Researchers Reverse Hearing Loss in Mice, Offering Hope for Human Treatments
A groundbreaking study conducted by researchers at The Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience (IoPPN) at King’s College London has successfully reversed hearing loss in mice using a genetic method. The method targeted the Spns2 gene, raising the possibility of similar treatments for humans.
The findings of the study, published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, reveal how the researchers used a genetic approach to restore hearing in mice affected by a faulty Spns2 gene, particularly in the low to middle-frequency areas. This proof-of-concept study suggests that hearing impairment resulting from reduced gene activity could potentially be reversed.
Hearing loss is a prevalent issue, with over half of adults in their 70s experiencing significant hearing loss. It is not only debilitating on its own but has also been linked to other conditions such as depression, cognitive decline, and dementia. While hearing aids and cochlear implants offer some assistance, they do not fully restore normal hearing function or slow down disease progression in the ear. As a result, there is a significant unmet need for medical interventions that can address hearing loss more effectively.
In this study, the researchers bred mice with an inactive Spns2 gene. Then, at various ages, the mice were provided with a special enzyme to activate the gene, resulting in improved hearing. The study found that the activation of Spns2 was most effective when done at a young age, with the positive effects diminishing as the intervention was delayed.
Professor Karen Steel, Professor of Sensory Function at King’s IoPPN and the senior author of the study, expressed optimism about the findings. She stated, “Degenerative diseases such as progressive hearing loss are often believed to be irreversible, but we have shown that at least one type of inner ear dysfunction can be reversed. This proof-of-concept study in mice using a genetic method should encourage research into methods like gene therapy or drugs to reactivate hearing in people with a similar type of hearing loss.”
Dr. Elisa Martelletti, the study’s first author from King’s IoPPN, shared her excitement about the results. “Seeing the once-deaf mice respond to sounds after treatment was truly thrilling. It was a pivotal moment, demonstrating the tangible potential to reverse hearing loss caused by defective genes. This groundbreaking proof-of-concept study unlocks new possibilities for future research, sparking hope for the development of treatments for hearing loss,” she said.
The study was made possible through funding from the Medical Research Council, Wellcome, and Decibel Therapeutics Inc. With further research and development, this genetic method could offer a promising avenue for the treatment of hearing loss in humans, providing hope for the millions affected by this condition.