Inner Ear Development and Regeneration

We are interested in several aspects of the physiology and pathofisiology of the auditory organ, including its development, damage and degeneration of auditory neurons and hair cells, and gene and cell therapy for the inner ear. At the molecular level we are focusing on members of the neurotrophin and Fibroblast growth factor (FGF) gene families, and several transcription factors. To analyse the functions of these gene families in vivo we are using transgenic mouse models. These experiments are complemented with in vitro studies using primary cell cultures. We are developing protocols directed to prevent hearing loss by gene or cell therapy.