Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Madeleine St. Peter, Douglas E. Brough, Anna Lawrence, Jennifer Nelson-Brantley, Peixin Huang, Jennifer Harre, Athanasia Warnecke, Hinrich Staecker
Summary: Low-level neurotrophin supplementation through gene therapy can enhance the survival of spiral ganglion cells and prevent hearing loss in the normal ear.
FRONTIERS IN BIOENGINEERING AND BIOTECHNOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Neurosciences
Jennifer Harre, Laura Heinkele, Melanie Steffens, Athanasia Warnecke, Thomas Lenarz, Ingo Just, Astrid Rohrbeck
Summary: Preservation of excitability of spiral ganglion neurons contributes to improved speech perception after cochlear implantation. Exogenous neurotrophic factors like BDNF and the application of C3 exoenzyme show promise in protecting and regenerating SGN, potentially enhancing neuroprotective effects. Further research is needed to fully understand the mechanisms behind the neuroprotective effects mediated by BDNF and C3.
FRONTIERS IN CELLULAR NEUROSCIENCE
(2021)
Article
Cell & Tissue Engineering
Aleta R. Steevens, Matthew W. Griesbach, Yun You, James R. Dutton, Walter C. Low, Peter A. Santi
Summary: This study successfully produced induced pluripotent stem cell-derived inner ear sensory neurons in a mouse model using blastocyst complementation. The approach not only corrected non-sensory deficits associated with Neurog1 heterozygosity, but also highlighted blastocyst complementation as a potential tool for creating chimeric inner ear cell types for transplantation into damaged inner ears to improve hearing.
STEM CELL RESEARCH & THERAPY
(2021)
Article
Neurosciences
Zachary A. Stoner, Elizabeth M. Ketchum, Sydney Sheltz-Kempf, Paige V. Blinkiewicz, Karen L. Elliott, Jeremy S. Duncan
Summary: It is discovered that Wnt/PCP signaling plays a critical role in the development of inner ear neurons and affects the guidance of inner ear afferents. Through experiments on mice, it is found that Fzd3 has a cell autonomous regulation effect on the guidance of inner ear afferents.
FRONTIERS IN NEUROSCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Neurosciences
Christin Geissler, Miriam Blumenstock, Jennis Gabrielpillai, Leon Guchlerner, Timo Stoever, Marc Diensthuber
Summary: Pentoxifylline has potential as a therapeutic agent for degenerative neurological disorders and may enhance the protective effects of BDNF on inner ear neurons. However, our study did not demonstrate significant neurotrophic effects of pentoxifylline on cultured spiral ganglion neurons in vitro.
Review
Cell Biology
Mingxuan Wu, Mingyu Xia, Wenyan Li, Huawei Li
Summary: Single-cell sequencing technology has enabled researchers to analyze gene expression variations in different cell types within the inner ear, leading to the discovery of tissue heterogeneity, novel cell subtypes, unique cell markers, and dynamic signaling pathways during development. These advancements offer new possibilities for inner ear research, with the vast potential of the technology yet to be fully explored.
FRONTIERS IN CELL AND DEVELOPMENTAL BIOLOGY
(2021)
Review
Cell Biology
Zuhong He, Yanyan Ding, Yurong Mu, Xiaoxiang Xu, Weijia Kong, Renjie Chai, Xiong Chen
Summary: Neural stem cell transplantation has garnered attention as a new treatment for neurodegenerative diseases, showing important therapeutic effects in cell activation and neuron repair. Although stem cell therapy for inner ear diseases still has limitations, ongoing research suggests it will have a greater impact in the future.
FRONTIERS IN CELL AND DEVELOPMENTAL BIOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Jia Luo, XueXin Lin, LiLing Li, JingQian Tan, Peng Li
Summary: We developed a novel nanocarrier Au@CD-PAMAM-Arg8 for improved delivery of dexamethasone to the inner ear. The carrier showed higher cell uptake efficiency and stronger protective effects compared to dexamethasone administration alone. In vivo experiments demonstrated that tympanic injection was the most effective route for drug delivery to the ear. Electrocochleography results indicated that Au@CD-PAMAM-Arg8/Dex significantly improved hearing in mice. This study suggests that Au@CD-PAMAM-Arg8 may be a promising drug carrier for inner ear diseases.
