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Brotto D, Greggio M, De Filippis C, Trevisi P. Autosomal Recessive Non-Syndromic Deafness: Is AAV Gene Therapy a Real Chance? Audiol Res 2024; 14:239-253. [PMID: 38525683 PMCID: PMC10961695 DOI: 10.3390/audiolres14020022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2023] [Revised: 02/01/2024] [Accepted: 02/15/2024] [Indexed: 03/26/2024] Open
Abstract
The etiology of sensorineural hearing loss is heavily influenced by genetic mutations, with approximately 80% of cases attributed to genetic causes and only 20% to environmental factors. Over 100 non-syndromic deafness genes have been identified in humans thus far. In non-syndromic sensorineural hearing impairment, around 75-85% of cases follow an autosomal recessive inheritance pattern. In recent years, groundbreaking advancements in molecular gene therapy for inner-ear disorders have shown promising results. Experimental studies have demonstrated improvements in hearing following a single local injection of adeno-associated virus-derived vectors carrying an additional normal gene or using ribozymes to modify the genome. These pioneering approaches have opened new possibilities for potential therapeutic interventions. Following the PRISMA criteria, we summarized the AAV gene therapy experiments showing hearing improvement in the preclinical phases of development in different animal models of DFNB deafness and the AAV gene therapy programs currently in clinical phases targeting autosomal recessive non syndromic hearing loss. A total of 17 preclinical studies and 3 clinical studies were found and listed. Despite the hurdles, there have been significant breakthroughs in the path of HL gene therapy, holding great potential for providing patients with novel and effective treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Davide Brotto
- Department of Neuroscience DNS, Otolaryngology Section, Padova University, 35128 Padova, Italy; (D.B.); (C.D.F.); (P.T.)
- Otolaryngology Unit, Azienda Ospedale Università Padova, 35128 Padova, Italy
| | - Marco Greggio
- Department of Neuroscience DNS, Otolaryngology Section, Padova University, 35128 Padova, Italy; (D.B.); (C.D.F.); (P.T.)
- Otolaryngology Unit, Azienda Ospedale Università Padova, 35128 Padova, Italy
| | - Cosimo De Filippis
- Department of Neuroscience DNS, Otolaryngology Section, Padova University, 35128 Padova, Italy; (D.B.); (C.D.F.); (P.T.)
| | - Patrizia Trevisi
- Department of Neuroscience DNS, Otolaryngology Section, Padova University, 35128 Padova, Italy; (D.B.); (C.D.F.); (P.T.)
- Otolaryngology Unit, Azienda Ospedale Università Padova, 35128 Padova, Italy
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2
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Ruan Q, Chen B, Panza F. Which Came First, Age-Related Hearing Loss with Tinnitus or Cognitive Impairment? What are the Potential Pathways? J Integr Neurosci 2023; 22:109. [PMID: 37735130 DOI: 10.31083/j.jin2205109] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2023] [Revised: 05/26/2023] [Accepted: 05/31/2023] [Indexed: 09/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Research on the causal relationship between age-related hearing loss (ARHL) and/or tinnitus and dementia is an important and fast-moving field. In this opinion paper, the up-to-date evidence and potential mechanisms for the bidirectional relationship are reviewed. We also present several critical factors that increase the challenges of understanding the causal relationship. These factors include common causes (such as aging, frailty, vascular impairment, and chronic inflammation), auditory and cognitive reserves, and the difficulty in distinguishing central auditory processing disorder (CAPD) from cognitive impairment. Finally, based on cumulative evidence, we propose an integrated mechanism in which the central auditory system might be the common target of both peripheral auditory impairment and dementia or its precursor. There is a bidirectional interaction between the peripheral and central auditory systems and between the central auditory systems and the cognitive brain. CAPD causes the depletion of auditory and cognitive reserves, and indirectly affects the peripheral auditory system via the auditory efferent system. According to the proposal, multimodal intervention might be beneficial for patients with ARHL and/or tinnitus and cognitive impairment, apart from hearing restoration by hearing aids or cochlear implants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qingwei Ruan
- Laboratory of Aging, Anti-aging & Cognitive Performance, Shanghai Institute of Geriatrics and Gerontology, Fudan University, 200040 Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Clinical Geriatrics, Huadong Hospital, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, 200040 Shanghai, China
| | - Bing Chen
- ENT Institute and Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Eye & ENT Hospital, State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology and MOE Frontiers Center for Brain Science, Fudan University, 200031 Shanghai, China
- NHC Key Laboratory of Hearing Medicine, Fudan University, 200032 Shanghai, China
