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Singh J, Randle MR, Walters BJ, Cox BC. The transcription factor Pou4f3 is essential for the survival of postnatal and adult mouse cochlear hair cells and normal hearing. Front Cell Neurosci 2024; 18:1369282. [PMID: 38566840 PMCID: PMC10985149 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2024.1369282] [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: 01/11/2024] [Accepted: 02/26/2024] [Indexed: 04/04/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction Hair cells (HCs) of the cochlea are responsible for sound transduction and hearing perception in mammals. Genetic mutations in the transcription factor Pou4f3 cause non-syndromic autosomal dominant hearing loss in humans (DFNA15) which varies in the age of onset depending on the individual mutation. Mouse models with germline deletion or mutations in Pou4f3 have previously demonstrated its critical role in the maturation and survival of cochlear HCs during embryonic development. However, the role of Pou4f3 in auditory function and in the survival or maintenance of cochlear HCs after birth and during adulthood has not been studied. Methods Therefore, using the inducible CreER-loxP system, we deleted Pou4f3 from mouse cochlear HCs at different postnatal ages, relevant to specific stages of HC maturation and hearing function. Results and discussion Elevated auditory brainstem response thresholds and significant HC loss were detected in mice with Pou4f3 deletion compared to their control littermates, regardless of the age when Pou4f3 was deleted. However, HC loss occurred more rapidly when Pou4f3 was deleted from immature HCs. Additionally, HC loss caused by Pou4f3 deletion did not affect the number of cochlear supporting cells, but caused a delayed loss of spiral ganglion neurons at 4 months after the deletion. In conclusion, Pou4f3 is necessary for the survival of cochlear HCs and normal hearing at all postnatal ages regardless of their maturation state. Our data also suggest that Pou4f3 indirectly regulates the survival of spiral ganglion neurons.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jarnail Singh
- Department of Pharmacology, Southern Illinois University School of Medicine, Springfield, IL, United States
| | - Michelle R. Randle
- Department of Pharmacology, Southern Illinois University School of Medicine, Springfield, IL, United States
| | - Bradley J. Walters
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, MS, United States
| | - Brandon C. Cox
- Department of Pharmacology, Southern Illinois University School of Medicine, Springfield, IL, United States
- Department of Otolaryngology, Southern Illinois University School of Medicine, Springfield, IL, United States
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Wang X, Liu TX, Zhang Y, Xu LW, Yuan SL, Cui AL, Guo WW, Wang YF, Yang SM, Zhao JG. Genetically modified pigs: Emerging animal models for hereditary hearing loss. Zool Res 2024; 45:284-291. [PMID: 38485498 PMCID: PMC11017082 DOI: 10.24272/j.issn.2095-8137.2023.231] [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: 10/23/2023] [Accepted: 12/05/2023] [Indexed: 03/19/2024] Open
Abstract
Hereditary hearing loss (HHL), a genetic disorder that impairs auditory function, significantly affects quality of life and incurs substantial economic losses for society. To investigate the underlying causes of HHL and evaluate therapeutic outcomes, appropriate animal models are necessary. Pigs have been extensively used as valuable large animal models in biomedical research. In this review, we highlight the advantages of pig models in terms of ear anatomy, inner ear morphology, and electrophysiological characteristics, as well as recent advancements in the development of distinct genetically modified porcine models of hearing loss. Additionally, we discuss the prospects, challenges, and recommendations regarding the use pig models in HHL research. Overall, this review provides insights and perspectives for future studies on HHL using porcine models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiao Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
- Institute for Stem Cell and Regeneration, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
- Beijing Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Beijing 100101, China
- State Key Laboratory of Animal Biotech Breeding, Institute of Animal Science, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, 100193, China
| | - Tian-Xia Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
- Savaid Medical School, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Ying Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
- Institute for Stem Cell and Regeneration, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
- Beijing Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Beijing 100101, China
| | - Liang-Wei Xu
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Institute of Otolaryngology, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing 100853, China
| | - Shuo-Long Yuan
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Institute of Otolaryngology, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing 100853, China
| | - A-Long Cui
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
- Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui 230022, China
| | - Wei-Wei Guo
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Institute of Otolaryngology, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing 100853, China
| | - Yan-Fang Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Animal Biotech Breeding, Institute of Animal Science, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, 100193, China
| | - Shi-Ming Yang
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Institute of Otolaryngology, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing 100853, China. E-mail:
| | - Jian-Guo Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
- Savaid Medical School, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
- Institute for Stem Cell and Regeneration, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
- Beijing Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Beijing 100101, China. E-mail:
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Jiang L, Wang D, He Y, Shu Y. Advances in gene therapy hold promise for treating hereditary hearing loss. Mol Ther 2023; 31:934-950. [PMID: 36755494 PMCID: PMC10124073 DOI: 10.1016/j.ymthe.2023.02.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 23.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2022] [Revised: 01/30/2023] [Accepted: 02/03/2023] [Indexed: 02/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Gene therapy focuses on genetic modification to produce therapeutic effects or treat diseases by repairing or reconstructing genetic material, thus being expected to be the most promising therapeutic strategy for genetic disorders. Due to the growing attention to hearing impairment, an increasing amount of research is attempting to utilize gene therapy for hereditary hearing loss (HHL), an important monogenic disease and the most common type of congenital deafness. Several gene therapy clinical trials for HHL have recently been approved, and, additionally, CRISPR-Cas tools have been attempted for HHL treatment. Therefore, in order to further advance the development of inner ear gene therapy and promote its broad application in other forms of genetic disease, it is imperative to review the progress of gene therapy for HHL. Herein, we address three main gene therapy strategies (gene replacement, gene suppression, and gene editing), summarizing the strategy that is most appropriate for particular monogenic diseases based on different pathogenic mechanisms, and then focusing on their successful applications for HHL in preclinical trials. Finally, we elaborate on the challenges and outlooks of gene therapy for HHL.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luoying Jiang
- ENT Institute and Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Eye & ENT Hospital, State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology and MOE Frontiers Center for Brain Science, Fudan University, Shanghai 200031, China; NHC Key Laboratory of Hearing Medicine, Fudan University, Shanghai 200031, China; Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Daqi Wang
- ENT Institute and Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Eye & ENT Hospital, State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology and MOE Frontiers Center for Brain Science, Fudan University, Shanghai 200031, China; NHC Key Laboratory of Hearing Medicine, Fudan University, Shanghai 200031, China; Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Yingzi He
- ENT Institute and Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Eye & ENT Hospital, State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology and MOE Frontiers Center for Brain Science, Fudan University, Shanghai 200031, China; NHC Key Laboratory of Hearing Medicine, Fudan University, Shanghai 200031, China.
