Related Experiment Video
Updated: Apr 5, 2026

Initiating Differentiation in Immortalized Multipotent Otic Progenitor Cells
Published on: January 2, 2016
Endogenous Sox2 expression is essential for Atoh1-induced hair cell addition and regeneration in the mouse utricle
Yu-Tong Yang1, Jing-Ying Guo1, Jun-Yi Xu1
1Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Beijing Friendship Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100050, China; Clinical Center for Hearing Loss, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100050, China.
Abstract:
The limited regenerative capacity of vestibular hair cells (HCs) in mammals is one of the causes of permanent balance disorders. The transcription factor Atoh1 has been identified as a potential candidate for inducing HC regeneration. However, regulation of Atoh1 alone has proven insufficient to achieve functional recovery of the mammalian vestibule. Elucidating the mechanisms underlying Atoh1-induced regeneration may therefore inform strategies to enhance its therapeutic efficacy. Endogenous Sox2 is required for Atoh1-associated HC formation during embryonic development, yet its role in Atoh1 overexpression-induced HC formation after birth remains unclear. In this study, we conditionally knocked down Sox2 while overexpressing Atoh1 in the utricle of neonatal mice or in diphtheria-toxin-injured adult mice. Atoh1 overexpression stimulated supporting cell proliferation and new HC formation in neonates; however, concomitant Sox2 knockdown attenuated the effects. In the diphtheria-toxin-injured adult utricle, Sox2 downregulation similarly weakened Atoh1-induced HC regeneration. These findings demonstrate that endogenous Sox2 expression is essential for Atoh1-induced HC addition and regeneration in the mouse utricle.
Related Concept Videos
Pleiotropy
Role Of Notch Signalling In Intestinal Stem Cell Renewal
Direct cell-to-cell contact is needed for the activation of Notch signaling. The signal is initiated when a notch ligand binds to a receptor on an adjacent cell, also...
Unrenewable Cells
Photoreceptors
The retina is composed of several layers and contains specialized cells called photoreceptors. The photoreceptors (rods and cones) change their membrane potential when stimulated by light energy. There are two types of photoreceptors—rods and cones—which differ in the shape of...
Multipotency and Niche of Bulge Stem Cell
Hair Cells
Hedgehog Signaling Pathway

