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Vecchi JT, Claussen AD, Hansen MR. Decreasing the physical gap in the neural-electrode interface and related concepts to improve cochlear implant performance. Front Neurosci 2024; 18:1425226. [PMID: 39114486 PMCID: PMC11303154 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2024.1425226] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2024] [Accepted: 07/11/2024] [Indexed: 08/10/2024] Open
Abstract
Cochlear implants (CI) represent incredible devices that restore hearing perception for those with moderate to profound sensorineural hearing loss. However, the ability of a CI to restore complex auditory function is limited by the number of perceptually independent spectral channels provided. A major contributor to this limitation is the physical gap between the CI electrodes and the target spiral ganglion neurons (SGNs). In order for CI electrodes to stimulate SGNs more precisely, and thus better approximate natural hearing, new methodologies need to be developed to decrease this gap, (i.e., transitioning CIs from a far-field to near-field device). In this review, strategies aimed at improving the neural-electrode interface are discussed in terms of the magnitude of impact they could have and the work needed to implement them. Ongoing research suggests current clinical efforts to limit the CI-related immune response holds great potential for improving device performance. This could eradicate the dense, fibrous capsule surrounding the electrode and enhance preservation of natural cochlear architecture, including SGNs. In the long term, however, optimized future devices will likely need to induce and guide the outgrowth of the peripheral process of SGNs to be in closer proximity to the CI electrode in order to better approximate natural hearing. This research is in its infancy; it remains to be seen which strategies (surface patterning, small molecule release, hydrogel coating, etc.) will be enable this approach. Additionally, these efforts aimed at optimizing CI function will likely translate to other neural prostheses, which face similar issues.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joseph T. Vecchi
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, Carver College of Medicine, Iowa City, IA, United States
- Department of Otolaryngology Head-Neck Surgery, Carver College of Medicine, Iowa City, IA, United States
| | - Alexander D. Claussen
- Department of Otolaryngology Head-Neck Surgery, Carver College of Medicine, Iowa City, IA, United States
| | - Marlan R. Hansen
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, Carver College of Medicine, Iowa City, IA, United States
- Department of Otolaryngology Head-Neck Surgery, Carver College of Medicine, Iowa City, IA, United States
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Vecchi JT, Rhomberg M, Guymon CA, Hansen MR. The geometry of photopolymerized topography influences neurite pathfinding by directing growth cone morphology and migration. J Neural Eng 2024; 21:026027. [PMID: 38547528 PMCID: PMC10993768 DOI: 10.1088/1741-2552/ad38dc] [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: 09/20/2023] [Revised: 03/15/2024] [Accepted: 03/28/2024] [Indexed: 04/05/2024]
Abstract
Objective. Cochlear implants provide auditory perception to those with severe to profound sensorineural hearing loss: however, the quality of sound perceived by users does not approximate natural hearing. This limitation is due in part to the large physical gap between the stimulating electrodes and their target neurons. Therefore, directing the controlled outgrowth of processes from spiral ganglion neurons (SGNs) into close proximity to the electrode array could provide significantly increased hearing function.Approach.For this objective to be properly designed and implemented, the ability and limits of SGN neurites to be guided must first be determined. In this work, we engineer precise topographical microfeatures with angle turn challenges of various geometries to study SGN pathfinding and use live imaging to better understand how neurite growth is guided by these cues.Main Results.We find that the geometry of the angled microfeatures determines the ability of neurites to navigate the angled microfeature turns. SGN neurite pathfinding fidelity is increased by 20%-70% through minor increases in microfeature amplitude (depth) and by 25% if the angle of the patterned turn is made obtuse. Further, we see that dorsal root ganglion neuron growth cones change their morphology and migration to become more elongated within microfeatures. Our observations also indicate complexities in studying neurite turning. First, as the growth cone pathfinds in response to the various cues, the associated neurite often reorients across the angle topographical microfeatures. Additionally, neurite branching is observed in response to topographical guidance cues, most frequently when turning decisions are most uncertain.Significance.Overall, the multi-angle channel micropatterned substrate is a versatile and efficient system to assess neurite turning and pathfinding in response to topographical cues. These findings represent fundamental principles of neurite pathfinding that will be essential to consider for the design of 3D systems aiming to guide neurite growthin vivo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joseph T Vecchi
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, United States of America
- Department of Otolaryngology Head-Neck Surgery, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, United States of America
| | - Madeline Rhomberg
- Department of Otolaryngology Head-Neck Surgery, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, United States of America
| | - C Allan Guymon
- Department of Chemical and Biochemical Engineering, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, United States of America
| | - Marlan R Hansen
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, United States of America
- Department of Otolaryngology Head-Neck Surgery, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, United States of America
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Vecchi JT, Rhomberg M, Guymon CA, Hansen MR. The geometry of photopolymerized topography influences neurite pathfinding by directing growth cone morphology and migration. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.08.28.555111. [PMID: 37693432 PMCID: PMC10491164 DOI: 10.1101/2023.08.28.555111] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/12/2023]
Abstract
