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J Am Acad Audiol 2021; 32(10): 636-645
DOI: 10.1055/s-0041-1728677
Review Article
Special Issue on Hearing Therapeutics and Protective Therapies

Advancements in Stem Cell Technology and Organoids for the Restoration of Sensorineural Hearing Loss

Jenna E. Bergman‡   *
1   Department of Otolaryngology, Cochlear Implant and Hearing Research Laboratory, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, Florida
,
Camron Davies‡   *
1   Department of Otolaryngology, Cochlear Implant and Hearing Research Laboratory, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, Florida
,
Alexa J. Denton
1   Department of Otolaryngology, Cochlear Implant and Hearing Research Laboratory, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, Florida
,
Peter E. Ashman
1   Department of Otolaryngology, Cochlear Implant and Hearing Research Laboratory, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, Florida
,
Rahul Mittal
1   Department of Otolaryngology, Cochlear Implant and Hearing Research Laboratory, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, Florida
,
Adrien A. Eshraghi
1   Department of Otolaryngology, Cochlear Implant and Hearing Research Laboratory, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, Florida
2   Department of Neurological Surgery, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, Florida
3   Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Miami, Coral Gables, Miami, Florida
4   Department of Pediatrics, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, Florida
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Abstract

Background Sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL) is a significant cause of morbidity worldwide and currently has no curative treatment. Technological advancements in stem cell therapy have led to numerous studies that examine the generation of otic sensory cells from progenitors to restore inner ear function. Recently, organoids have emerged as a promising technique to further advance the process of creating functional replacement cells after irreversible hearing loss. Organoids are the three-dimensional generation of stem cells in culture to model the tissue organization and cellular components of the inner ear. Organoids have emerged as a promising technique to create functioning cochlear structures in vitro and may provide crucial information for the utilization of stem cells to restore SNHL.

Purpose The purpose of this review is to discuss the recent advancements in stem cell-based regenerative therapy for SNHL.

Results Recent studies have improved our understanding about the developmental pathways involved in the generation of hair cells and spiral ganglion neurons. However, significant challenges remain in elucidating the molecular interactions and interplay required for stem cells to differentiate and function as otic sensory cells. A few of the challenges encountered with traditional stem cell therapy may be addressed with organoids.

Conclusion Stem cell-based regenerative therapy holds a great potential for developing novel treatment modalities for SNHL. Further advancements are needed in addressing the challenges associated with stem cell-based regenerative therapy and promote their translation from bench to bedside.

Keywords

hearing loss - stem cells - organoids - otic sensory cells

Disclaimer

Any mention of a product, service, or procedure in the Journal of the American Academy of Audiology does not constitute an endorsement of the product, service, or procedure by the American Academy of Audiology.


* These authors contributed equally to this work.




Publication History

Received: 16 November 2020

Accepted: 15 December 2020

Article published online:
25 May 2021

© 2022. American Academy of Audiology. This article is published by Thieme.

Thieme Medical Publishers, Inc.
333 Seventh Avenue, 18th Floor, New York, NY 10001, USA

 

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