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He Y, Chen Z, Liu Q, Li Z, Wen D, Zhang H, Zhang M, Jiang D, Li H, Wen L, Chen G. Reversible opening of the blood-labyrinth barrier by low-pressure pulsed ultrasound and microbubbles for the treatment of inner ear diseases. J Control Release 2024; 372:318-330. [PMID: 38906419 DOI: 10.1016/j.jconrel.2024.06.043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2024] [Revised: 06/15/2024] [Accepted: 06/18/2024] [Indexed: 06/23/2024]
Abstract
Systemic drug administration provides convenience and non-invasive benefits for preventing and treating inner ear diseases. However, the blood-labyrinth barrier (BLB) restricts the transport of drugs to inner ear tissues. Ultrasound can stimulate specific areas and penetrate tissues, with the potential to overcome physiological barriers. We present a novel strategy based on low-pressure pulsed ultrasound assisted by microbubbles (USMB) to transiently open the BLB and deliver therapeutics into the inner ear. A pulsed ultrasound device with adjustable pressure was established; the generated ultrasound was transmitted through the external auditory canal into the guinea pig's inner ear. We observed that the application of microbubbles allowed the use of safe and efficient ultrasound conditions to penetrate the BLB. We found that USMB-mediated BLB opening seemed to be associated with a reduced expression of the tight junction proteins zonula occludens-1 and occludin. Following intravenous administration, hydrophilic dexamethasone sodium phosphate (DSP), hydrophobic curcumin (CUR), as well as drug-loaded nanoparticles (Fe3O4@CUR NPs) could be efficiently delivered into the inner ear. We observed better drug accumulation in the perilymph of the inner ear, resulting in less drug (cisplatin)-induced ototoxicity. Furthermore, physiological, hematological, and histological studies showed that the modulation of the BLB by low-pressure USMB was a safe process without significant adverse effects. We conclude that USMB could become a promising strategy for the systematic delivery of therapeutics in the treatment of inner ear diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuanwei He
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Advanced Drug Delivery & Guangdong Provincial Engineering Center of Topical Precise Drug Delivery System, Center for Drug Research and Development, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Ziyu Chen
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Advanced Drug Delivery & Guangdong Provincial Engineering Center of Topical Precise Drug Delivery System, Center for Drug Research and Development, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Qinglang Liu
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Advanced Drug Delivery & Guangdong Provincial Engineering Center of Topical Precise Drug Delivery System, Center for Drug Research and Development, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Zhiyang Li
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Advanced Drug Delivery & Guangdong Provincial Engineering Center of Topical Precise Drug Delivery System, Center for Drug Research and Development, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Dingsheng Wen
- School of Pharmacy, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Hong Zhang
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Advanced Drug Delivery & Guangdong Provincial Engineering Center of Topical Precise Drug Delivery System, Center for Drug Research and Development, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Ming Zhang
- Guangdong Sunho Pharmaceutical Co. Ltd, Zhongshan 528437, China
| | - Di Jiang
- Department of Otolaryngology, Affiliated Dongguan Hospital, Southern Medical University (Dongguan People's Hospital), Dongguan 523000, China
| | - Huaan Li
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Advanced Drug Delivery & Guangdong Provincial Engineering Center of Topical Precise Drug Delivery System, Center for Drug Research and Development, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou 510006, China.
| | - Lu Wen
- School of Pharmacy, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou 510006, China.
| | - Gang Chen
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Advanced Drug Delivery & Guangdong Provincial Engineering Center of Topical Precise Drug Delivery System, Center for Drug Research and Development, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou 510006, China.
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Vona B, Wollnik B, Strenzke N, Moser T. Catching up but still miles behind-a patient registry for otoferlin. Exp Mol Med 2024:10.1038/s12276-024-01247-6. [PMID: 38825639 DOI: 10.1038/s12276-024-01247-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2024] [Revised: 03/13/2024] [Accepted: 03/14/2024] [Indexed: 06/04/2024] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Barbara Vona
- Institute of Human Genetics, University Medical Center Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
- Institute for Auditory Neuroscience and InnerEarLab, University Medical Center Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Bernd Wollnik
- Institute of Human Genetics, University Medical Center Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
- Cluster of Excellence "Multiscale Bioimaging: from Molecular Machines to Networks of Excitable Cells" (MBExC), University of Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Nicola Strenzke
- Institute for Auditory Neuroscience and InnerEarLab, University Medical Center Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
- Department of Otolaryngology, University Medical Center Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Tobias Moser
- Institute for Auditory Neuroscience and InnerEarLab, University Medical Center Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany.
- Cluster of Excellence "Multiscale Bioimaging: from Molecular Machines to Networks of Excitable Cells" (MBExC), University of Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany.
- Auditory Neuroscience and Synaptic Nanophysiology Group, Max Planck Institute for Multidisciplinary Sciences, Göttingen, Germany.
