Topic: spiral ganglion neurons

The optical cochlear implant (oCI) utilizes optogenetic stimulation of the spiral ganglion neurons (SGNs) in the cochlea to improve hearing restoration. Preclinical data has shown that this may improve bionic hearing in CI users by targeting smaller areas of the cochlea compared to electrical stimulation.This study investigates the influence of the light emitter characteristics (one/two laser-coupled glass fibers) on the spread of excitation, through a combination of computer simulations and in-vivo multiunit recordings of inferior colliculus activity in Mongolian gerbils that postnatally rece

To overcome the wide-spread electrical neural excitation associated with electrical cochlear implants (eCI), stimulation of spiral ganglion neurons (SGNs) using light presents an attractive solution, as light can be better confined in space. Using optogenetics, SGNs are rendered light sensitive following a viral delivery of a Channelrhodopsin (ChR) transgene to the cochlea. Our group has provided in vivo evidence to support the clinical potential of the optical CI, but for clinical translation, it is critical to optimize individual components of the gene therapy. To this end, we have employed

Background: ATOH1 is recognized as a crucial transcription factor for hair cell differentiation. Although Atoh1 expression has been documented in a subset of developing spiral ganglion neurons, its specific role in neuronal development remains to be elucidated.Methods: We generated a novel conditional deletion model (Atoh1Cre-Isl1CKO) targeting Isl1 in the inner ear. Immunohistochemistry was used to examine morphological and cellular changes in the inner ear. Additionally, we assessed the hearing function of Atoh1Cre-Isl1CKO mutants compared to littermate control mice using auditory brainstem

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), a growing number of 0.5 billion people currently suffer from disabling hearing loss (HL). While causes of HL are diverse, it mainly originates in dysfunctions of the inner ear. Recent improvements in light sheet fluorescence microscopy allow nanometric examination of the whole intact cochlea in immunohistochemistry. These findings may help to identify and quantify disease mechanisms on a new scale and aid in the development of new treatment options for patients with severe HL. In this study, we assess the nano-architecture of the cochlea using