| | - Yilai Shu
- ENT Institute and Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Eye & ENT Hospital, State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology and MOE Frontiers Center for Brain Science, Fudan University, Shanghai 200031, China; NHC Key Laboratory of Hearing Medicine, Fudan University, Shanghai 200031, China; Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China.
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Maudoux A, Vitry S, El-Amraoui A. Vestibular Deficits in Deafness: Clinical Presentation, Animal Modeling, and Treatment Solutions. Front Neurol 2022; 13:816534. [PMID: 35444606 PMCID: PMC9013928 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2022.816534] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2021] [Accepted: 02/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The inner ear is responsible for both hearing and balance. These functions are dependent on the correct functioning of mechanosensitive hair cells, which convert sound- and motion-induced stimuli into electrical signals conveyed to the brain. During evolution of the inner ear, the major changes occurred in the hearing organ, whereas the structure of the vestibular organs remained constant in all vertebrates over the same period. Vestibular deficits are highly prevalent in humans, due to multiple intersecting causes: genetics, environmental factors, ototoxic drugs, infections and aging. Studies of deafness genes associated with balance deficits and their corresponding animal models have shed light on the development and function of these two sensory systems. Bilateral vestibular deficits often impair individual postural control, gaze stabilization, locomotion and spatial orientation. The resulting dizziness, vertigo, and/or falls (frequent in elderly populations) greatly affect patient quality of life. In the absence of treatment, prosthetic devices, such as vestibular implants, providing information about the direction, amplitude and velocity of body movements, are being developed and have given promising results in animal models and humans. Novel methods and techniques have led to major progress in gene therapies targeting the inner ear (gene supplementation and gene editing), 3D inner ear organoids and reprograming protocols for generating hair cell-like cells. These rapid advances in multiscale approaches covering basic research, clinical diagnostics and therapies are fostering interdisciplinary research to develop personalized treatments for vestibular disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Audrey Maudoux
- Unit Progressive Sensory Disorders, Pathophysiology and Therapy, Institut Pasteur, Institut de l'Audition, Université de Paris, INSERM-UMRS1120, Paris, France.,Center for Balance Evaluation in Children (EFEE), Otolaryngology Department, Assistance Publique des Hôpitaux de Paris, Robert-Debré University Hospital, Paris, France
| | - Sandrine Vitry
- Unit Progressive Sensory Disorders, Pathophysiology and Therapy, Institut Pasteur, Institut de l'Audition, Université de Paris, INSERM-UMRS1120, Paris, France
| | - Aziz El-Amraoui
- Unit Progressive Sensory Disorders, Pathophysiology and Therapy, Institut Pasteur, Institut de l'Audition, Université de Paris, INSERM-UMRS1120, Paris, France
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Yu W, Zong S, Du P, Zhou P, Li H, Wang E, Xiao H. Role of the Stria Vascularis in the Pathogenesis of Sensorineural Hearing Loss: A Narrative Review. Front Neurosci 2021; 15:774585. [PMID: 34867173 PMCID: PMC8640081 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2021.774585] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2021] [Accepted: 10/28/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Sensorineural hearing loss is a common sensory impairment in humans caused by abnormalities in the inner ear. The stria vascularis is regarded as a major cochlear structure that can independently degenerate and influence the degree of hearing loss. This review summarizes the current literature on the role of the stria vascularis in the pathogenesis of sensorineural hearing loss resulting from different etiologies, focusing on both molecular events and signaling pathways, and further attempts to explore the underlying mechanisms at the cellular and molecular biological levels. In addition, the deficiencies and limitations of this field are discussed. With the rapid progress in scientific technology, new opportunities are arising to fully understand the role of the stria vascularis in the pathogenesis of sensorineural hearing loss, which, in the future, will hopefully lead to the prevention, early diagnosis, and improved treatment of sensorineural hearing loss.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenting Yu
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Shimin Zong
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Peiyu Du
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Peng Zhou
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Hejie Li
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Enhao Wang
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Hongjun Xiao
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
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Abstract
Compelling evidence indicates that some newborns harboring genetic variants associated with hearing loss might not be identified by current physiologic newborn hearing screening (NBHS) rendering current NBHS protocols suboptimal. Incorporating genomic sequencing into NBHS would improve clinical diagnosis and decrease time to early intervention efforts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Calli Ober Mitchell
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, NRB 160, 77 Avenue Louis Pasteur, Boston, MA 02115, USA. https://twitter.com/CalliMitchell3
| | - Cynthia Casson Morton
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, NRB 160, 77 Avenue Louis Pasteur, Boston, MA 02115, USA; Department of Pathology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA; Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, USA; Manchester Centre for Audiology and Deafness, School of Health Sciences, University of Manchester, UK.
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