| | - Francesco Panza
- Department of Translational Biomedicine and Neuroscience "DiBraiN", University of Bari Aldo Moro, 70121 Bari, Italy
- Unit of Research Methodology and Data Sciences for Population Health, National Institute of Gastroenterology "Saverio de Bellis" Research Hospital, Castellana Grotte, 70121 Bari, Italy
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3
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Jiam NT, Rauch SD. Inner ear therapeutics and the war on hearing loss: systemic barriers to success. Front Neurosci 2023; 17:1169122. [PMID: 37425006 PMCID: PMC10323325 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2023.1169122] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2023] [Accepted: 06/02/2023] [Indexed: 07/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Despite over 20 years of effort in academic research centers, start-up companies, and established pharmaceutical companies, there are no FDA-approved inner ear therapeutics for treatment of sensorineural hearing loss. There are a number of systemic barriers to creation of this new field of inner ear therapeutics. These include insufficient understanding of the particularity of different causes of hearing loss at the cellular and molecular level, lack of diagnostics of adequate sensitivity and specificity to discern these differences in vivo, a tendency for start-up biotech/pharma companies to prioritize competition over collaboration, and a drug development ecosystem that is really in the "pre-competitive" phase and a lack of infrastructure to develop, validate, gain regulatory approval, and successfully market an inner ear therapeutic. These issues will be discussed in this perspective article and a proposed remedy in the form of an inner ear therapeutics "moon shot" will be offered.
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4
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Saidia AR, Ruel J, Bahloul A, Chaix B, Venail F, Wang J. Current Advances in Gene Therapies of Genetic Auditory Neuropathy Spectrum Disorder. J Clin Med 2023; 12:jcm12030738. [PMID: 36769387 PMCID: PMC9918155 DOI: 10.3390/jcm12030738] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2022] [Revised: 01/11/2023] [Accepted: 01/13/2023] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Auditory neuropathy spectrum disorder (ANSD) refers to a range of hearing impairments characterized by an impaired transmission of sound from the cochlea to the brain. This defect can be due to a lesion or defect in the inner hair cell (IHC), IHC ribbon synapse (e.g., pre-synaptic release of glutamate), postsynaptic terminals of the spiral ganglion neurons, or demyelination and axonal loss within the auditory nerve. To date, the only clinical treatment options for ANSD are hearing aids and cochlear implantation. However, despite the advances in hearing-aid and cochlear-implant technologies, the quality of perceived sound still cannot match that of the normal ear. Recent advanced genetic diagnostics and clinical audiology made it possible to identify the precise site of a lesion and to characterize the specific disease mechanisms of ANSD, thus bringing renewed hope to the treatment or prevention of auditory neurodegeneration. Moreover, genetic routes involving the replacement or corrective editing of mutant sequences or defected genes to repair damaged cells for the future restoration of hearing in deaf people are showing promise. In this review, we provide an update on recent discoveries in the molecular pathophysiology of genetic lesions, auditory synaptopathy and neuropathy, and gene-therapy research towards hearing restoration in rodent models and in clinical trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anissa Rym Saidia
- Institute for Neurosciences of Montpellier (INM), University Montpellier, INSERM, 34295 Montpellier, France
| | - Jérôme Ruel
- Institute for Neurosciences of Montpellier (INM), University Montpellier, INSERM, 34295 Montpellier, France
- Cognitive Neuroscience Laboratory, Aix-Marseille University, CNRS, UMR 7291, 13331 Marseille, France
| | - Amel Bahloul
- Institute for Neurosciences of Montpellier (INM), University Montpellier, INSERM, 34295 Montpellier, France
| | - Benjamin Chaix
- Department of ENT and Head and Neck Surgery, University Hospital of Montpellier, 34295 Montpellier, France
| | - Frédéric Venail
- Institute for Neurosciences of Montpellier (INM), University Montpellier, INSERM, 34295 Montpellier, France
- Department of ENT and Head and Neck Surgery, University Hospital of Montpellier, 34295 Montpellier, France
| | - Jing Wang
- Institute for Neurosciences of Montpellier (INM), University Montpellier, INSERM, 34295 Montpellier, France
- Department of ENT and Head and Neck Surgery, University Hospital of Montpellier, 34295 Montpellier, France
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +33-499-63-60-48
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Lehmann A, Limb CJ, Marozeau J. Editorial: Music and Cochlear Implants: Recent Developments and Continued Challenges. Front Neurosci 2021; 15:736772. [PMID: 34456682 PMCID: PMC8387628 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2021.736772] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2021] [Accepted: 07/12/2021] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Alexandre Lehmann