FRONTIERS IN BIOENGINEERING AND BIOTECHNOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Medicine, Research & Experimental
Katharine A. Fernandez, Takahisa Watabe, Mingjie Tong, Xiankai Meng, Kohsuke Tani, Sharon G. Kujawa, Albert S. B. Edge
Summary: TrkB agonist drugs have a significant effect on the regeneration of afferent cochlear synapses after noise-induced synaptopathy. Amitriptyline has profound and long-lasting effects on wave 1 amplitude and afferent auditory synapse numbers in noise-exposed ears.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Jemma L. Webber, John C. Clancy, Yingjie Zhou, Natalia Yraola, Kazuaki Homma, Jaime Garcia-Anoveros
Summary: Through the use of an Insm1 mouse mutant with IHCs in the position of OHCs, a hierarchical sequence of instructions was discovered: first, IHCs attract and OHCs repel type I afferents; second, type II afferents innervate hair cells not contacted by type I afferents; and lastly, the type of afferent fiber determines how efferents innervate, whether axodendritically on the afferent, axosomatically on the hair cell, or not at all.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Alexander A. Missner, James Dixon Johns, Shoujun Gu, Michael Hoa
Summary: Corticosteroids are the mainstay for inner ear diseases, but complete recovery rate remains low, suggesting a need for more effective treatment options. Differentially regulated genes expressed in SGN and SV cells may serve as potential druggable targets, with 42 candidate drugs identified for further exploration.
Article
Neurosciences
Toru Miwa, Haruki Saito, Hidetaka Akita
Summary: This study utilized a novel nanotechnology delivery system to effectively prevent the degeneration of spiral ganglion neurons in the treatment of sensorineural hearing loss, showing promising potential for non-invasive targeted therapy within the inner ear.
EXPERIMENTAL BRAIN RESEARCH
(2021)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
R. Benjamin Sulser, Bruce D. Patterson, Daniel J. Urban, April I. Neander, Zhe-Xi Luo
Summary: Phylogenomics of bats suggests that their echolocation either evolved separately in the bat suborders Yinpterochiroptera and Yangochiroptera, or had a single origin in bat ancestors and was later lost in some yinpterochiropterans. The observation of highly derived structures of the spiral ganglion in yangochiropteran bats suggests a neuroanatomical evolutionary driver for their diverse echolocating strategies. These features are highly variable across major clades and may be associated with the explosive diversification of yangochiropterans.
Article
Engineering, Biomedical
Kevin T. Nella, Benjamin M. Norton, Hsiang-Tsun Chang, Rachel A. Heuer, Christian B. Roque, Akihiro J. Matsuoka
Summary: This study proposes a neuro-regenerative nexus to address the challenges in cochlear implant technology. By guiding the differentiation and directional growth of stem cells, it aims to improve the performance of cochlear implants in noisy environments and music decoding. The feasibility of the proposed concept was demonstrated through finite element modeling and cell culture experiments.
ACTA BIOMATERIALIA
(2022)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Caroline Siebald, Philippe F. Y. Vincent, Riley T. Bottom, Shuohao Sun, Daniel O. J. Reijntjes, Marco Manca, Elisabeth Glowatzki, Ulrich Muller
Summary: This study reveals three molecularly defined subtypes of type I SGNs using single-cell RNA sequencing technology, but the extent to which they correspond to physiological subtypes is unclear. Using genetically marked SGN subtypes, the researchers found that Lypd1-CreERT2 expressing SGNs have a low SR and preferentially innervate the IHC modiolar side, while Calb2-CreERT2 expressing SGNs have a wider range of SRs and preferentially innervate the IHC pillar side.
PROCEEDINGS OF THE NATIONAL ACADEMY OF SCIENCES OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
(2023)
Article
Audiology & Speech-Language Pathology
Wiebke Konerding, Julie G. Arenberg, Andrej Kral, Peter Baumhoff
Summary: This study utilized guinea pigs to establish a model of mechanical micro-lesions and evaluate the impact of electrophysiological markers on neural health. The research revealed a potential electrophysiological estimate that may be relevant for human applications in assessing neural health.