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Moser T, Chen H, Kusch K, Behr R, Vona B. Gene therapy for deafness: are we there now? EMBO Mol Med 2024; 16:675-677. [PMID: 38528140 PMCID: PMC11018804 DOI: 10.1038/s44321-024-00058-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2024] [Revised: 02/22/2024] [Accepted: 03/11/2024] [Indexed: 03/27/2024] Open
Abstract
This Commentary discusses the successes of the recent first in human trials for gene therapy of otoferlin-deficient hearing impairment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tobias Moser
- Institute for Auditory Neuroscience and InnerEarLab, University Medical Center Göttingen, 37099, Göttingen, Germany.
- Auditory Neuroscience and Synaptic Nanophysiology Group, Max-Planck-Institute for Multidisciplinary Sciences, Göttingen, Germany.
- Auditory Neuroscience and Optogenetics Laboratory, German Primate Center, Göttingen, Germany.
- Cluster of Excellence "Multiscale Bioimaging: from Molecular Machines to Networks of Excitable Cells" (MBExC), University of Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany.
| | - Han Chen
- Institute for Auditory Neuroscience and InnerEarLab, University Medical Center Göttingen, 37099, Göttingen, Germany
- Auditory Neuroscience and Synaptic Nanophysiology Group, Max-Planck-Institute for Multidisciplinary Sciences, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Kathrin Kusch
- Institute for Auditory Neuroscience and InnerEarLab, University Medical Center Göttingen, 37099, Göttingen, Germany
- Auditory Neuroscience and Synaptic Nanophysiology Group, Max-Planck-Institute for Multidisciplinary Sciences, Göttingen, Germany
- Auditory Neuroscience and Optogenetics Laboratory, German Primate Center, Göttingen, Germany
- Functional Auditory Genomics group, Auditory Neuroscience and Optogenetics Laboratory, German Primate Center, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Rüdiger Behr
- Platform Degenerative Diseases, German Primate Center, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Barbara Vona
- Institute for Auditory Neuroscience and InnerEarLab, University Medical Center Göttingen, 37099, Göttingen, Germany
- Institute of Human Genetics, University Medical Center Göttingen, 37099, Göttingen, Germany
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Mendia C, Peineau T, Zamani M, Felgerolle C, Yahiaoui N, Christophersen N, Papal S, Maudoux A, Maroofian R, Patni P, Nouaille S, Bowl MR, Delmaghani S, Galehdari H, Vona B, Dulon D, Vitry S, El-Amraoui A. Clarin-2 gene supplementation durably preserves hearing in a model of progressive hearing loss. Mol Ther 2024; 32:800-817. [PMID: 38243601 PMCID: PMC10928142 DOI: 10.1016/j.ymthe.2024.01.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2023] [Revised: 12/22/2023] [Accepted: 01/12/2024] [Indexed: 01/21/2024] Open
Abstract
Hearing loss is a major health concern affecting millions of people worldwide with currently limited treatment options. In clarin-2-deficient Clrn2-/- mice, used here as a model of progressive hearing loss, we report synaptic auditory abnormalities in addition to the previously demonstrated defects of hair bundle structure and mechanoelectrical transduction. We sought an in-depth evaluation of viral-mediated gene delivery as a therapy for these hearing-impaired mice. Supplementation with either the murine Clrn2 or human CLRN2 genes preserved normal hearing in treated Clrn2-/- mice. Conversely, mutated forms of CLRN2, identified in patients with post-lingual moderate to severe hearing loss, failed to prevent hearing loss. The ectopic expression of clarin-2 successfully prevented the loss of stereocilia, maintained normal mechanoelectrical transduction, preserved inner hair cell synaptic function, and ensured near-normal hearing thresholds over time. Maximal hearing preservation was observed when Clrn2 was delivered prior to the loss of transducing stereocilia. Our findings demonstrate that gene therapy is effective for the treatment of post-lingual hearing impairment and age-related deafness associated with CLRN2 patient mutations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Clara Mendia
- Institut Pasteur, Université Paris Cité, INSERM AO06, Institut de l'Audition, Unit Progressive Sensory Disorders, Pathophysiology and Therapy, 63 rue de Charenton, 75012 Paris, France; Sorbonne Université, Collège Doctoral, 75005 Paris, France
| | - Thibault Peineau
- Institut de l'Audition and Université de Bordeaux, Laboratoire de Neurophysiologie de la Synapse Auditive, Bordeaux Neurocampus, 33076 Bordeaux, France
| | - Mina Zamani
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Shahid Chamran University of Ahvaz, Ahvaz 6135783151, Iran
| | - Chloé Felgerolle
- Institut Pasteur, Université Paris Cité, INSERM AO06, Institut de l'Audition, Unit Progressive Sensory Disorders, Pathophysiology and Therapy, 63 rue de Charenton, 75012 Paris, France
| | - Nawal Yahiaoui
- Institut Pasteur, Université Paris Cité, INSERM AO06, Institut de l'Audition, Unit Progressive Sensory Disorders, Pathophysiology and Therapy, 63 rue de Charenton, 75012 Paris, France
| | - Nele Christophersen
- Institute for Auditory Neuroscience and InnerEarLab, University Medical Center Göttingen, 37075 Göttingen, Germany; Institute of Human Genetics, University Medical Center Göttingen, 37075 Göttingen, Germany
| | - Samantha Papal
- Institut Pasteur, Université Paris Cité, INSERM AO06, Institut de l'Audition, Unit Progressive Sensory Disorders, Pathophysiology and Therapy, 63 rue de Charenton, 75012 Paris, France
| | - Audrey Maudoux
- Institut Pasteur, Université Paris Cité, INSERM AO06, Institut de l'Audition, Unit Progressive Sensory Disorders, Pathophysiology and Therapy, 63 rue de Charenton, 75012 Paris, France
| | - Reza Maroofian
- Department of Neuromuscular Diseases, UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, University College London, WC1E 6BT London, UK
| | - Pranav Patni
- Institut Pasteur, Université Paris Cité, INSERM AO06, Institut de l'Audition, Unit Progressive Sensory Disorders, Pathophysiology and Therapy, 63 rue de Charenton, 75012 Paris, France
| | - Sylvie Nouaille
- Institut Pasteur, Université Paris Cité, INSERM AO06, Institut de l'Audition, Unit Progressive Sensory Disorders, Pathophysiology and Therapy, 63 rue de Charenton, 75012 Paris, France