- BRAMS-CRBLM, McGill University Faculty of Medicine, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Charles J Limb
- School of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States
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6
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Keppeler D, Kampshoff CA, Thirumalai A, Duque-Afonso CJ, Schaeper JJ, Quilitz T, Töpperwien M, Vogl C, Hessler R, Meyer A, Salditt T, Moser T. Multiscale photonic imaging of the native and implanted cochlea. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2021; 118:e2014472118. [PMID: 33903231 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2014472118] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
The cochlea of our auditory system is an intricate structure deeply embedded in the temporal bone. Compared with other sensory organs such as the eye, the cochlea has remained poorly accessible for investigation, for example, by imaging. This limitation also concerns the further development of technology for restoring hearing in the case of cochlear dysfunction, which requires quantitative information on spatial dimensions and the sensorineural status of the cochlea. Here, we employed X-ray phase-contrast tomography and light-sheet fluorescence microscopy and their combination for multiscale and multimodal imaging of cochlear morphology in species that serve as established animal models for auditory research. We provide a systematic reference for morphological parameters relevant for cochlear implant development for rodent and nonhuman primate models. We simulate the spread of light from the emitters of the optical implants within the reconstructed nonhuman primate cochlea, which indicates a spatially narrow optogenetic excitation of spiral ganglion neurons.
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7
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Huet AT, Dombrowski T, Rankovic V, Thirumalai A, Moser T. Developing Fast, Red-Light Optogenetic Stimulation of Spiral Ganglion Neurons for Future Optical Cochlear Implants. Front Mol Neurosci 2021; 14:635897. [PMID: 33776648 PMCID: PMC7991399 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2021.635897] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2020] [Accepted: 01/26/2021] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Optogenetic stimulation of type I spiral ganglion neurons (SGNs) promises an alternative to the electrical stimulation by current cochlear implants (CIs) for improved hearing restoration by future optical CIs (oCIs). Most of the efforts in using optogenetic stimulation in the cochlea so far used early postnatal injection of viral vectors carrying blue-light activated channelrhodopsins (ChRs) into the cochlea of mice. However, preparing clinical translation of the oCI requires (i) reliable and safe transduction of mature SGNs of further species and (ii) use of long-wavelength light to avoid phototoxicity. Here, we employed a fast variant of the red-light activated channelrhodopsin Chrimson (f-Chrimson) and different AAV variants to implement optogenetic SGN stimulation in Mongolian gerbils. We compared early postnatal (p8) and adult (>8 weeks) AAV administration, employing different protocols for injection of AAV-PHP.B and AAV2/6 into the adult cochlea. Success of the optogenetic manipulation was analyzed by optically evoked auditory brainstem response (oABR) and immunohistochemistry of mid-modiolar cryosections of the cochlea. In order to most efficiently evaluate the immunohistochemical results a semi-automatic procedure to identify transduced cells in confocal images was developed. Our results indicate that the rate of SGN transduction is significantly lower for AAV administration into the adult cochlea compared to early postnatal injection. SGN transduction upon AAV administration into the adult cochlea was largely independent of the chosen viral vector and injection approach. The higher the rate of SGN transduction, the lower were oABR thresholds and the larger were oABR amplitudes. Our results highlight the need to optimize viral vectors and virus administration for efficient optogenetic manipulation of SGNs in the adult cochlea for successful clinical translation of SGN-targeting gene therapy and of the oCI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antoine Tarquin Huet
- Institute for Auditory Neuroscience and InnerEarLab, University Medical Center Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
- Auditory Neuroscience and Optogenetics Laboratory, German Primate Center, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Tobias Dombrowski
- Institute for Auditory Neuroscience and InnerEarLab, University Medical Center Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
- Department of Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, St. Elisabeth Hospital, Ruhr University Bochum, Bochum, Germany
- Collaborative Research Center 889, University of Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Vladan Rankovic