Article
Otorhinolaryngology
Jose Santos Cruz de Andrade, Peter Baumhoff, Oswaldo Laercio Mendonca Cruz, Thomas Lenarz, Andrej Kral
Summary: This experimental study investigated the electrophysiological changes during cochlear implant surgery in guinea pigs. The results showed that electrode insertion caused significant changes in the amplitude of extra-cochlear electrophysiological potentials, especially in deep insertions, while cochleostomy had a lesser impact. Preservation of electrical response to low frequency stimuli was observed in most cases.
BRAZILIAN JOURNAL OF OTORHINOLARYNGOLOGY
(2022)
Editorial Material
Clinical Neurology
Andrej Kral
DEVELOPMENTAL MEDICINE AND CHILD NEUROLOGY
(2022)
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Inga Wille, Jennifer Harre, Sarah Oehmichen, Maren Lindemann, Henning Menzel, Nina Ehlert, Thomas Lenarz, Athanasia Warnecke, Peter Behrens
Summary: State-of-the-art treatment for sensorineural hearing loss involves electrical stimulation of residual spiral ganglion neurons (SGNs) through cochlear implants. However, there are challenges in achieving focused neuronal stimulation and preventing SGN degeneration. This study investigates the potential of biodegradable polymer fibers coated with heparan sulfate (HS) and loaded with brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) to address these challenges, and results show promising outcomes in enhancing SGN survival.
FRONTIERS IN BIOENGINEERING AND BIOTECHNOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Martin Durisin, Caroline Krueger, Andreas Pich, Athanasia Warnecke, Melanie Steffens, Carsten Zeilinger, Thomas Lenarz, Nils Prenzler, Heike Schmitt
Summary: Proteomic analysis of liquid inner ear biopsies allows for the study of protein composition in the perilymph and its impact on hearing performance after cochlear implantation (CI). By analyzing perilymph samples from cochlear implant recipients, significant differences in protein composition were found between patients with excellent and poor performance after CI. Further investigation is needed to determine the role of specific proteins as predictors of performance and the potential use of bioinformatics analysis for patient stratification.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Markus Pietsch, Daniel Schurzig, Rolf Salcher, Athanasia Warnecke, Peter Erfurt, Thomas Lenarz, Andrej Kral
Summary: This study found that the variability of the modiolar wall in human cochleae is larger than the lateral wall variability and they are significantly correlated. A model for the design of cochlear implants aimed for perimodiolar locations was developed based on the data collected. Individualized surgical techniques are essential for optimal perimodiolar placement of electrode arrays due to high interindividual variability.
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2022)
Article
Polymer Science
Suheda Yilmaz-Bayraktar, Katharina Foremny, Michaela Kreienmeyer, Athanasia Warnecke, Theodor Doll
Summary: The gold standard for partial restoration of sensorineural hearing loss is cochlear implant surgery, but there are still limitations to music perception due to the gap between cochlear implant electrodes and auditory nerve cells. In this study, a bending or curling mechanism in the electrode array is discussed, and a silicone rubber-hydrogel actuator is proposed to reduce this gap and improve cochlear implant performance.
Article
Oncology
Hendrik Eggers, Lea Haebel, Arnold Ganser, Viktor Gruenwald, Roland Merten, Athanasia Warnecke, Martin Durisin, Philipp Ivanyi
Summary: The application of cetuximab in palliative first-line therapy for R/M HNSCC patients can significantly improve overall survival, according to the study.
CANCER INVESTIGATION
(2023)
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Julia Anna Christine Hoffmann, Athanasia Warnecke, Max Eike Timm, Eugen Kludt, Nils Kristian Prenzler, Lutz Gaertner, Thomas Lenarz, Rolf Benedikt Salcher
Summary: Anatomical malformations, cochlear obstructions, or re-implantations present challenges in cochlear implantation, but can be treated with methods like incomplete insertion, double array implantation, and radical cochleostomy. Special cases may benefit from using a stiff electrode array to facilitate implantation. Retroactive comparison of impedance and speech perception data between different treatment methods showed that the IES CMD device had positive outcomes for patients with obliterated cochleae.