| | - Michael R Bowl
- UCL Ear Institute, University College London, 332 Gray's Inn Road, WC1X 8EE London, UK
| | - Sedigheh Delmaghani
- Institut Pasteur, Université Paris Cité, INSERM AO06, Institut de l'Audition, Unit Progressive Sensory Disorders, Pathophysiology and Therapy, 63 rue de Charenton, 75012 Paris, France
| | - Hamid Galehdari
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Shahid Chamran University of Ahvaz, Ahvaz 6135783151, Iran
| | - Barbara Vona
- Institute for Auditory Neuroscience and InnerEarLab, University Medical Center Göttingen, 37075 Göttingen, Germany; Institute of Human Genetics, University Medical Center Göttingen, 37075 Göttingen, Germany
| | - Didier Dulon
- Institut de l'Audition and Université de Bordeaux, Laboratoire de Neurophysiologie de la Synapse Auditive, Bordeaux Neurocampus, 33076 Bordeaux, France
| | - Sandrine Vitry
- Institut Pasteur, Université Paris Cité, INSERM AO06, Institut de l'Audition, Unit Progressive Sensory Disorders, Pathophysiology and Therapy, 63 rue de Charenton, 75012 Paris, France.
| | - Aziz El-Amraoui
- Institut Pasteur, Université Paris Cité, INSERM AO06, Institut de l'Audition, Unit Progressive Sensory Disorders, Pathophysiology and Therapy, 63 rue de Charenton, 75012 Paris, France.
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Liu H, Kuang H, Wang Y, Bao L, Cao W, Yu L, Qi M, Wang R, Yang X, Ye Q, Ding F, Ren L, Liu S, Ma F, Liu S. MSC-derived exosomes protect auditory hair cells from neomycin-induced damage via autophagy regulation. Biol Res 2024; 57:3. [PMID: 38217055 PMCID: PMC10787390 DOI: 10.1186/s40659-023-00475-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2023] [Accepted: 11/10/2023] [Indexed: 01/14/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL) poses a major threat to both physical and mental health; however, there is still a lack of effective drugs to treat the disease. Recently, novel biological therapies, such as mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) and their products, namely, exosomes, are showing promising therapeutic potential due to their low immunogenicity, few ethical concerns, and easy accessibility. Nevertheless, the precise mechanisms underlying the therapeutic effects of MSC-derived exosomes remain unclear. RESULTS Exosomes derived from MSCs reduced hearing and hair cell loss caused by neomycin-induced damage in models in vivo and in vitro. In addition, MSC-derived exosomes modulated autophagy in hair cells to exert a protective effect. Mechanistically, exogenously administered exosomes were internalized by hair cells and subsequently upregulated endocytic gene expression and endosome formation, ultimately leading to autophagy activation. This increased autophagic activity promoted cell survival, decreased the mitochondrial oxidative stress level and the apoptosis rate in hair cells, and ameliorated neomycin-induced ototoxicity. CONCLUSIONS In summary, our findings reveal the otoprotective capacity of exogenous exosome-mediated autophagy activation in hair cells in an endocytosis-dependent manner, suggesting possibilities for deafness treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huan Liu
- Department of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Huijuan Kuang
- State Key Laboratory of Oral & Maxillofacial Reconstruction and Regeneration, National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, Shaanxi International Joint Research Center for Oral Diseases, Center for Tissue Engineering, School of Stomatology,, The Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China
| | - Yiru Wang
- Anesthesiology Department, Seventh Medical Center of PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Lili Bao
- State Key Laboratory of Oral & Maxillofacial Reconstruction and Regeneration, National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, Shaanxi International Joint Research Center for Oral Diseases, Center for Tissue Engineering, School of Stomatology,, The Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China
| | - Wanxin Cao
- Department of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Lu Yu
- Department of Periodontology, School and Hospital of Stomatology, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University and Shandong Key Laboratory of Oral Tissue Regeneration and Shandong Engineering Laboratory for Dental Materials and Oral Tissue Regeneration and Shandong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Meihao Qi
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Xijing Hospital, Air Force Military, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China
| | - Renfeng Wang
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Xijing Hospital, Air Force Military, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China
| | - Xiaoshan Yang
- School of Stomatology, Stomatological Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Qingyuan Ye
- State Key Laboratory of Oral & Maxillofacial Reconstruction and Regeneration, National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, Shaanxi Key Laboratory of Stomatology, Digital Dentistry Center, School of Stomatology, The Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China
| | - Feng Ding
- State Key Laboratory of Oral & Maxillofacial Reconstruction and Regeneration, National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, Shaanxi International Joint Research Center for Oral Diseases, Center for Tissue Engineering, School of Stomatology,, The Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China
| | - Lili Ren
- State Key Laboratory of Oral & Maxillofacial Reconstruction and Regeneration, National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, Shaanxi International Joint Research Center for Oral Diseases, Center for Tissue Engineering, School of Stomatology,, The Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China
| | - Siying Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Oral & Maxillofacial Reconstruction and Regeneration, National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, Shaanxi International Joint Research Center for Oral Diseases, Center for Tissue Engineering, School of Stomatology,, The Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China.