- Institute for Auditory Neuroscience and InnerEarLab, University Medical Center Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
- Auditory Neuroscience and Optogenetics Laboratory, German Primate Center, Göttingen, Germany
- Restorative Cochlear Genomics Group, Auditory Neuroscience and Optogenetics Laboratory, German Primate Center, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Anupriya Thirumalai
- Institute for Auditory Neuroscience and InnerEarLab, University Medical Center Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
- Göttingen Graduate School for Neurosciences and Molecular Biosciences, University of Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Tobias Moser
- Institute for Auditory Neuroscience and InnerEarLab, University Medical Center Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
- Auditory Neuroscience and Optogenetics Laboratory, German Primate Center, Göttingen, Germany
- Collaborative Research Center 889, University of Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
- Multiscale Bioimaging Cluster of Excellence (MBExC), University of Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
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8
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White PM. Perspectives on Human Hearing Loss, Cochlear Regeneration, and the Potential for Hearing Restoration Therapies. Brain Sci 2020; 10:brainsci10100756. [PMID: 33092183 PMCID: PMC7589617 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci10100756] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2020] [Revised: 10/13/2020] [Accepted: 10/16/2020] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Most adults who acquire hearing loss find it to be a disability that is poorly corrected by current prosthetics. This gap drives current research in cochlear mechanosensory hair cell regeneration and in hearing restoration. Birds and fish can spontaneously regenerate lost hair cells through a process that has become better defined in the last few years. Findings from these studies have informed new research on hair cell regeneration in the mammalian cochlea. Hair cell regeneration is one part of the greater problem of hearing restoration, as hearing loss can stem from a myriad of causes. This review discusses these issues and recent findings, and places them in the greater social context of need and community.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patricia M White
- Department of Neuroscience, Ernest J. Del Monte Institute for Neuroscience, University of Rochester Medical Center, 601 Elmwood Ave, Rochester, NY 14642, USA
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Dieter A, Klein E, Keppeler D, Jablonski L, Harczos T, Hoch G, Rankovic V, Paul O, Jeschke M, Ruther P, Moser T. μLED-based optical cochlear implants for spectrally selective activation of the auditory nerve. EMBO Mol Med 2020; 12:e12387. [PMID: 32596983 PMCID: PMC7411546 DOI: 10.15252/emmm.202012387] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2020] [Revised: 05/23/2020] [Accepted: 06/02/2020] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Electrical cochlear implants (eCIs) partially restore hearing and enable speech comprehension to more than half a million users, thereby re-connecting deaf patients to the auditory scene surrounding them. Yet, eCIs suffer from limited spectral selectivity, resulting from current spread around each electrode contact and causing poor speech recognition in the presence of background noise. Optogenetic stimulation of the auditory nerve might overcome this limitation as light can be conveniently confined in space. Here, we combined virus-mediated optogenetic manipulation of cochlear spiral ganglion neurons (SGNs) and microsystems engineering to establish acute multi-channel optical cochlear implant (oCI) stimulation in adult Mongolian gerbils. oCIs based on 16 microscale thin-film light-emitting diodes (μLEDs) evoked tonotopic activation of the auditory pathway with high spectral selectivity and modest power requirements in hearing and deaf gerbils. These results prove the feasibility of μLED-based oCIs for spectrally selective activation of the auditory nerve.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexander Dieter
- Institute for Auditory Neuroscience and InnerEarLabUniversity Medical Center GöttingenGöttingenGermany
- Göttingen Graduate School for Neurosciences and Molecular BiosciencesUniversity of GöttingenGöttingenGermany
- Present address:
Synaptic Wiring LabCenter for Molecular Neurobiology HamburgUniversity Medical Center Hamburg‐EppendorfHamburgGermany
| | - Eric Klein
- Department of Microsystems Engineering (IMTEK)University of FreiburgFreiburgGermany
| | - Daniel Keppeler
- Institute for Auditory Neuroscience and InnerEarLabUniversity Medical Center GöttingenGöttingenGermany
| | - Lukasz Jablonski
- Institute for Auditory Neuroscience and InnerEarLabUniversity Medical Center GöttingenGöttingenGermany
- Auditory Neuroscience and Optogenetics LaboratoryGerman Primate CenterGöttingenGermany
| | - Tamas Harczos
- Institute for Auditory Neuroscience and InnerEarLabUniversity Medical Center GöttingenGöttingenGermany