JOURNAL OF CLINICAL MEDICINE
(2022)
Article
Audiology & Speech-Language Pathology
Daniel Schurzig, Felix Repp, Max E. Timm, Cornelia Batsoulis, Thomas Lenarz, Andrej Kral
Summary: Current preoperative planning procedures in cochlear implantation can estimate the coverage of a specific implant in the patient's inner ear, but a new methodology has been developed that allows for virtual implantations of patient-specific cochlear anatomies with different electrode arrays. The model was trained on imaging datasets of 186 human cochleae and validated on 141 preoperative and postoperative clinical CTs of cochlear implant recipients, outperforming current planning approaches in terms of accuracy and available information prior to implantation.
Article
Audiology & Speech-Language Pathology
Ruediger Land, Andrej Kral
Summary: The debate over the extent to which aging of the central auditory pathway impairs auditory perception in the elderly independently of peripheral cochlear decline continues. This study examined potential age-related changes in the auditory brainstem and found that although the brainstem conduction speed slowed down in old mice, it only minimally affected temporal processing in the midbrain. Importantly, complex neural sound representations in the auditory midbrain did not differ between young and old mice. These findings challenge the belief that central auditory decline is an automatic consequence of aging and emphasize the role of undetected peripheral damage and accumulating effects in higher cortical auditory-cognitive processing in explaining perception deficits in the elderly.
Article
Otorhinolaryngology
Andrej Kral
Summary: The human brain undergoes significant development of the cerebral cortex after birth, with alterations observed in the absence of auditory input. Recent studies have shown that the synapses responsible for processing stimuli and cognitive functions are particularly affected. As the brain is interconnected, congenital deafness not only affects auditory processing but also non-auditory cognition, requiring personalized approaches in childhood deafness therapy.
LARYNGO-RHINO-OTOLOGIE
(2023)
Review
Neurosciences
Andrej Kral, Anu Sharma
Summary: Crossmodal plasticity is the brain's ability to reorganize based on use. However, evidence shows that this reorganization has limits and is dependent on pre-existing circuitry and top-down interactions. We argue against the hypothesis that crossmodal reorganization closes critical periods in deafness, and instead propose that it is a dynamically adaptable neuronal process. The evidence for crossmodal changes in both developmental and adult-onset deafness is evaluated, showing reversibility when hearing is restored.
TRENDS IN NEUROSCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Audiology & Speech-Language Pathology
Peter Baumhoff, Laya Rahbar Nikoukar, Jose Santos Cruz de Andrade, Thomas Lenarz, Andrej Kral
Summary: To minimize trauma and avoid unwanted interactions of electric and acoustic stimuli, it is recommended to stop cochlear implantation before reaching the cochlear partition with residual hearing. This study investigated the use of intracochlear bipolar summating potential (SP) recordings to determine the exact cochlear position of implanted cochlear implants (CIs) in guinea pigs. The results showed that SP recordings provide reliable information on electrode position in the cochlea, which remains reliable even after moderate hearing loss.
Article
Neurosciences
Wiebke S. S. Konerding, Peter Baumhoff, Andrej Kral
Summary: One severe side effect of cochlear implants is coincidental facial nerve stimulation. Different changes in stimulation modes, such as electrode configuration, pulse shape, and pulse polarity, have been assessed and found to alleviate this side effect. The anodic-rescue effect shows promise as a non-invasive therapeutic option for facial nerve stimulation in cochlear implant users.
JARO-JOURNAL OF THE ASSOCIATION FOR RESEARCH IN OTOLARYNGOLOGY
(2023)
Correction
Neurosciences
Lucia Privitera, Ellen L. Hogg, Matthias Gaestel, Mark J. Wall, Sonia A. L. Correa
Article
Neurosciences
Li-Ya Jiang, Guan-Hao Wang, Jing-Jiao Xu, Xiao-Li Li, Xiao-Yan Lin, Xiang Fang, Hong-Xu Zhang, Mei Feng, Chun-Ming Jiang
Summary: This study reveals the importance of LINC00473 in regulating temozolomide (TMZ) resistance in glioblastoma (GB) and its potential mechanism. By regulating the expression of CEBP alpha and MGMT, LINC00473 promotes the formation of chemoresistance. Furthermore, LINC00473 can transfer chemoresistance to adjacent sensitive cells through exosomes.
Article
Neurosciences
Olga Kopach, Tetyana Pivneva, Nataliya Fedirko, Nana Voitenko
Summary: This study found that diabetic animals exhibit severe xerostomia characterized by reduced saliva flow rate, diminished total protein content, and decreased amylase activity. The impaired saliva production in diabetes is associated with reduced and delayed intracellular Ca2+ signals in submandibular acinar cells, caused by malfunctioning mitochondria. Targeting malfunctioning mitochondria may be a potential strategy for the treatment of diabetic xerostomia.
