Cochlear Neuron and Ribbon Synapse: Development, Degeneration, Repair and Regeneration

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Spiral ganglion neurons (SGNs) are bipolar primary neurons in the cochlea that transmit auditory information from the sensory hair cells in the organ of Corti to the brain. There are two types of SGNs: Type I (95%) innervate the inner hair cells (IHCs) and Type II (5%) connect to the outer hair cells in the organ of Corti. Each Type I SGN makes one synapse with one IHC but each IHC is innervated by ~10-20 Type I SGNs in rodents. Each of these synapses consists of a single postsynaptic density containing numerous glutamate receptors apposed to a presynaptic ribbon-type active zone of neurotransmitter (glutamate)-filled vesicles in the IHC.

Research over the last three decades has shown that loss of hair cells and/or SGNs is the leading cause of acquired sensorineural hearing loss that affects the quality of life of millions of people. Even if hair cell function is intact, hearing can be impaired by the loss of ribbon synapses between IHCs and SGNs. Such synaptopathy leads to gradual degeneration and ultimately death of SGNs and can occur due to noise overexposure, aging, or certain ototoxic drugs. 

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Media Contact:               

Sandra Jones                   

Journal Manager

Hair Therapy and Transplantation

Email: [email protected]