- Auditory Neuroscience and Optogenetics LaboratoryGerman Primate CenterGöttingenGermany
| | - Gerhard Hoch
- Institute for Auditory Neuroscience and InnerEarLabUniversity Medical Center GöttingenGöttingenGermany
- Auditory Neuroscience and Optogenetics LaboratoryGerman Primate CenterGöttingenGermany
| | - Vladan Rankovic
- Institute for Auditory Neuroscience and InnerEarLabUniversity Medical Center GöttingenGöttingenGermany
- Auditory Neuroscience and Optogenetics LaboratoryGerman Primate CenterGöttingenGermany
- Restorative Cochlear Genomics GroupAuditory Neuroscience and Optogenetics LaboratoryGerman Primate CenterGöttingenGermany
| | - Oliver Paul
- Department of Microsystems Engineering (IMTEK)University of FreiburgFreiburgGermany
- BrainLinks‐BrainToolsCluster of ExcellenceUniversity of FreiburgFreiburgGermany
| | - Marcus Jeschke
- Institute for Auditory Neuroscience and InnerEarLabUniversity Medical Center GöttingenGöttingenGermany
- Auditory Neuroscience and Optogenetics LaboratoryGerman Primate CenterGöttingenGermany
- Cognitive Hearing in Primates GroupAuditory Neuroscience and Optogenetics LaboratoryGerman Primate CenterGöttingenGermany
| | - Patrick Ruther
- Department of Microsystems Engineering (IMTEK)University of FreiburgFreiburgGermany
- BrainLinks‐BrainToolsCluster of ExcellenceUniversity of FreiburgFreiburgGermany
| | - Tobias Moser
- Institute for Auditory Neuroscience and InnerEarLabUniversity Medical Center GöttingenGöttingenGermany
- Göttingen Graduate School for Neurosciences and Molecular BiosciencesUniversity of GöttingenGöttingenGermany
- Auditory Neuroscience and Optogenetics LaboratoryGerman Primate CenterGöttingenGermany
- Auditory Neuroscience GroupMax Planck Institute for Experimental MedicineGöttingenGermany
- Cluster of Excellence “Multiscale Bioimaging: from Molecular Machines to Networks of Excitable Cells” (MBExC)University of GoettingenGoettingenGermany
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10
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Dieter A, Keppeler D, Moser T. Towards the optical cochlear implant: optogenetic approaches for hearing restoration. EMBO Mol Med 2020; 12:e11618. [PMID: 32227585 PMCID: PMC7136966 DOI: 10.15252/emmm.201911618] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2019] [Revised: 01/08/2020] [Accepted: 01/28/2020] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Cochlear implants (CIs) are considered the most successful neuroprosthesis as they enable speech comprehension in the majority of half a million CI users suffering from sensorineural hearing loss. By electrically stimulating the auditory nerve, CIs constitute an interface re-connecting the brain and the auditory scene, providing the patient with information regarding the latter. However, since electric current is hard to focus in conductive environments such as the cochlea, the precision of electrical sound encoding-and thus quality of artificial hearing-is limited. Recently, optogenetic stimulation of the cochlea has been suggested as an alternative approach for hearing restoration. Cochlear optogenetics promises increased spectral selectivity of artificial sound encoding, hence improved hearing, as light can conveniently be confined in space to activate the auditory nerve within smaller tonotopic ranges. In this review, we discuss the latest experimental and technological developments of cochlear optogenetics and outline the remaining challenges on the way to clinical translation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexander Dieter
- Institute for Auditory Neuroscience and InnerEarLab, University Medical Center Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany.,Göttingen Graduate School for Neurosciences, Biophysics and Molecular Biosciences, University of Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Daniel Keppeler
- Institute for Auditory Neuroscience and InnerEarLab, University Medical Center Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Tobias Moser
- Institute for Auditory Neuroscience and InnerEarLab, University Medical Center Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany.,Auditory Neuroscience and Optogenetics Laboratory, German Primate Center, Göttingen, Germany.,Auditory Neuroscience Group, Max Planck Institute of Experimental Medicine, Göttingen, Germany.,Cluster of Excellence "Multiscale Bioimaging: from Molecular Machines to Networks of Excitable Cells" (MBExC), University of Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
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11
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Messineo D, Ralli M, Greco A, Di Stadio A. Double Ring in Cochlear Otosclerosis: A Limit to Cochlear Implantation? The Solution Is the Surgical Approach. Ear Nose Throat J 2019; 100:235S-237S. [PMID: 31842623 DOI: 10.1177/0145561319895601] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