| | - Furong Ma
- Department of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, China.
| | - Shiyu Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Oral & Maxillofacial Reconstruction and Regeneration, National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, Shaanxi International Joint Research Center for Oral Diseases, Center for Tissue Engineering, School of Stomatology,, The Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China.
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Azees AA, Thompson AC, Thomas R, Zhou J, Ruther P, Wise AK, Ajay EA, Garrett DJ, Quigley A, Fallon JB, Richardson RT. Spread of activation and interaction between channels with multi-channel optogenetic stimulation in the mouse cochlea. Hear Res 2023; 440:108911. [PMID: 37977051 DOI: 10.1016/j.heares.2023.108911] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2023] [Revised: 10/19/2023] [Accepted: 11/02/2023] [Indexed: 11/19/2023]
Abstract
For individuals with severe to profound hearing loss resulting from irreversibly damaged hair cells, cochlear implants can be used to restore hearing by delivering electrical stimulation directly to the spiral ganglion neurons. However, current spread lowers the spatial resolution of neural activation. Since light can be easily confined, optogenetics is a technique that has the potential to improve the precision of neural activation, whereby visible light is used to stimulate neurons that are modified with light-sensitive opsins. This study compares the spread of neural activity across the inferior colliculus of the auditory midbrain during electrical and optical stimulation in the cochlea of acutely deafened mice with opsin-modified spiral ganglion neurons (H134R variant of the channelrhodopsin-2). Monopolar electrical stimulation was delivered via each of four 0.2 mm wide platinum electrode rings at 0.6 mm centre-to-centre spacing, whereas 453 nm wavelength light was delivered via each of five 0.22 × 0.27 mm micro-light emitting diodes (LEDs) at 0.52 mm centre-to-centre spacing. Channel interactions were also quantified by threshold changes during simultaneous stimulation by pairs of electrodes or micro-LEDs at different distances between the electrodes (0.6, 1.2 and 1.8 mm) or micro-LEDs (0.52, 1.04, 1.56 and 2.08 mm). The spread of activation resulting from single channel optical stimulation was approximately half that of monopolar electrical stimulation as measured at two levels of discrimination above threshold (p<0.001), whereas there was no significant difference between optical stimulation in opsin-modified deafened mice and pure tone acoustic stimulation in normal-hearing mice. During simultaneous micro-LED stimulation, there were minimal channel interactions for all micro-LED spacings tested. For neighbouring micro-LEDs/electrodes, the relative influence on threshold was 13-fold less for optical stimulation compared electrical stimulation (p<0.05). The outcomes of this study show that the higher spatial precision of optogenetic stimulation results in reduced channel interaction compared to electrical stimulation, which could increase the number of independent channels in a cochlear implant. Increased spatial resolution and the ability to activate more than one channel simultaneously could lead to better speech perception in cochlear implant recipients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ajmal A Azees
- The Bionics Institute, East Melbourne, VIC 3002, Australia; Department of Electrical and Biomedical Engineering, RMIT University, Melbourne, VIC 3000, Australia
| | - Alex C Thompson
- The Bionics Institute, East Melbourne, VIC 3002, Australia; Medical Bionics Department, University of Melbourne, East Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Ross Thomas
- The Bionics Institute, East Melbourne, VIC 3002, Australia
| | - Jenny Zhou
- The Bionics Institute, East Melbourne, VIC 3002, Australia
| | - Patrick Ruther
- Department of Microsystems Engineering (IMTEK), University of Freiburg, Freiburg 79110, Germany; BrainLinks-BrainTools Center, University of Freiburg, Freiburg 79110, Germany
| | - Andrew K Wise
- The Bionics Institute, East Melbourne, VIC 3002, Australia; Department of Surgery (Otolaryngology), University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC 3002, Australia; Medical Bionics Department, University of Melbourne, East Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Elise A Ajay
- The Bionics Institute, East Melbourne, VIC 3002, Australia; Faculty of Engineering and Information Technology, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - David J Garrett
- Department of Electrical and Biomedical Engineering, RMIT University, Melbourne, VIC 3000, Australia
| | - Anita Quigley
- Department of Electrical and Biomedical Engineering, RMIT University, Melbourne, VIC 3000, Australia; Department of Medicine, University of Melbourne, St Vincent's Hospital, Melbourne, VIC 3065, Australia; The Aikenhead Centre for Medical Discovery, St Vincent's Hospital, Melbourne, VIC 3065, Australia
| | - James B Fallon
- The Bionics Institute, East Melbourne, VIC 3002, Australia; Department of Surgery (Otolaryngology), University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC 3002, Australia; Medical Bionics Department, University of Melbourne, East Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Rachael T Richardson
- The Bionics Institute, East Melbourne, VIC 3002, Australia; Department of Surgery (Otolaryngology), University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC 3002, Australia; Medical Bionics Department, University of Melbourne, East Melbourne, VIC, Australia.
