title: Signaling in the Auditory System: Implications in Hair Cell Regeneration and Hearing Function.
abstract: Ear is a sensitive organ involved in hearing and balance function. The complex signaling network in the auditory system plays a crucial role in maintaining normal physiological function of the ear. The inner ear comprises a variety of host signaling pathways working in synergy to deliver clear sensory messages. Any disruption, as minor as it can be, has the potential to affect this finely tuned system with temporary or permanent sequelae including vestibular deficits and hearing loss. Mutations linked to auditory symptoms, whether inherited or acquired, are being actively researched for ways to reverse, silence, or suppress them. In this article, we discuss recent advancements in understanding the pathways involved in auditory system signaling, from hair cell development through transmission to cortical centers. Our review discusses Notch and Wnt signaling, cell to cell communication through connexin and pannexin channels, and the detrimental effects of reactive oxygen species on the auditory system. There has been an increased interest in the auditory community to explore the signaling system in the ear for hair cell regeneration. Understanding signaling pathways in the auditory system will pave the way for the novel avenues to regenerate sensory hair cells and restore hearing function. J. Cell. Physiol. 232: 2710-2721, 2017. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
authors.affiliation: Department of Otolaryngology, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, Florida.
authors.forename: Rahul
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Mittal
authors.affiliation: Department of Otolaryngology, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, Florida.
authors.forename: Luca H
authors.initials: LH
authors.lastname: Debs
authors.affiliation: Department of Otolaryngology, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, Florida.
authors.forename: Desiree
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Nguyen
authors.affiliation: Department of Otolaryngology, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, Florida.
authors.forename: Amit P
authors.initials: AP
authors.lastname: Patel
authors.affiliation: Department of Otolaryngology, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, Florida.
authors.forename: M'hamed
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Grati
authors.affiliation: Department of Otolaryngology, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, Florida.
authors.forename: Jeenu
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Mittal
authors.affiliation: Department of Otolaryngology, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, Florida.
authors.forename: Denise
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Yan
authors.affiliation: Department of Otolaryngology, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, Florida.
authors.forename: Adrien A
authors.initials: AA
authors.lastname: Eshraghi
authors.affiliation: Department of Otolaryngology, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, Florida.
authors.forename: Xue Zhong
authors.initials: XZ
authors.lastname: Liu
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D001306:Auditory Pathways / Q000378:metabolism / Q000473:pathology; D002454:Cell Differentiation; D049109:Cell Proliferation; D017630:Connexins / Q000378:metabolism; D006198:Hair Cells, Auditory / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000473:pathology; D006309:Hearing; D006801:Humans; D007760:Labyrinth Supporting Cells / Q000378:metabolism / Q000473:pathology; D019255:NADPH Oxidases / Q000378:metabolism; D010641:Phenotype; D051880:Receptors, Notch / Q000378:metabolism*; D012038:Regeneration; D051153:Wnt Proteins / Q000378:metabolism*; D060449:Wnt Signaling Pathway
chemical_list: D017630:Connexins; D051880:Receptors, Notch; D051153:Wnt Proteins; D019255:NADPH Oxidases