We present a case of a 50-year patient with a severe form of otosclerosis (double ring) that was successfully implanted. We used a bone-anchored hearing implant for restoring the hearing in the right side and a cochlear implant in the left side; both surgeries did not show any complications. For reducing the risk of a secondary bone ossification related to the trauma of cochleostomy for electrode's insertion, we used a round window approach. The patient recovered a normal auditory threshold and normal speech perception capacity both in silence and noise conditions 1 year after surgery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniela Messineo
- Radiology, Oncology, and Anatomopathological Department, 9311University La Sapienza of Rome, Italy
| | - Massimo Ralli
- Department of Sense Organs, 9311Sapienza University of Rome, Italy
| | - Antonio Greco
- Department of Sense Organs, 9311Sapienza University of Rome, Italy
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12
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Al-Moyed H, Cepeda AP, Jung S, Moser T, Kügler S, Reisinger E. A dual-AAV approach restores fast exocytosis and partially rescues auditory function in deaf otoferlin knock-out mice. EMBO Mol Med 2019; 11:emmm.201809396. [PMID: 30509897 PMCID: PMC6328916 DOI: 10.15252/emmm.201809396] [Citation(s) in RCA: 102] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Normal hearing and synaptic transmission at afferent auditory inner hair cell (IHC) synapses require otoferlin. Deafness DFNB9, caused by mutations in the OTOF gene encoding otoferlin, might be treated by transferring wild‐type otoferlin cDNA into IHCs, which is difficult due to the large size of this transgene. In this study, we generated two adeno‐associated viruses (AAVs), each containing half of the otoferlin cDNA. Co‐injecting these dual‐AAV2/6 half‐vectors into the cochleae of 6‐ to 7‐day‐old otoferlin knock‐out (Otof−/−) mice led to the expression of full‐length otoferlin in up to 50% of IHCs. In the cochlea, otoferlin was selectively expressed in auditory hair cells. Dual‐AAV transduction of Otof−/−IHCs fully restored fast exocytosis, while otoferlin‐dependent vesicle replenishment reached 35–50% of wild‐type levels. The loss of 40% of synaptic ribbons in these IHCs could not be prevented, indicating a role of otoferlin in early synapse maturation. Acoustic clicks evoked auditory brainstem responses with thresholds of 40–60 dB. Therefore, we propose that gene delivery mediated by dual‐AAV vectors might be suitable to treat deafness forms caused by mutations in large genes such as OTOF.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hanan Al-Moyed
- Molecular Biology of Cochlear Neurotransmission Group, Department of Otorhinolaryngology, University Medical Center Göttingen, and Collaborative Research Center 889, University of Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany.,Göttingen Graduate School for Neurosciences, Biophysics, and Molecular Biosciences, University of Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Andreia P Cepeda
- Molecular Biology of Cochlear Neurotransmission Group, Department of Otorhinolaryngology, University Medical Center Göttingen, and Collaborative Research Center 889, University of Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany.,Göttingen Graduate School for Neurosciences, Biophysics, and Molecular Biosciences, University of Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
| | - SangYong Jung
- Institute for Auditory Neurosciences and InnerEarLab, University Medical Center Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany.,Synaptic Nanophysiology Group, Max Planck Institute for Biophysical Chemistry, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Tobias Moser
- Göttingen Graduate School for Neurosciences, Biophysics, and Molecular Biosciences, University of Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany.,Institute for Auditory Neurosciences and InnerEarLab, University Medical Center Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany.,Synaptic Nanophysiology Group, Max Planck Institute for Biophysical Chemistry, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Sebastian Kügler
- Center Nanoscale Microscopy and Physiology of the Brain (CNMPB), Department of Neurology, University Medical Center Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Ellen Reisinger
- Molecular Biology of Cochlear Neurotransmission Group, Department of Otorhinolaryngology, University Medical Center Göttingen, and Collaborative Research Center 889, University of Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