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Michael M, Wolf BJ, Klinge-Strahl A, Jeschke M, Moser T, Dieter A. Devising a framework of optogenetic coding in the auditory pathway: Insights from auditory midbrain recordings. Brain Stimul 2023; 16:1486-1500. [PMID: 37778456 DOI: 10.1016/j.brs.2023.09.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2023] [Revised: 09/19/2023] [Accepted: 09/21/2023] [Indexed: 10/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Cochlear implants (CIs) restore activity in the deafened auditory system via electrical stimulation of the auditory nerve. As the spread of electric current in biological tissues is rather broad, the spectral information provided by electrical CIs is limited. Optogenetic stimulation of the auditory nerve has been suggested for artificial sound coding with improved spectral selectivity, as light can be conveniently confined in space. Yet, the foundations for optogenetic sound coding strategies remain to be established. Here, we parametrized stimulus-response-relationships of the auditory pathway in gerbils for optogenetic stimulation. Upon activation of the auditory pathway by waveguide-based optogenetic stimulation of the spiral ganglion, we recorded neuronal activity of the auditory midbrain, in which neural representations of spectral, temporal, and intensity information can be found. Screening a wide range of optical stimuli and taking the properties of optical CI emitters into account, we aimed to optimize stimulus paradigms for potent and energy-efficient activation of the auditory pathway. We report that efficient optogenetic coding builds on neural integration of millisecond stimuli built from microsecond light pulses, which optimally accommodate power-efficient laser diode operation. Moreover, we performed an activity-level-dependent comparison of optogenetic and acoustic stimulation in order to estimate the dynamic range and the maximal stimulation intensity amenable to single channel optogenetic sound encoding, and indicate that it complies well with speech comprehension in a typical conversation (65 dB). Our results provide a first framework for the development of coding strategies for future optogenetic hearing restoration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Michael
- Institute for Auditory Neuroscience and InnerEarLab, University Medical Center Göttingen, 37075, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Bettina Julia Wolf
- Institute for Auditory Neuroscience and InnerEarLab, University Medical Center Göttingen, 37075, Göttingen, Germany; Auditory Neuroscience and Optogenetics Laboratory, German Primate Center, 37077, Göttingen, Germany; Cluster of Excellence "Multiscale Bioimaging: from Molecular Machines to Networks of Excitable Cells" (MBExC), University of Göttingen, 37075, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Astrid Klinge-Strahl
- Institute for Auditory Neuroscience and InnerEarLab, University Medical Center Göttingen, 37075, Göttingen, Germany; Department of Otolaryngology, University Medical Center Göttingen, 37075, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Marcus Jeschke
- Institute for Auditory Neuroscience and InnerEarLab, University Medical Center Göttingen, 37075, Göttingen, Germany; Auditory Neuroscience and Optogenetics Laboratory, German Primate Center, 37077, Göttingen, Germany; Cognitive Hearing in Primates (CHiP) Group, German Primate Center, 37077, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Tobias Moser
- Institute for Auditory Neuroscience and InnerEarLab, University Medical Center Göttingen, 37075, Göttingen, Germany; Auditory Neuroscience and Optogenetics Laboratory, German Primate Center, 37077, Göttingen, Germany; Cluster of Excellence "Multiscale Bioimaging: from Molecular Machines to Networks of Excitable Cells" (MBExC), University of Göttingen, 37075, Göttingen, Germany; Auditory Neuroscience and Synaptic Nanophysiology Group, Max Planck Institute for Multidisciplinary Science, Göttingen, Germany.
| | - Alexander Dieter
- Institute for Auditory Neuroscience and InnerEarLab, University Medical Center Göttingen, 37075, Göttingen, Germany; Göttingen Graduate Center for Neurosciences, Biophysic, and Molecular Biosciences, 37077, Göttingen, Germany; Department of Neurophysiology, MCTN, Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, 68167, Mannheim, Germany.
