This microscopic view of cells deep within the ear of a newborn mouse show in red and blue the supporting cells that surround the hair cells (green) that send sound signals to the brain. New research shows that the supporting cells can regenerate if damaged in the first days of life, allowing hearing to develop normally. This gives new clues for potential ways to restore hearing. Image credit: Guoqiang Wan, Univ. of Michigan
In a recent research paper published by the University of Michigan Medical School, researchers have found that mice in the first few days of their life are able to regenerate supporting cells in the ear when they are damaged. If researchers can understand how this process works, maybe they can then find a way to regenerate the more specialised hair cells.
In the same paper, they also found that damages to these supporting cell in mature mice would result in loss of hair cells and profound deafness.
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