In recent years, researchers have been working towards regenerating lost sensory hair cells in the inner ear as a potential treatment for forms of deafness. Progress has been made, with identified genes and gene therapy interventions in animal models, although results are still evolving. A recent example involves using a cocktail of genes, known as GAPS, instead of single gene interventions, to promote hair cell development and survival. This approach has shown promise in regenerating new hair cell-like cells in damaged ears, particularly in cases with flat epithelium. More research is needed to assess the full potential of this method for restoring hearing.
Previous attempts using a single transcription factor, Atoh1, yielded few cells and failed to regenerate hair cells effectively in severely damaged organs of Corti. On the other hand, a study on overexpressing GAPS genes in deafened guinea pigs with flat epithelium demonstrated a significant increase in new hair cell-like cells. While promising signs of nerve regrowth were observed, further studies are necessary to determine if these new cells can effectively signal to auditory nerves.
For further information, you can visit: https://hearinghealthfoundation.org/blogs/combination-of-four-genes-may-help-regrow-new-auditory-hair-cells-in-mammals
