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Updated: Aug 15, 2026

Culture of Embryonic Mouse Cochlear Explants and Gene Transfer by Electroporation
Published on: January 12, 2015
Engraftment of embryonic stem cell-derived neurons into the cochlear modiolus
Takayuki Okano1, Takayuki Nakagawa, Tsuyoshi Endo
1Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Kyoto University Graduate School of Medicine, Shogoin, Kyoto, Japan.
Abstract:
This study aimed to evaluate the potential of embryonic stem cell-derived neural progenitors for use as transplants for the replacement of the auditory primary neurons, spiral ganglion neurons. Mouse embryonic stem cell-derived neural progenitors were implanted into the base of the cochlear modiolus of normal or deafened guinea pigs, which contains spiral ganglion neurons and cochlear nerve fibers. Histological analysis demonstrated the survival and neural differentiation of transplants in the cochlear modiolus and active neurite outgrowth of transplants toward host peripheral or central auditory systems. Functional assessments indicated the potential of transplanted embryonic stem cell-derived neural progenitors to elicit the functional recovery of damaged cochleae. These findings support the hypothesis that transplantation of embryonic stem cell-derived neural progenitors can contribute to the functional restoration of spiral ganglion neurons.
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