Cochlear implants (CIs) provide auditory perception to those with profound sensorineural hearing loss: however, the quality of sound perceived by a CI user does not approximate natural hearing. This limitation is due in part to the large physical gap between the stimulating electrodes and their target neurons. Therefore, directing the controlled outgrowth of processes from spiral ganglion neurons (SGNs) into close proximity to the electrode array could provide significantly increased hearing function. For this objective to be properly designed and implemented, the ability and limits of SGN neurites to be guided must first be determined. In this work, we engineered precise topographical microfeatures with angle turn challenges of various geometries to study SGN pathfinding. Additionally, we analyze sensory neurite growth in response to topographically patterned substrates and use live imaging to better understand how neurite growth is guided by these cues. In assessing the ability of neurites to sense and turn in response to topographical cues, we find that the geometry of the angled microfeatures determines the ability of neurites to navigate the angled microfeature turns. SGN neurite pathfinding fidelity can be increased by 20-70% through minor increases in microfeature amplitude (depth) and by 25% if the angle of the patterned turn is made more obtuse. Further, by using engineered topographies and live imaging of dorsal root ganglion neurons (DRGNs), we see that DRGN growth cones change their morphology and migration to become more elongated within microfeatures. However, our observations also indicate complexities in studying neurite turning. First, as the growth cone pathfinds in response to the various cues, the associated neurite often reorients across the angle topographical microfeatures. This reorientation is likely related to the tension the neurite shaft experiences when the growth cone elongates in the microfeature around a turn. Additionally, neurite branching is observed in response to topographical guidance cues, most frequently when turning decisions are most uncertain. Overall, the multi-angle channel micropatterned substrate is a versatile and efficient system to assess SGN neurite turning and pathfinding in response to topographical cues. These findings represent fundamental principles of neurite pathfinding that will be essential to consider for the design of 3D systems aiming to guide neurite growth in vivo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joseph T. Vecchi
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, Carver College of Medicine, Iowa City, IA, USA
- Department of Otolaryngology Head-Neck Surgery, Carver College of Medicine, Iowa City, IA, USA
| | - Madeline Rhomberg
- Department of Otolaryngology Head-Neck Surgery, Carver College of Medicine, Iowa City, IA, USA
| | - C. Allan Guymon
- Department of Chemical and Biochemical Engineering, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA
| | - Marlan R. Hansen
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, Carver College of Medicine, Iowa City, IA, USA
- Department of Otolaryngology Head-Neck Surgery, Carver College of Medicine, Iowa City, IA, USA
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Langlie J, Finberg A, Bencie NB, Mittal J, Omidian H, Omidi Y, Mittal R, Eshraghi AA. Recent advancements in cell-based models for auditory disorders. BIOIMPACTS 2022; 12:155-169. [PMID: 35411298 PMCID: PMC8905588 DOI: 10.34172/bi.2022.23900] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2021] [Revised: 10/09/2021] [Accepted: 11/15/2021] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
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Introduction: Cell-based models play an important role in understanding the pathophysiology and etiology of auditory disorders. For the auditory system, models have primarily focused on restoring inner and outer hair cells. However, they have largely underrepresented the surrounding structures and cells that support the function of the hair cells.
Methods: In this article, we will review recent advancements in the evolution of cell-based models of auditory disorders in their progression towards three dimensional (3D) models and organoids that more closely mimic the pathophysiology in vivo.
Results: With the elucidation of the molecular targets and transcription factors required to generate diverse cell lines of the components of inner ear, research is starting to progress from two dimensional (2D) models to a greater 3D approach. Of note, the 3D models of the inner ear, including organoids, are relatively new and emerging in the field. As 3D models of the inner ear continue to evolve in complexity, their role in modeling disease will grow as they bridge the gap between cell culture and in vivo models.
Conclusion: Using 3D cell models to understand the etiology and molecular mechanisms underlying auditory disorders holds great potential for developing more targeted and effective novel therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jake Langlie
- Department of Otolaryngology, Cochlear Implant and Hearing Research Laboratory, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, Florida, USA
| | - Ariel Finberg
- Department of Otolaryngology, Cochlear Implant and Hearing Research Laboratory, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, Florida, USA
| | - Nathalie B. Bencie
- Department of Otolaryngology, Cochlear Implant and Hearing Research Laboratory, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, Florida, USA
| | - Jeenu Mittal
- Department of Otolaryngology, Cochlear Implant and Hearing Research Laboratory, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, Florida, USA
| | - Hossein Omidian
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, Nova Southeastern University, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33328, USA
| | - Yadollah Omidi
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, Nova Southeastern University, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33328, USA
| | - Rahul Mittal
- Department of Otolaryngology, Cochlear Implant and Hearing Research Laboratory, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, Florida, USA
| | - Adrien A. Eshraghi
- Department of Otolaryngology, Cochlear Implant and Hearing Research Laboratory, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, Florida, USA
- Department of Neurological Surgery, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, Florida, USA
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Miami, Coral Gables, Florida, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, Florida, USA
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