US EditionRegrowing Hearing Cells: New Gene Functions Discovered in Zebrafish Offer Clues for Future Hearing Loss Treatments
STOWERS INSTITUTE FOR MEDICAL RESEARCH, JUL 14 – Researchers pinpoint two cell division genes crucial for zebrafish hair cell regeneration, providing insight into potential therapies for mammalian hearing loss, as detailed in Nature Communications.
- On July 14, 2025, scientists at the Stowers Institute published research showing two distinct genes regulate sensory cell regeneration in zebrafish.
- The team led by Mark Lush studied zebrafish because they can regenerate sensory hair cells, unlike mammals which lose hearing and balance with age or noise exposure.
- Using sequencing, they found two cyclinD genes each control proliferation of different support cell populations within the neuromast, enabling continuous hair cell renewal without stem cell depletion.
- Piotrowski explained that disabling a specific gene caused only a particular cell group to cease dividing, demonstrating that distinct cell populations within an organ can be regulated independently—an insight that may aid understanding of growth control in other tissues.
- This discovery advances understanding of hair cell regeneration mechanisms and may guide future research to encourage similar regeneration in mammals, including humans.
20 Articles
20 Articles
Stem and progenitor cell proliferation are independently regulated by cell type-specific cyclinD genes
Regeneration and homeostatic turnover of solid tissues depend on the proliferation of symmetrically dividing adult stem cells, which either remain stem cells or differentiate based on their niche position. Here we demonstrate that in zebrafish lateral line sensory organs, stem and progenitor cell proliferation are independently regulated by two cyclinD genes. Loss of ccnd2a impairs stem cell proliferation during development, while loss of ccndx …
Scientists discover how two distinct genes guide regeneration of sensory cells in zebrafish
While humans can regularly replace certain cells, like those in our blood and gut, we cannot naturally regrow most other parts of the body. For example, when the tiny sensory hair cells in our inner ears are damaged, the result is often permanent hearing loss, deafness, or balance problems.
Can zebrafish help humans regrow hearing cells?
Zebrafish can regenerate sensory hair cells that humans permanently lose, like those in the inner ear linked to hearing and balance. New research reveals two specific genes that control how different supporting cells in zebrafish divide and regenerate, offering clues to how mammals might someday tap into similar regenerative powers.
Regrowing hearing cells: New gene functions discovered in zebrafish offer clues for future hearing loss treatments
While humans can regularly replace certain cells, like those in our blood and gut, we cannot naturally regrow most other parts of the body. For example, when the tiny sensory hair cells in our inner ears are damaged, the result is often permanent hearing loss, deafness, or balance problems. In contrast, animals like fish, frogs, and chicks regenerate sensory hair cells effortlessly.
Advanced custom-made hearing protection at KITE 2025 - KZN Industrial Business News
THE H.A.S.S. Group is excited to showcase Noise-Ban at the KwaZulu-Natal Industrial Technology Exhibition (KITE) 2025. At this premier event, the company will highlight its full range of custom-made hearing protection solutions tailored for high-noise environments. “We’re passionate about protecting people’s hearing while helping them stay connected and productive,” says Stanley Fabri, sales manager for Noise-Ban. “KITE 2025 is the ideal platfor…
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