When Inner Ear Stem Cell Therapy Becomes a Reality

Abstract Background Sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL) is a significant cause of morbidity worldwide and currently has no curative treatment. Technological advancements in stem cell therapy have led to numerous studies that examine the generation of otic sensory cells from progenitors to restore inner ear function. Recently, organoids have emerged as a promising technique to further advance the process of creating functional replacement cells after irreversible hearing loss. Organoids are the three-dimensional generation of stem cells in culture to model the tissue organization and cellular components of the inner ear. Organoids have emerged as a promising technique to create functioning cochlear structures in vitro and may provide crucial information for the utilization of stem cells to restore SNHL. Purpose The purpose of this review is to discuss the recent advancements in stem cell-based regenerative therapy for SNHL. Results Recent studies have improved our understanding about the developmental pathways involved in the generation of hair cells and spiral ganglion neurons. However, significant challenges remain in elucidating the molecular interactions and interplay required for stem cells to differentiate and function as otic sensory cells. A few of the challenges encountered with traditional stem cell therapy may be addressed with organoids. Conclusion Stem cell-based regenerative therapy holds a great potential for developing novel treatment modalities for SNHL. Further advancements are needed in addressing the challenges associated with stem cell-based regenerative therapy and promote their translation from bench to bedside.

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Stem Cell Therapy for Diseases in the Nervous System-A Potential for Regeneration of Inner Ear-

Practica Oto-Rhino-Laryngologica ◽

10.5631/jibirin.96.831 ◽

2003 ◽

Vol 96 (9) ◽

pp. 831-842

Author(s):

Ichiro Tateya ◽

Juichi Ito

Keyword(s):

Nervous System ◽

Stem Cell ◽

Cell Therapy ◽

Inner Ear ◽

Stem Cell Therapy ◽

System A

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Stem cell therapy by controlling chemokine expression in inner ear

Journal of Japan Society of Immunology & Allergology in Otolaryngology ◽

10.5648/jjiao.36.229 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 36 (3) ◽

pp. 229-231

Author(s):

Kazusaku Kamiya

Keyword(s):

Stem Cell ◽

Cell Therapy ◽

Inner Ear ◽

Stem Cell Therapy ◽

Chemokine Expression

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Stem Cell-Based Therapies in Hearing Loss

Frontiers in Cell and Developmental Biology ◽

10.3389/fcell.2021.730042 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 9 ◽

Author(s):

Zuhong He ◽

Yanyan Ding ◽

Yurong Mu ◽

Xiaoxiang Xu ◽

Weijia Kong ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Stem Cells ◽

Stem Cell ◽

Cell Therapy ◽

Inner Ear ◽

Stem Cell Therapy ◽

Treatment Method ◽

Signal Pathways ◽

Multiple Organs ◽

New Treatment

In recent years, neural stem cell transplantation has received widespread attention as a new treatment method for supplementing specific cells damaged by disease, such as neurodegenerative diseases. A number of studies have proved that the transplantation of neural stem cells in multiple organs has an important therapeutic effect on activation and regeneration of cells, and restore damaged neurons. This article describes the methods for inducing the differentiation of endogenous and exogenous stem cells, the implantation operation and regulation of exogenous stem cells after implanted into the inner ear, and it elaborates the relevant signal pathways of stem cells in the inner ear, as well as the clinical application of various new materials. At present, stem cell therapy still has limitations, but the role of this technology in the treatment of hearing diseases has been widely recognized. With the development of related research, stem cell therapy will play a greater role in the treatment of diseases related to the inner ear.

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