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Transcriptomic analysis highlights cochlear inflammation associated with age-related hearing loss in C57BL/6 mice
Zhongwu Su1,2, Hao Xiong1,2, Yi Liu3
1Department of Otolaryngology, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China.
Peerj
|September 4, 2020
Summary
Age-related hearing loss involves significant changes in cochlear gene expression, particularly related to inflammation. This study identifies key inflammatory and immune response genes contributing to age-related hearing loss mechanisms.
Area of Science:
- Otolaryngology
- Genomics
- Aging Research
Background:
- Age-related hearing loss (AHL) is a prevalent sensory disorder in aging populations.
- The precise mechanisms of cochlear degeneration during aging remain incompletely understood.
- Understanding AHL molecular pathways is crucial for developing effective interventions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate age-related changes in cochlear gene expression using transcriptomic analysis.
- To identify key molecular pathways and genes involved in cochlear aging.
- To elucidate the role of inflammation in age-related hearing loss.
Main Methods:
- Whole transcriptome sequencing of cochlea from young and aged C57BL/6 mice.
- Identification of differentially expressed genes (DEGs) using Cuffdiff software.
- Gene Ontology (GO) and KEGG pathway enrichment analyses of DEGs.
Main Results:
- 731 differentially expressed genes identified in aged mouse cochlea.
- Upregulated genes enriched in immune and inflammatory pathways.
- Downregulated genes associated with ion channel function and neuronal signaling.
- Hydrogen peroxide treatment induced inflammation and necroptosis genes in auditory cells.
Conclusions:
- Transcriptomic analysis reveals significant age-related gene expression differences in the mouse cochlea.
- Multiple immune and inflammatory transcriptomic alterations are associated with cochlear aging.
- The study provides novel insights into molecular mechanisms of cochlear inflammation in AHL.
