JERUSALEM, June 29 (Xinhua) -- Israeli and U.S. researchers have identified a unique biological mechanism that could enable the regeneration of sensory hair cells in the inner ear, offering hope for millions of people with permanent hearing loss, Tel Aviv University said in a statement on Monday.
Hearing loss is often caused by damage to tiny hair cells in the cochlea of the inner ear, which detect sound and convert it into electrical signals transmitted to the brain. Unlike many other species, mammals, including humans, are unable to regenerate these cells once they are damaged, making the loss permanent.
In a study published in Science Advances, the researchers used live tissue imaging and single-cell analysis to examine supporting cells located next to the ear's sensory hair cells.
They examined whether these supporting cells could be encouraged to replace damaged hearing cells by blocking the Notch signaling pathway, a key cell communication system.
The intervention prompted a small group of supporting cells to transform into hair cells, which are essential for hearing, suggesting that these cells may have a natural ability to regenerate under the right conditions.
The researchers said the findings may help lead to new treatments aimed at restoring hearing.
