Abstract

The cochlea, which houses spiral ganglion neurons and auditory sensory hair cells, is the primary hearing organ. The identification of inner ear stem cells offers promise for the recovery of hearing as well as the regeneration of hair cells and spiral ganglion neurons. To make such regeneration a reality, research into the properties of inner ear stem/ progenitor cells and associated regulatory clues is crucial. Exogenous stem cell transplants into the inner ear have also been tried as a way to improve hearing. In this review, we detail studies that used foreign stem cells to restore damaged hair, describe current developments in the characterisation of mammalian inner ear progenitor/stem cells and the processes governing their proliferation and differentiation. One of the most common sensory deficiencies in humans is hearing loss, which is typically brought on by irreversible damage to hair cells (HCs) and the spiral ganglion neurons that are connected to them (SGNs).

Keywords: Genetics; embryonic stem cells; pluripotent stem cells; progenitor cells