reviews, Vol.59, pp.101042-101042
05/2020
DOI: 10.1016/j.arr.2020.101042
PMID: 32173536
url
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/7261488View
Open Access

Abstract

This image presents the new treatment concept proposed in our review: using artificial gene networks that generate an oscillation between activator and repressor to drive the expression of the pluripotency inducing transcription factor, Sox2. This construct is small enough to fit into viral vectors selected to target and express the construct in ‘flat epithelium’ cells that have stably replaced the degenerated organ of Corti, the mammalian hearing organ. Sox2 serves as an activator to drive, alone or in combination with a delayed upregulation of Atoh1, the restoration of a hearing organ out of the flat epithelium. [Display omitted] Age-related hearing loss (ARHL) is the most prevalent sensory deficit. ARHL reduces the quality of life of the growing population, setting seniors up for the enhanced mental decline. The size of the needy population, the structural deficit, and a likely research strategy for effective treatment of chronic neurosensory hearing in the elderly are needed. Although there has been profound advancement in auditory regenerative research, there remain multiple challenges to restore hearing loss. Thus, additional investigations are required, using novel tools. We propose how the (1) flat epithelium, remaining after the organ of Corti has deteriorated, can be converted to the repaired-sensory epithelium, using Sox2. This will include (2) developing an artificial gene regulatory network transmitted by (3) large viral vectors to the flat epithelium to stimulate remnants of the organ of Corti to restore hair cells. We hope to unite with our proposal toward the common goal, eventually restoring a functional human hearing organ by transforming the flat epithelial cells left after the organ of Corti loss.
Hair cell development Age-related hearing loss Artificial gene regulatory networks Cochlea The organ of Corti Viral vectors Hair cell restoration

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