Scientists have combined cochlear implants with gene therapy to allow regrowth of auditory nerves. Not only does it help those with cochlear implants hear better, but also can mean advances in neurology and psychological research and treatment.
Cochlear Implants With Gene Therapy Allows Regrowth Of Auditory Nerves
Neurotrophins are naturally occurring proteins important for neuron development, function and survival. Is has always been known that if neurotrophins are delivered to the cochlea of the ear, auditory nerve endings are able to regenerate. But it's proven impossible to deliver neurotrophins to the cochlea using drug delivery or viral-based gene therapy and have it be effective.
A cochlear implant as worn by a user.
Scientists from University of New South Wales in Australia found a way to combine cochlear implants with gene therapy to get the job done.
Cochlear implants have been around for years. Cochlear.com describes a cochlear implant as:
What is a cochlear implant?
A cochlear implant is an electronic medical device that replaces the function of the damaged inner ear. Unlike hearing aids, which make sounds louder, cochlear implants do the work of damaged parts of the inner ear (cochlea) to provide sound signals to the brain.
In the study, the surgeon injects a DNA solution into the cochlear when it is implanted, close to the implanted electrodes. The electrical impulses sent from the cochlear to electrodes also send the DNA solution to cells close to the electrodes. These cells were then able to produce neurotrophins and trigger regeneration of auditory nerves.
Though the neurotrophin activity is severely reduced after two months, the neural activity that the cochlear provides may be able to maintain the auditory nerve changes.
Though helping the hearing impaired is an amazing discovery that has been made, this is just the beginning of research that can further help people with neurological disorders. It could lead to safe and directed gene therapy through deep brain stimulation to help provide treatments.
Photo courtesy of Wikipedia.
Cochlear Implants With Gene Therapy Allows Regrowth Of Auditory Nerves
Source : http://americanlivewire.com/2014-04-24-cochlear-implants-with-gene-therapy/