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8
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Braack KJ, Miles T, Amat F, Brown DJ, Atlas MD, Kuthubutheen J, Mulders WH, Prêle CM. Using x-ray micro computed tomography to quantify intracochlear fibrosis after cochlear implantation in a Guinea pig model. Heliyon 2023; 9:e19343. [PMID: 37662829 PMCID: PMC10474428 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e19343] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2023] [Revised: 08/07/2023] [Accepted: 08/18/2023] [Indexed: 09/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Cochlear implants (CIs) allow individuals with profound hearing loss to understand speech and perceive sounds. However, not all patients obtain the full benefits that CIs can provide and the cause of this disparity is not fully understood. One possible factor for the variability in outcomes after cochlear implantation, is the development of fibrotic scar tissue around the implanted electrode. It has been hypothesised that limiting the extent of fibrosis after implantation may improve overall CI function, and longevity of the device. Currently, histology is often used to quantify the extent of intracochlear tissue growth after implantation however this method is labour intensive, time-consuming, often involves significant user bias, and causes physical distortion of the fibrosis. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate x-ray micro computed tomography (μCT) as a method to measure the amount and distribution of fibrosis in a guinea pig model of cochlear implantation. Adult guinea pigs were implanted with an inactive electrode, and cochleae harvested eight weeks later (n = 7) and analysed using μCT, to quantify the extent of tissue reaction, followed by histological analysis to confirm that the tissue was indeed fibrotic. Cochleae harvested from an additional six animals following implantation were analysed by μCT, before and after contrast staining with osmium tetroxide (OsO4), to enhance the visualisation of soft tissues within the cochlea, including the tissue reaction. Independent analysis by two observers showed that the quantification method was robust and provided additional information on the distribution of the response within the cochlea. Histological analysis revealed that μCT visualised dense collagenous material and new bone formation but did not capture loose, areolar fibrotic tissue. Treatment with OsO4 significantly enhanced the visible tissue reaction detected using μCT. Overall, μCT is an alternative and reliable method that can be used to quantify the extent of the CI-induced intracochlear tissue response and will be a useful tool for the in vivo assessment of novel anti-fibrotic treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kady J. Braack
- School of Human Sciences, University of Western Australia, Crawley, WA 6009, Australia
| | - Tylah Miles
- Institute for Respiratory Health, University of Western Australia, Nedlands, WA 6009, Australia
| | - Farah Amat
- School of Human Sciences, University of Western Australia, Crawley, WA 6009, Australia
| | - Daniel J. Brown
- Curtin Medical School, Curtin University, Bentley, WA 6102, Australia
| | - Marcus D. Atlas
- Curtin Medical School, Curtin University, Bentley, WA 6102, Australia
- Medical School, University of Western Australia, Crawley, WA 6009, Australia
- Ear Science Institute Australia, Subiaco, WA 6008, Australia
| | - Jafri Kuthubutheen
- Medical School, University of Western Australia, Crawley, WA 6009, Australia
- Department of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Sir Charles Gairdner Hospital, Hospital Avenue, Nedlands, WA 6009, Australia
| | | | - Cecilia M. Prêle
- Institute for Respiratory Health, University of Western Australia, Nedlands, WA 6009, Australia
- Ear Science Institute Australia, Subiaco, WA 6008, Australia
- School of Medical, Molecular and Forensic Sciences, Murdoch University, Murdoch, WA 6150, Australia
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9
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Amariutei AE, Jeng JY, Safieddine S, Marcotti W. Recent advances and future challenges in gene therapy for hearing loss. ROYAL SOCIETY OPEN SCIENCE 2023; 10:230644. [PMID: 37325593 PMCID: PMC10265000 DOI: 10.1098/rsos.230644] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2023] [Accepted: 05/19/2023] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Hearing loss is the most common sensory deficit experienced by humans and represents one of the largest chronic health conditions worldwide. It is expected that around 10% of the world's population will be affected by disabling hearing impairment by 2050. Hereditary hearing loss accounts for most of the known forms of congenital deafness, and over 25% of adult-onset or progressive hearing loss. Despite the identification of well over 130 genes associated with deafness, there is currently no curative treatment for inherited deafness. Recently, several pre-clinical studies in mice that exhibit key features of human deafness have shown promising hearing recovery through gene therapy involving the replacement of the defective gene with a functional one. Although the potential application of this therapeutic approach to humans is closer than ever, substantial further challenges need to be overcome, including testing the safety and longevity of the treatment, identifying critical therapeutic time windows and improving the efficiency of the treatment. Herein, we provide an overview of the recent advances in gene therapy and highlight the current hurdles that the scientific community need to overcome to ensure a safe and secure implementation of this therapeutic approach in clinical trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana E. Amariutei
- School of Biomedical Science, University of Sheffield, Sheffield S10 2TN, UK
| | - Jing-Yi Jeng
- School of Biomedical Science, University of Sheffield, Sheffield S10 2TN, UK
| | - Saaid Safieddine
- Institut Pasteur, Université Paris Cité, Inserm, Institut de l'Audition, F-75012 Paris, France
| | - Walter Marcotti
- School of Biomedical Science, University of Sheffield, Sheffield S10 2TN, UK
- Neuroscience Institute, University of Sheffield, Sheffield S10 2TN, UK
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10
