Regrowing Hearing Cells: New Gene Functions Discovered in Zebrafish Offer Clues for Future Hearing Loss Treatments

New hope for hundreds of millions of people who have tinnitus

Roughly one in seven people worldwide hears a ringing, buzzing, or hissing that no one else can detect - a condition known as tinnitus.

Stem and progenitor cell proliferation are independently regulated by cell type-specific cyclinD genes

Regeneration and homeostatic turnover of solid tissues depend on the proliferation of symmetrically dividing adult stem cells, which either remain stem cells or differentiate based on their niche position. Here we demonstrate that in zebrafish lateral line sensory organs, stem and progenitor cell proliferation are independently regulated by two cyclinD genes. Loss of ccnd2a impairs stem cell proliferation during development, while loss of ccndx …

Scientists discover how two distinct genes guide regeneration of sensory cells in zebrafish

While humans can regularly replace certain cells, like those in our blood and gut, we cannot naturally regrow most other parts of the body. For example, when the tiny sensory hair cells in our inner ears are damaged, the result is often permanent hearing loss, deafness, or balance problems.

Can zebrafish help humans regrow hearing cells?

Zebrafish can regenerate sensory hair cells that humans permanently lose, like those in the inner ear linked to hearing and balance. New research reveals two specific genes that control how different supporting cells in zebrafish divide and regenerate, offering clues to how mammals might someday tap into similar regenerative powers.

Regrowing hearing cells: New gene functions discovered in zebrafish offer clues for future hearing loss treatments

While humans can regularly replace certain cells, like those in our blood and gut, we cannot naturally regrow most other parts of the body. For example, when the tiny sensory hair cells in our inner ears are damaged, the result is often permanent hearing loss, deafness, or balance problems. In contrast, animals like fish, frogs, and chicks regenerate sensory hair cells effortlessly.