Audiology – VJRegenMed

Treating otoferlin deficiency with gene therapy

Thu, 23 Jun 2022 09:28:24 +0000

Nawal Ouzren, Sensorion, Montpellier, France, gives an overview of the rationale behind developing a gene therapy for patients with hearing loss who have an otoferlin deficiency. Otoferlin is a protein expressed in inner hair cells, which is sensitive to a certain frequency. Initial in vivo studies have successfully restored expression of otoferlin in animal models, who have regained functional hearing as a result of the gene therapy. This interview was conducted during Meeting on the Mediterranean 2022.

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Novel gene therapy solutions for Usher syndrome type I

Thu, 23 Jun 2022 09:28:23 +0000

Usher syndrome type I is a rare, congenital disease characterized by issues in the vestibular system, resulting in deafness, balance issues and blindness. Nawal Ouzren, Sensorion, Montpellier, France, discusses research efforts in treating Usher syndrome type I with gene therapy. Whilst vestibular function has been successfully restored in animal models, further research is required to restore hearing. This interview was conducted during Meeting on the Mediterranean 2022.

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Developing gene therapies for GJB2 gene related hearing loss

Thu, 23 Jun 2022 09:28:22 +0000

Nawal Ouzren, Sensorion, Montpellier, France, describes ongoing research into developing gene therapies for patients with hearing loss due to mutations in the GJB2 gene. This form of hearing loss is the most common form of childhood deafness, and some forms of adult hearing loss can be attributed to certain mutations of the GJB2 gene. Current efforts include elucidating a suitable therapeutic candidate in animal models. This interview was conducted during Meeting on the Mediterranean 2022.

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Applications of collagen-based therapies in ruptured eardrums

Wed, 19 Jan 2022 13:01:34 +0000

Juan Pablo Aguilar Alemán, PhD, Tecnológico de Monterrey, Monterrey, Mexico, discusses the therapeutic potential of tissue engineered collagen grafts. In patients who have been infected with the flu, the eardrum can rupture and whilst the tympanic membrane heals itself in most cases, hearing loss can occur in a small proportion of patients. Collagen grafts derived from tendons can offer a convenient and affordable solution for patients who have ruptured eardrums. This interview took place at the 6th World Congress of the Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine International Society (TERMIS 2021).

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Collagen grafts for tympanic membrane regeneration

Wed, 19 Jan 2022 13:01:34 +0000

Juan Pablo Aguilar Alemán, PhD, Tecnológico de Monterrey, Monterrey, Mexico, provides an overview of repairing damaged eardrums with allogeneic collagen grafts. Type I collagen derived from various sources including tendons can provide a tissue-engineered solution for patients with holes in their eardrums, as tendons have properties suited to the environment around the inner ear. Dr Aguilar Alemán additionally highlights the non-invasive nature of the procedure, as well as other advantages. This interview took place at the 6th World Congress of the Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine International Society (TERMIS 2021).

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Elucidating mechanisms of hearing loss with iSPCs

Tue, 04 Jan 2022 13:03:22 +0000

Brigitte Malgrange, Pharm.D, PhD, University of Liège, Liège, Belgium, describes ongoing research to develop organoids and bioassays for researching hereditary hearing loss. Over 100 genes are implicated in hereditary hearing loss and sourcing induced pluripotent stem cells (iSPCs) derived from fibroblasts are important to determine the mechanisms of the disease. Dr Malgrange additionally highlights the possibility of developing regenerative therapies as a result of the aforementioned research conducted. This interview took place at the 6th World Congress of the Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine International Society (TERMIS 2021).

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Addressing issues with developing therapies for hearing loss

Tue, 04 Jan 2022 13:03:21 +0000

Brigitte Malgrange, Pharm.D, PhD, University of Liège, Liège, Belgium, provides an overview of the current challenges associated with generating regenerative therapies for hearing loss. Numerous advancements have been made in the field and therapies based on induced pluripotent stem cells (iSPCs) are becoming more feasible as a result. However, the complex structure of the inner ear results in making the ear less accessible for therapies compared to other areas such as the eye. This interview took place at the 6th World Congress of the Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine International Society (TERMIS 2021).

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