Washington: Scientists from the USC Stem Cell laboratory of Neil Segil have identified a natural barrier to the regeneration of the ear">inner ear's sensory cells, which are lost in hearing and balance disorders. Overcoming this barrier may be a first step in returning ear">inner ear cells to a newborn-like state that's primed for regeneration, as described in a new study published in Developmental Cell.
"Permanent hearing loss affects more than 60 percent of the population that reaches retirement age," said Segil, who is a Professor in the Department of Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, and the USC Tina and Rick Caruso Department of Otolaryngology -- Head and Neck Surgery. "Our study suggests new gene engineering approaches that could be used to channel some of the same regenerative capability present in embryonic ear">inner ear cells."
