Researchers at the University of Virginia School of Medicine have learned how damaged hearing cells can heal, which is an understanding that could help with attempts to treat and prevent hearing loss. The inner ear contains “hair cells,” which are crucial for both hearing and balance.
Because they have been covered in hair-like features that act as mechanical antennae for sound detection, these cells are referred to as hair cells. However, according to recent research from UVA Health, these sensitive cells can recover from harm brought on by loud noises or other types of stress. When auditory hair follicles are killed, they are lost forever. The researchers published their findings in the journal eLife.
The regeneration of sensory hair cells has been the subject of extensive research. Although those studies are still ongoing, it’s also critical to comprehend the mechanisms that control cell maintenance and repair, according to UVA Department of Neuroscience researcher Jung-Bum Shin. We can find ways to efficiently fortify them if we have a better knowledge of these innate healing processes, Shin added. He suggested that in the future, medications could be used to encourage cell healing.
When replacing hair cells proves difficult, the emphasis moves to fixing them. This combined approach of regeneration and repair has the potential to significantly advance therapies for hearing loss and related disorders, according to Shin. Hair cells are delicate by nature. They need to be delicate in order to detect sound, but they also need to be able to tolerate the ongoing mechanical stress that comes with their duties.
The cores of the “hairs” themselves can be damaged as a result of prolonged exposure to loud noise, which affects hair cells in a number of other ways as well. Shin’s latest investigation reveals a method by which these stereocilia, which resemble hairs, heal themselves. A protein called XIRP2, which is secreted by hair cells, can detect damage to the actin-based actin cores. Shin and his team discovered that XIRP2 detects damage initially before migrating to the damaged area and repairing the cores by lining them with fresh actin.
According to Shin, this procedure is also pertinent to a more general study of cell biology. Shin and his associates will conduct more investigation into the cores’ repair processes. Scientists will be better able to combat hearing loss—even age-related loss—by understanding this, the researchers claim.
At least one-third of all older persons experience hearing loss as they age, according to Shin. “Identifying strategies to stop age-related hearing loss will depend on comprehending and utilizing internal mechanisms through which hair cells fend off wear and tear. Additionally, this information may have effects on related illnesses including Alzheimer’s disease and other dementia-related disorders.