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Mittring A, Moser T, Huet AT. Graded optogenetic activation of the auditory pathway for hearing restoration. Brain Stimul 2023; 16:466-483. [PMID: 36702442 PMCID: PMC10159867 DOI: 10.1016/j.brs.2023.01.1671] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2022] [Revised: 01/18/2023] [Accepted: 01/19/2023] [Indexed: 01/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Optogenetic control of neural activity enables innovative approaches to improve functional restoration of diseased sensory and motor systems. For clinical translation to succeed, optogenetic stimulation needs to closely match the coding properties of the targeted neuronal population and employ optimally operating emitters. This requires the customization of channelrhodopsins, emitters and coding strategies. Here, we provide a framework to parametrize optogenetic neural control and apply it to the auditory pathway that requires high temporal fidelity of stimulation. We used a viral gene transfer of ultrafast targeting-optimized Chronos into spiral ganglion neurons (SGNs) of the cochlea of mice. We characterized the light-evoked response by in vivo recordings from individual SGNs and neurons of the anteroventral cochlear nucleus (AVCN) that detect coincident SGN inputs. Our recordings from single SGNs demonstrated that their spike probability can be graded by adjusting the duration of light pulses at constant intensity, which optimally serves efficient laser diode operation. We identified an effective pulse width of 1.6 ms to maximize encoding in SGNs at the maximal light intensity employed here (∼35 mW). Alternatively, SGNs were activated at lower energy thresholds using short light pulses (<1 ms). An upper boundary of optical stimulation rates was identified at 316 Hz, inducing a robust spike rate adaptation that required a few tens of milliseconds to recover. We developed a semi-stochastic stimulation paradigm to rapidly (within minutes) estimate the input/output function from light to SGN firing and approximate the time constant of neuronal integration in the AVCN. By that, our data pave the way to design the sound coding strategies of future optical cochlear implants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Artur Mittring
- Auditory Circuit Lab, Institute for Auditory Neuroscience and InnerEarLab, University Medical Center Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany; Institute for Auditory Neuroscience and InnerEarLab, University Medical Center Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany; Cluster of Excellence "Multiscale Bioimaging: from Molecular Machines to Networks of Excitable Cells" (MBExC), University of Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Tobias Moser
- Institute for Auditory Neuroscience and InnerEarLab, University Medical Center Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany; Cluster of Excellence "Multiscale Bioimaging: from Molecular Machines to Networks of Excitable Cells" (MBExC), University of Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany; Auditory Neuroscience and Optogenetics Laboratory, German Primate Center, Göttingen, Germany; Auditory Neuroscience and Synaptic Nanophysiology Group, Max Planck Institute for Multidisciplinary Sciences, Göttingen, Germany.
| | - Antoine Tarquin Huet
- Auditory Circuit Lab, Institute for Auditory Neuroscience and InnerEarLab, University Medical Center Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany; Institute for Auditory Neuroscience and InnerEarLab, University Medical Center Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany; Cluster of Excellence "Multiscale Bioimaging: from Molecular Machines to Networks of Excitable Cells" (MBExC), University of Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany; Auditory Neuroscience and Optogenetics Laboratory, German Primate Center, Göttingen, Germany.
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11
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Hunniford V, Kühler R, Wolf B, Keppeler D, Strenzke N, Moser T. Patient perspectives on the need for improved hearing rehabilitation: A qualitative survey study of German cochlear implant users. Front Neurosci 2023; 17:1105562. [PMID: 36755736 PMCID: PMC9899842 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2023.1105562] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2022] [Accepted: 01/05/2023] [Indexed: 01/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Background The electrical cochlear implant (eCI) partially restores hearing in individuals affected by profound hearing impairment (HI) or deafness. However, the limited resolution of sound frequency coding with eCIs limits hearing in daily situations such as group conversations. Current research promises future improvements in hearing restoration which may involve gene therapy and optical stimulation of the auditory nerve, using optogenetics. Prior to the potential clinical translation of these technologies, it is critical that patients are engaged in order to align future research agendas and technological advancements with their needs. Methods Here, we performed a survey study with hearing impaired, using an eCI as a means of hearing rehabilitation. We distributed a questionnaire to 180 adult patients from the University Medical Center Göttingen's Department of Otolaryngology who were actively using an eCI for 6 months or more during the time of the survey period. Questions revolved around patients needs, and willingness to accept hypothetical risks or drawbacks associated with an optical CI (oCI). Results Eighty-one participants responded to the questionnaire; 68% were greater than 60 years of age and 26% had bilateral eCIs. Participants expressed a need for improving the performance beyond that experienced with their current eCI. Primarily, they desired improved speech comprehension in background noise, greater ability to appreciate music, and more natural sound impression. They expressed a willingness for engaging with new technologies for improved hearing restoration. Notably, participants were least concerned about hypothetically receiving a gene therapy necessary for the oCI implant; but expressed greater reluctance to hypothetically receiving an implant that had yet to be evaluated in a human clinical trial. Conclusion This work provides a preliminary step in engaging patients in the development of a new technology that has the potential to address the limitations of electrical hearing rehabilitation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Victoria Hunniford
- Institute for Auditory Neuroscience and InnerEarLab, University Medical Center Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany,Sensory and Motor Neuroscience, Göttingen Graduate Center for Neurosciences, Biophysics, and Molecular Biosciences, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Robert Kühler
