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Programmed cell death pathways in hearing loss: A review of apoptosis, autophagy and programmed necrosis

Junhao Wu1, Jing Ye2, Weili Kong1

  • 1Department of Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China.

Cell Proliferation
|October 13, 2020
PubMed

Insights

Programmed cell death (PCD) pathways, including apoptosis, autophagy, and necrosis, contribute to sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL) by damaging auditory hair cells. Understanding these PCD mechanisms is crucial for developing new treatments for hearing loss.

Area of Science:

  • Oto-neuroscience
  • Cellular Biology
  • Genetics

Background:

  • Sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL) involves the pathological death of auditory hair cells.
  • Ototoxic drugs, aging, and noise exposure are key factors inducing hair cell death via programmed cell death (PCD) pathways.
  • Genetic mutations in apoptotic genes are linked to monogenic forms of hearing loss (HL).

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the role of apoptosis, autophagy, and programmed necrosis in various types of hearing loss.
  • To discuss the therapeutic implications of understanding PCD in hearing loss.
  • To highlight the importance of PCD research for identifying novel drug targets.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of programmed cell death pathways in hearing loss.
  • Analysis of genetic mutations associated with monogenic hearing loss.
  • Discussion of pathogenic factors inducing auditory hair cell death.

Main Results:

  • Programmed cell death (PCD) pathways are implicated in the pathogenesis of SNHL.
  • Specific apoptotic gene mutations contribute to hereditary hearing loss.
  • Diverse factors trigger hair cell death through distinct PCD mechanisms.

Conclusions:

  • Programmed cell death plays a significant role in the development of hearing loss.
  • Further research into PCD pathways is essential for understanding HL pathogenesis.
  • Targeting PCD mechanisms offers potential for new therapeutic strategies for hearing loss.
Keywords:
apoptosisautophagyhearing lossprogrammed necrosis

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