Researchers identify the cells that trigger hearing cell regeneration

A study by Lama Khalaily, Prof. Karen Avraham and colleagues, published in Science Advances, identifies a rare and previously unrecognized subgroup of supporting cells that initiate sensory hair cell regeneration in the inner ear, offering new insights for future regenerative therapies.

Using advanced multi-omics technologies together with live-cell imaging, the researchers identified a subset of cells that responds to inhibition of the Notch signaling pathway. These cells are the first to initiate a change in cell identity and begin converting into sensory hair cells, which are essential for hearing.

The study shows that only this rare cell population undergo coordinated transcriptional and enhancer remodeling, while neighboring supporting cells remain unresponsive despite Notch pathway inhibition.

Beyond advancing our understanding of inner ear biology, the research establishes a valuable foundation for future studies aimed at promoting sensory cell repair and developing regenerative therapies for hearing loss.

Research team: Lama Khalaily, Shahar Kasirer, Rotem Domb, Mi Zhou, Buwei Shao, Shahar Taiber, Ran Elkon, Litao Tao, David Sprinzak, and Karen B. Avraham.

Read the full paper:

Multi-omics and live imaging reveal the cells that initiate hearing cell regeneration

Published in: Science Advances

Authors: Lama Khalaily, Shahar Kasirer, Rotem Domb, Mi Zinou, Buwei Shao, Shahar Taiber, Ran Elkon, Litao Tao, David Sprinzak and Karen B. Avraham.

https://www.science.org/doi/10.1126/sciadv.aed3887