- Department of Otolaryngology, University Medical Center Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Bettina Wolf
- Institute for Auditory Neuroscience and InnerEarLab, University Medical Center Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany,Auditory Neuroscience and Optogenetics Laboratory, German Primate Center, Göttingen, Germany,Cluster of Excellence “Multiscale Bioimaging: From Molecular Machines to Networks of Excitable Cells” (MBExC), University of Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Daniel Keppeler
- Institute for Auditory Neuroscience and InnerEarLab, University Medical Center Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Nicola Strenzke
- Institute for Auditory Neuroscience and InnerEarLab, University Medical Center Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany,Department of Otolaryngology, University Medical Center Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany,Collaborative Research Center 889, University of Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany,Nicola Strenzke,
| | - Tobias Moser
- Institute for Auditory Neuroscience and InnerEarLab, University Medical Center Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany,Auditory Neuroscience and Optogenetics Laboratory, German Primate Center, Göttingen, Germany,Cluster of Excellence “Multiscale Bioimaging: From Molecular Machines to Networks of Excitable Cells” (MBExC), University of Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany,Collaborative Research Center 889, University of Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany,Auditory Neuroscience and Synaptic Nanophysiology Group, Max Planck Institute for Multidisciplinary Sciences, Göttingen, Germany,*Correspondence: Tobias Moser,
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12
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Ma X, Guo J, Fu Y, Shen C, Jiang P, Zhang Y, Zhang L, Yu Y, Fan J, Chai R. G protein-coupled receptors in cochlea: Potential therapeutic targets for hearing loss. Front Mol Neurosci 2022; 15:1028125. [PMID: 36311029 PMCID: PMC9596917 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2022.1028125] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2022] [Accepted: 09/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
The prevalence of hearing loss-related diseases caused by different factors is increasing worldwide year by year. Currently, however, the patient’s hearing loss has not been effectively improved. Therefore, there is an urgent need to adopt new treatment measures and treatment techniques to help improve the therapeutic effect of hearing loss. G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs), as crucial cell surface receptors, can widely participate in different physiological and pathological processes, particularly play an essential role in many disease occurrences and be served as promising therapeutic targets. However, no specific drugs on the market have been found to target the GPCRs of the cochlea. Interestingly, many recent studies have demonstrated that GPCRs can participate in various pathogenic process related to hearing loss in the cochlea including heredity, noise, ototoxic drugs, cochlear structure, and so on. In this review, we comprehensively summarize the functions of 53 GPCRs known in the cochlea and their relationships with hearing loss, and highlight the recent advances of new techniques used in cochlear study including cryo-EM, AI, GPCR drug screening, gene therapy vectors, and CRISPR editing technology, as well as discuss in depth the future direction of novel GPCR-based drug development and gene therapy for cochlear hearing loss. Collectively, this review is to facilitate basic and (pre-) clinical research in this area, and provide beneficial help for emerging GPCR-based cochlear therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiangyu Ma
- State Key Laboratory of Bioelectronics, Jiangsu Province High-Tech Key Laboratory for Bio-Medical Research, Department of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Zhongda Hospital, School of Life Sciences and Technology, Advanced Institute for Life and Health, Southeast University, Nanjing, China
| | - Jiamin Guo
- State Key Laboratory of Bioelectronics, Jiangsu Province High-Tech Key Laboratory for Bio-Medical Research, Department of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Zhongda Hospital, School of Life Sciences and Technology, Advanced Institute for Life and Health, Southeast University, Nanjing, China
| | - Yaoyang Fu
- Department of Psychiatry, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Cangsong Shen
- College of Life Science and Technology, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Pei Jiang
- State Key Laboratory of Bioelectronics, Jiangsu Province High-Tech Key Laboratory for Bio-Medical Research, Department of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Zhongda Hospital, School of Life Sciences and Technology, Advanced Institute for Life and Health, Southeast University, Nanjing, China
| | - Yuan Zhang
- Jiangsu Provincial Key Medical Discipline (Laboratory), Department of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Affiliated Drum Tower Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, Nanjing, China
- Research Institute of Otolaryngology, Nanjing, China
| | - Lei Zhang
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, The Second Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Yafeng Yu
- First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Soochow, China
- *Correspondence: Yafeng Yu,
| | - Jiangang Fan
- Department of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Sichuan Provincial People’s Hospital, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, China
- Jiangang Fan,
| | - Renjie Chai
- State Key Laboratory of Bioelectronics, Jiangsu Province High-Tech Key Laboratory for Bio-Medical Research, Department of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Zhongda Hospital, School of Life Sciences and Technology, Advanced Institute for Life and Health, Southeast University, Nanjing, China
- Department of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Sichuan Provincial People’s Hospital, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, China
- Co-Innovation Center of Neuroregeneration, Nantong University, Nantong, China
- Institute for Stem Cell and Regeneration, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Neural Regeneration and Repair, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
- Renjie Chai,
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