Background
Genetic studies have identified many protein-coding genes that shape auditory system development and function, and variants in these genes explain a substantial fraction of inherited hearing loss. Yet most of the human genome is noncoding, and increasing evidence suggests that changes in noncoding regulatory DNA and noncoding RNAs can alter when, where, and how strongly auditory genes are expressed.

In the inner ear, this regulation is highly cell-type- and stage-specific. This creates a key gap: we still lack a clear map of the enhancers, promoters, chromatin states, and noncoding RNAs that govern cochlear and vestibular cell fate, maintenance, and response to stress. This gap limits our ability to interpret noncoding variants from genome sequencing studies, understand common forms of acquired hearing loss (aging, noise exposure, and ototoxicity), and develop new therapeutic strategies—including regenerative approaches.

Recent advances in functional genomics and epigenomics (including single-cell and spatial approaches) now make it feasible to resolve regulatory programs in rare inner ear cell populations and link noncoding elements to disease mechanisms. This Research Topic provides a platform to consolidate these advances and connect discovery science with translational opportunities.

Goal
This Research Topic aims to bring together current, forward-looking research on the noncoding genome and epigenetic regulation in auditory biology and hearing loss. The Topic Editors seek contributions that (i) identify and functionally characterize noncoding regulatory elements and noncoding RNAs in the inner ear, (ii) clarify how epigenetic and epigenomic mechanisms shape auditory development, function, and repair, and (iii) improve interpretation of noncoding variants linked to hearing loss. Ultimately, this collection aims to accelerate mechanistic insight and support the development of novel diagnostics and therapeutic avenues rooted in gene regulation.

Scope and information for authors
We welcome submissions that address the role of noncoding DNA, noncoding RNAs, and epigenetic/epigenomic mechanisms in the auditory system, including human studies and relevant animal models. Submissions may include discovery, mechanistic, and translational work.

Topics of interest include:
• Non-coding elements in auditory system development and function, including enhancer/promoter regulation and gene regulatory networks
• Epigenetic and epigenomic influences on auditory development and function (e.g., chromatin accessibility, histone modifications, DNA methylation, 3D genome organization)
• Characterization of the non-coding genome in the inner ear of humans and animal models, including cell-type-resolved regulatory landscapes
• Hearing loss caused by variants in non-coding genetic elements, including variant prioritization, functional testing, and genotype–regulatory mechanism links
• Non-coding regulation in acquired hearing loss, including age-related hearing loss, ototoxicity, and noise-induced hearing loss
• Inner ear regeneration and repair and their connection to noncoding regulation, epigenetic barriers, and reprogramming strategies

Are you interested in contributing a manuscript to this Research Topic?

The Noncoding Genome in Auditory Function and Hearing Loss