This Research Topic is part of the Hair Cells: From Molecules to Function series:
Hair Cells: From Molecules to FunctionHearing loss and vestibular disorders affect millions of people worldwide. Hence, there is a need to enhance our understanding of the development and function of inner ear sensory epithelia. This knowledge can then be used to discover new treatments for hearing impairment and balance problems that are caused by toxic drugs, noise, trauma, and aging.
Hair cells are the mechanosensory receptors of the auditory, vestibular and lateral line systems of vertebrates. While much is known about hair cells, there are gaps in our understanding of how the precise architecture of these sense organs is established. There is also a need to identify molecular mechanisms that would prevent hair cell death, or promote hair cell repair and regeneration. While hair cells are the critical mediators for the transduction of mechanical stimuli into electrical activity, neighboring supporting cells in the sensory epithelium contribute to necessary structural and biophysical properties, the homeostasis of the chemical and ionic environments, and are indispensable for repair and regeneration. Because the molecular and cellular processes underlying the development, differentiation, and function of these specialized cells are poorly understood, further characterization of both hair cells and supporting cells is required if we are to develop therapeutics to ameliorate inner ear sensory deficits.
Revolutions in methods for genetic manipulation, next-generation and single-cell sequencing, high throughput screening, and the analysis of large “omics” datasets are helping to drive research in many fields. It is essential that these and similar types of investigations continue to be utilized to their full advantage in the field of inner ear biology. Through these and other approaches, the cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying the development, differentiation, and function of cells within the inner ear can be elucidated, and the pathways required to preserve, regenerate or repair lost or injured hair cells and supporting cells can be identified. In turn, these advances will fuel the development of new and improved therapeutic approaches for the rehabilitation of hearing and/or balance in those who suffer from their loss.
In this Research Topic, we call for papers that will advance our understanding of the biological properties of sensory and non-sensory cells within the auditory and vestibular epithelia of the vertebrate inner ear and zebrafish lateral line. Potential topics of interest include:
- Genetic and molecular mechanisms underlying hair-cell development and differentiation, as well as morphological and functional specializations
- Epigenetics, transcriptomics and proteomics of sensory and non-sensory cells
- Hair-cell regeneration and/or repair using stem cells, small molecules, or genetic manipulation
- Comparative studies of hair-cell morphology, function, and gene expression profiles in vertebrates
- Novel methods and protocols for the study of hair-cell biological properties