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Zhang W, Kim SM, Wang W, Cai C, Feng Y, Kong W, Lin X. Cochlear Gene Therapy for Sensorineural Hearing Loss: Current Status and Major Remaining Hurdles for Translational Success. Front Mol Neurosci 2018; 11:221. [PMID: 29997477 PMCID: PMC6028713 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2018.00221] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2018] [Accepted: 06/06/2018] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL) affects millions of people. Genetic mutations play a large and direct role in both congenital and late-onset cases of SNHL (e.g., age-dependent hearing loss, ADHL). Although hearing aids can help moderate to severe hearing loss the only effective treatment for deaf patients is the cochlear implant (CI). Gene- and cell-based therapies potentially may preserve or restore hearing with more natural sound perception, since their theoretical frequency resolution power is much higher than that of cochlear implants. These biologically-based interventions also carry the potential to re-establish hearing without the need for implanting any prosthetic device; the convenience and lower financial burden afforded by such biologically-based interventions could potentially benefit far more SNHL patients. Recently major progress has been achieved in preclinical studies of cochlear gene therapy. This review critically evaluates recent advances in the preclinical trials of gene therapies for SNHL and the major remaining challenges for the development and eventual clinical translation of this novel therapy. The cochlea bears many similarities to the eye for translational studies of gene therapies. Experience gained in ocular gene therapy trials, many of which have advanced to clinical phase III, may provide valuable guidance in improving the chance of success for cochlear gene therapy in human trials. A discussion on potential implications of translational knowledge gleaned from large numbers of advanced clinical trials of ocular gene therapy is therefore included.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenjuan Zhang
- Department of Otolaryngology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Sun Myoung Kim
- Department of Otolaryngology, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, United States
| | - Wenwen Wang
- Department of Otolaryngology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | | | - Yong Feng
- Xiangya School of Medicine, Changsha, China
| | - Weijia Kong
- Department of Otolaryngology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Xi Lin
- Department of Otolaryngology, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, United States
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Chang Q, Wang J, Li Q, Kim Y, Zhou B, Wang Y, Li H, Lin X. Virally mediated Kcnq1 gene replacement therapy in the immature scala media restores hearing in a mouse model of human Jervell and Lange-Nielsen deafness syndrome. EMBO Mol Med 2016; 7:1077-86. [PMID: 26084842 PMCID: PMC4551345 DOI: 10.15252/emmm.201404929] [Citation(s) in RCA: 83] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Mutations in the potassium channel subunit KCNQ1 cause the human severe congenital deafness Jervell and Lange-Nielsen (JLN) syndrome. We applied a gene therapy approach in a mouse model of JLN syndrome (Kcnq1(-/-) mice) to prevent the development of deafness in the adult stage. A modified adeno-associated virus construct carrying a Kcnq1 expression cassette was injected postnatally (P0-P2) into the endolymph, which resulted in Kcnq1 expression in most cochlear marginal cells where native Kcnq1 is exclusively expressed. We also found that extensive ectopic virally mediated Kcnq1 transgene expression did not affect normal cochlear functions. Examination of cochlear morphology showed that the collapse of the Reissner's membrane and degeneration of hair cells (HCs) and cells in the spiral ganglia were corrected in Kcnq1(-/-) mice. Electrophysiological tests showed normal endocochlear potential in treated ears. In addition, auditory brainstem responses showed significant hearing preservation in the injected ears, ranging from 20 dB improvement to complete correction of the deafness phenotype. Our results demonstrate the first successful gene therapy treatment for gene defects specifically affecting the function of the stria vascularis, which is a major site affected by genetic mutations in inherited hearing loss.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qing Chang
- Department of Otolaryngology, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Jianjun Wang
- Department of Otolaryngology, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Qi Li
- Department of Otolaryngology, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Nanfang Hospital of Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yeunjung Kim
- Department of Otolaryngology, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Binfei Zhou
- Department of Otolaryngology, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Yunfeng Wang
- Department of Otolaryngology, Eye & ENT Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Huawei Li
- Department of Otolaryngology, Eye & ENT Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Xi Lin
- Department of Otolaryngology, Eye & ENT Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
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Butler BE, Lomber SG. Functional and structural changes throughout the auditory system following congenital and early-onset deafness: implications for hearing restoration. Front Syst Neurosci 2013; 7:92. [PMID: 24324409 PMCID: PMC3840613 DOI: 10.3389/fnsys.2013.00092] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2013] [Accepted: 11/03/2013] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
