We have recently demonstrated that new inner hair cells (IHCs) are generated in the mammalian organ of Corti following gene therapy. Specifically, the experiments involve in vivo inoculation of an adenovirus vector with the Atoh1 gene insert (Ad.Atoh1) into the mature predeafened guinea pig cochlea. We have also demonstrated that the new hair cells can attract neurons. Predeafened ears treated with Atoh1 exhibit partial restoration of function as determined by Preyer's reflex and acoustically-evoked auditory brainstem response (ABR) thresholds. In the current application we propose to use animal- psychophysics techniques and physiological measures to define the nature and extent of the restored acoustic hearing. We will also conduct experiments relevant to the use of this Atoh1 therapy in conjunction with cochlear implants. For the first two specific aims we will deafen guinea pigs with ototoxic drugs, treat them with Atohl1 and measure psychophysical detection (Aim 1) and discrimination (Aim 2) as well as ABRs and distortion product otoacoustic emissions (DPOAEs).
In Aim 3, we will assess the interaction between Ad.Atoh1 inoculation, cochlear implantation, and electrical stimulation of the cochlear implant.
In Aim 4 we will place a cochlear implant in the inoculated ear and assess psychophysical responses to electrical stimulation and electrically evoked compound action potentials (ECAPs) with and without restored IHCs. Controls with some surviving hair cells (i.e., animals that are implanted but not predeafened) will be used for comparison to animals with restored hair cells. The experiments we propose involve the use of techniques that are already in place in our laboratories. The work is backed by strong preliminary data, and represents an ideal combination of relatively low-risk with very high impact. The proposed experiments will enhance our understanding of the functional significance of hair cell regeneration in the mammalian cochlea and contribute to the development of a clinical therapy for sensorineural deafness involving the combined use of cochlear implantation with cell replacement therapy. ? ? ?
| Pfingst, Bryan E; Colesa, Deborah J; Swiderski, Donald L et al. (2017) Neurotrophin Gene Therapy in Deafened Ears with Cochlear Implants: Long-term Effects on Nerve Survival and Functional Measures. J Assoc Res Otolaryngol 18:731-750 |
| Lee, Min Young; Kurioka, Takaomi; Nelson, Megan M et al. (2016) Viral-mediated Ntf3 overexpression disrupts innervation and hearing in nondeafened guinea pig cochleae. Mol Ther Methods Clin Dev 3:16052 |
| Budenz, Cameron L; Wong, Hiu Tung; Swiderski, Donald L et al. (2015) Differential effects of AAV.BDNF and AAV.Ntf3 in the deafened adult guinea pig ear. Sci Rep 5:8619 |
| Pfingst, Bryan E; Zhou, Ning; Colesa, Deborah J et al. (2015) Importance of cochlear health for implant function. Hear Res 322:77-88 |
| Zhou, Ning; Kraft, Casey T; Colesa, Deborah J et al. (2015) Integration of Pulse Trains in Humans and Guinea Pigs with Cochlear Implants. J Assoc Res Otolaryngol 16:523-34 |
| Takada, Yohei; Beyer, Lisa A; Swiderski, Donald L et al. (2014) Connexin 26 null mice exhibit spiral ganglion degeneration that can be blocked by BDNF gene therapy. Hear Res 309:124-35 |
| Fukui, Hideto; Raphael, Yehoash (2013) Gene therapy for the inner ear. Hear Res 297:99-105 |
| Kohrman, D C; Raphael, Y (2013) Gene therapy for deafness. Gene Ther 20:1119-23 |
| Jung, Jae Yun; Avenarius, Matt R; Adamsky, Swetlana et al. (2013) siRNA targeting Hes5 augments hair cell regeneration in aminoglycoside-damaged mouse utricle. Mol Ther 21:834-41 |
| Shibata, Seiji B; Cortez, Sarah R; Wiler, James A et al. (2012) Hyaluronic acid enhances gene delivery into the cochlea. Hum Gene Ther 23:302-10 |
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