  Gene transfer in inner ear cells: a challenging raceSacheli, Rosalie  ; Delacroix, Laurence ; Van Den Ackerveken, Priscilla et alin Gene Therapy (2012) Recent advances in human genomics led to the identification of numerous defective genes causing deafness, which represent novel putative therapeutic targets. Future gene-based treatment of deafness ... [more ▼] Recent advances in human genomics led to the identification of numerous defective genes causing deafness, which represent novel putative therapeutic targets. Future gene-based treatment of deafness resulting from genetic or acquired sensorineural hearing loss may include strategies ranging from gene therapy to antisense delivery. For successful development of gene therapies, a minimal requirement involves the engineering of appropriate gene carrier systems. Transfer of exogenous genetic material into the mammalian inner ear using viral or non-viral vectors has been characterized over the last decade. The nature of inner ear cells targeted, as well as the transgene expression level and duration, are highly dependent on the vector type, the route of administration and the strength of the promoter driving expression. This review summarizes and discusses recent advances in inner ear gene-transfer technologies aimed at examining gene function or identifying new treatment for inner ear disorders. [less ▲] Detailed reference viewed: 26 (8 ULg)Expression patterns of miR-96, miR-182 and miR-183 in the development inner earSacheli, Rosalie ; Nguyen, Laurent ; Borgs, Laurence et alin Gene Expression Patterns (2009) MicroRNAs (miRNAs) constitute a class of small non-coding endogenous RNAs that downregulate gene expression by binding to 3' untranslated region (UTR) of target messenger RNAs. Although they have been ... [more ▼] MicroRNAs (miRNAs) constitute a class of small non-coding endogenous RNAs that downregulate gene expression by binding to 3' untranslated region (UTR) of target messenger RNAs. Although they have been found to regulate developmental and physiological processes in several organs and tissues, their role in the regulation of the inner ear transcriptome remains unknown. In this report, we have performed systematic in situ hybridization to analyze the temporal and spatial distribution of three miRNAs (miR-96, mR-182, and mR-183) that are likely to arise from a single precursor RNA during the development and the maturation of the cochlea. Strikingly we found that the expression of mR-96, mR-182 and mR-183 was highly dynamic during the development of the cochlea, from the patterning to the differentiation of the main cochlear structures. [less ▲] Detailed reference viewed: 71 (19 ULg) |
||
