Study: a gene that fights deafness

There is a gene that can be hyperactivated in order to fight deafness. A study carried out in the US and Japan and published in Nature Medicine magazine, demonstrates that guinea pigs were able to regain the ability to hear through the manipulation of a gene called "Atoh 1." 

''Genetic therapy," explains Yehoash Raphael of the University of Michigan (Ann Arbor), "could, therefore, be used to restore hearing to those who have undergone damage to the inner ear due to aging, infection, medication, or other factors. Moreover, using genes such as Atoh1, which stimulate the growth of sensory cells could be an effective way to address the loss of other forms of perception, such as sight or smell.''
This research, in cooperation with the Kansai Medical University (Osaka) has demonstrated the growth of new ciliate cells inside the ears of mice treated with adenovirus including Atoh 1; these cells line the ear, thus allowing them to perceive sounds perfectly.
The researchers concluded, "this is a success which demonstrates, for the first time, that gene therapy can help 'reconstruct' a functional inner ear for adult patients.''

By Giuliano D'Ambrosio
Source: MEDINEWS - medical-scientific press agency