"Improved nerve survival and controlled nerve fibre growth will benefit cochlear implant users by restoring nerve pathways and improving cochlear implant function".
"Site-specific gene transfer of neurotrophins in the cochlea for directing growth of regenerating neurons after deafness
Improving our ability to control the regeneration of nerves to the correct place
This is a three-year project led by Dr Rachael Richardson at the University of Melbourne. It will finish in March 2012.
Background
There is often a long interval between the onset of deafness and intervention, such as cochlear implantation. This interval results in degeneration of the auditory nerve and can mean that an implant is less effective. Nerve growth factors (neurotrophins) have been shown to rescue nerves from degeneration and cause regeneration. In a previous RNID-funded project, Dr Richardson and her team successfully introduced neurotrophins into the inner ear which encouraged nerves to re-grow. However, techniques need to be improved to allow more accurate guidance of the re-growing nerve to the place where it will be most useful.
Aim
The team proposes to use viral-mediated neurotrophin gene transfer to the organ of Corti within the cochlea (inner ear), where auditory nerve fibres terminate in normal cochleae. This will create a source of neurotrophins that can act as a directional cue to restore the highly structured organisation of auditory nerve fibres after deafness.
Benefit
Improved nerve survival and controlled nerve fibre growth will benefit cochlear implant users by restoring nerve pathways and improving cochlear implant function. The technology could also protect those at risk of hearing loss by protecting auditory nerves".
source: RNID.org.uk: How we help: Research and technology: Biomedical research: Our research: Projects archive: Restoring hearing
"Site-specific gene transfer of neurotrophins in the cochlea for directing growth of regenerating neurons after deafness
Improving our ability to control the regeneration of nerves to the correct place
This is a three-year project led by Dr Rachael Richardson at the University of Melbourne. It will finish in March 2012.
Background
There is often a long interval between the onset of deafness and intervention, such as cochlear implantation. This interval results in degeneration of the auditory nerve and can mean that an implant is less effective. Nerve growth factors (neurotrophins) have been shown to rescue nerves from degeneration and cause regeneration. In a previous RNID-funded project, Dr Richardson and her team successfully introduced neurotrophins into the inner ear which encouraged nerves to re-grow. However, techniques need to be improved to allow more accurate guidance of the re-growing nerve to the place where it will be most useful.
Aim
The team proposes to use viral-mediated neurotrophin gene transfer to the organ of Corti within the cochlea (inner ear), where auditory nerve fibres terminate in normal cochleae. This will create a source of neurotrophins that can act as a directional cue to restore the highly structured organisation of auditory nerve fibres after deafness.
Benefit
Improved nerve survival and controlled nerve fibre growth will benefit cochlear implant users by restoring nerve pathways and improving cochlear implant function. The technology could also protect those at risk of hearing loss by protecting auditory nerves".
source: RNID.org.uk: How we help: Research and technology: Biomedical research: Our research: Projects archive: Restoring hearing