Article
Neurosciences
Nicholas M. Timme, Cherish E. Ardinger, Seth D. C. Weir, Rachel Zelaya-Escobar, Rachel Kruger, Christopher C. Lapish
Summary: This study aimed to assess aversion-resistant drinking behavior in head-fixed mice and explore the relationship between non-consummatory behaviors and aversion-resistant drinking. The results showed that head-fixed mice exhibited heterogenous levels of aversion-resistant drinking and non-consummatory behaviors were related to the intensity of this behavior.
Article
Neurosciences
David R. Maguire, Charles P. France
Summary: Methocinnamox (MCAM) is a novel, long-acting opioid receptor antagonist that effectively decreases fentanyl self-administration and prevents opioid overdose in monkeys. The study demonstrates the potential therapeutic utility of MCAM in the treatment of opioid use disorder.
Article
Neurosciences
Xiang Li, Dan Feng, Shenglu Ma, Mingxing Li, Shulei Zhao, Man Tang
Summary: This study investigated the effects of fluoxetine on neurochemical, neurobiological, and neurobehavioral changes in different subregions of the hippocampus. The results showed that fluoxetine increased dialysate 5-HT, decreased membrane 5-HTT protein, and increased cytoplasmic fraction. Additionally, fluoxetine reduced immobility times in behavioral tests, with greater effects observed in the ventral subregion compared to the dorsal subregion.
Article
Neurosciences
Alexander V. Zholos, Mariia I. Melnyk, Dariia O. Dryn
Summary: Acetylcholine is an important neurotransmitter in visceral smooth muscles, activating M2 and M3 muscarinic receptors to cause smooth muscle excitation and contraction. This review focuses on the cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying acetylcholine-induced depolarisation and smooth muscle contraction, as well as the effects of anticholinergic drugs on gastrointestinal motility. The knowledge gained from recent studies has greatly expanded our understanding of these processes.
Article
Neurosciences
Zhenlong Li, Hsien-Yu Peng, Chau-Shoun Lee, Tzer-Bin Lin, Ming-Chun Hsieh, Cheng-Yuan Lai, Han-Fang Wu, Lih-Chyang Chen, Mei-Ci Chen, Dylan Chou
Summary: Methylone shows significant efficacy in treating depression and social deficits, making it an ideal candidate for anti-depressant medication.
Article
Neurosciences
Aline Freyssin, Allison Carles, Sarra Guehairia, Gilles Rubinstenn, Tangui Maurice
Summary: This study explores the potential of combining FENM and S1R agonists in the treatment of Alzheimer's disease. The results showed that most FENM-based combinations can protect against learning deficits caused by A beta 25-35, with better efficacy in short-term memory.
Article
Neurosciences
J. D. Lorente, J. Cuitavi, L. Rullo, S. Candeletti, P. Romualdi, L. Hipolito
Summary: This study analyzed the effects of pain on negative affect in different sexes and time courses, as well as the involvement of the dynorphinergic and corticotropin releasing factor systems in these pain-related behaviors. The results showed sex and time-dependent anxiety- and anhedonia-like behaviors induced by pain in female rats. The recruitment of KOR/DYN in the NAc was identified as a key neurological substrate mediating pain-induced behavioral alterations.
Article
Neurosciences
Rongjun Liu, Daofan Sun, Xiuzhong Xing, Qingge Chen, Bo Lu, Bo Meng, Hui Yuan, Lan Mo, Liufang Sheng, Jinwei Zheng, Qiusheng Wang, Junping Chen, Xiaowei Chen
Summary: The coexistence of pain and depression is frequently observed in patients with chronic pain and depression. Oxytocin, a neuropeptide, has been reported to relieve chronic pain and depressive symptoms. This study investigated the effect of intranasal oxytocin on neuropathic pain and comorbid depressive symptoms, and found that oxytocin attenuated depression-like behavior but did not alleviate mechanical hyperalgesia. The results suggest that intranasal oxytocin may have the potential to treat depressive symptoms in neuropathic pain patients.