The absence of auditory input, particularly during development, causes widespread changes in the structure and function of the auditory system, extending from peripheral structures into auditory cortex. In humans, the consequences of these changes are far-reaching and often include detriments to language acquisition, and associated psychosocial issues. Much of what is currently known about the nature of deafness-related changes to auditory structures comes from studies of congenitally deaf or early-deafened animal models. Fortunately, the mammalian auditory system shows a high degree of preservation among species, allowing for generalization from these models to the human auditory system. This review begins with a comparison of common methods used to obtain deaf animal models, highlighting the specific advantages and anatomical consequences of each. Some consideration is also given to the effectiveness of methods used to measure hearing loss during and following deafening procedures. The structural and functional consequences of congenital and early-onset deafness have been examined across a variety of mammals. This review attempts to summarize these changes, which often involve alteration of hair cells and supporting cells in the cochleae, and anatomical and physiological changes that extend through subcortical structures and into cortex. The nature of these changes is discussed, and the impacts to neural processing are addressed. Finally, long-term changes in cortical structures are discussed, with a focus on the presence or absence of cross-modal plasticity. In addition to being of interest to our understanding of multisensory processing, these changes also have important implications for the use of assistive devices such as cochlear implants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Blake E. Butler
- Cerebral Systems Laboratory, Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Brain and Mind Institute, University of Western OntarioLondon, ON, Canada
| | - Stephen G. Lomber
- Cerebral Systems Laboratory, Department of Physiology and Pharmacology and Department of Psychology, National Centre for Audiology, Brain and Mind Institute, University of Western OntarioLondon, ON, Canada
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Wei D, Levic S, Nie L, Gao WQ, Petit C, Jones EG, Yamoah EN. Cells of adult brain germinal zone have properties akin to hair cells and can be used to replace inner ear sensory cells after damage. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2008; 105:21000-5. [PMID: 19064919 PMCID: PMC2634930 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.0808044105] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2008] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Auditory hair cell defect is a major cause of hearing impairment, often leading to spiral ganglia neuron (SGN) degeneration. The cell loss that follows is irreversible in mammals, because inner ear hair cells (HCs) have a limited capacity to regenerate. Here, we report that in the adult brain of both rodents and humans, the ependymal layer of the lateral ventricle contains cells with proliferative potential, which share morphological and functional characteristics with HCs. In addition, putative neural stem cells (NSCs) from the subventricular zone of the lateral ventricle can differentiate into functional SGNs. Also important, the NSCs can incorporate into the sensory epithelia, demonstrating their therapeutic potential. We assert that NSCs and edendymal cells can undergo an epigenetic functional switch to assume functional characteristics of HCs and SGNs. This study suggests that the functional plasticity of renewable cells and conditions that promote functional reprogramming can be used for cell therapy in the auditory setting.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dongguang Wei
- Department of Anesthesiology and Pain Medicine, Center for Neuroscience, Program in Communication and Sensory Science, University of California, 1544 Newton Court, Davis, CA 95618
| | - Snezana Levic
- Department of Anesthesiology and Pain Medicine, Center for Neuroscience, Program in Communication and Sensory Science, University of California, 1544 Newton Court, Davis, CA 95618
| | - Liping Nie
- Department of Anesthesiology and Pain Medicine, Center for Neuroscience, Program in Communication and Sensory Science, University of California, 1544 Newton Court, Davis, CA 95618
| | - Wei-qiang Gao
- Department of Molecular Biology, Genentech, Inc., South San Francisco, CA 94080; and
| | - Christine Petit
- Unité de Génétique et Physiologie de l'Audition, Unité Mixte de Recherche S587, Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale-Université Paris VI, Collège de France, Institut Pasteur, 25 Rue du Dr Roux, 75724 Paris, Cedex 15, France
| | - Edward G. Jones
- Department of Anesthesiology and Pain Medicine, Center for Neuroscience, Program in Communication and Sensory Science, University of California, 1544 Newton Court, Davis, CA 95618
| | - Ebenezer N. Yamoah
- Department of Anesthesiology and Pain Medicine, Center for Neuroscience, Program in Communication and Sensory Science, University of California, 1544 Newton Court, Davis, CA 95618
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