Endogenous Stem Cells in the Ear.
10.3342/kjorl-hns.2013.56.12.749
- Author:
Kyoung Ho PARK
1
Author Information
1. Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, The Catholic University of Korea College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea. khpent@catholic.ac.kr
- Publication Type:In Vitro ; Review
- Keywords:
Adult stem cell;
Ear
- MeSH:
Adult;
Adult Stem Cells;
Biology;
Ear*;
Ear, Inner;
Hair;
Hearing;
Humans;
Labyrinth Diseases;
Nervous System;
Neurons;
Organ of Corti;
Regeneration;
Spiral Ganglion;
Stem Cells*;
Tympanic Membrane
- From:Korean Journal of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery
2013;56(12):749-753
- CountryRepublic of Korea
- Language:Korean
-
Abstract:
Basically stem cells have characteristics of multi-potency, differentiation into multiple tissue types, and self-renew through proliferation. Recent advances in stem cell biology can make identifying the stem-cell like cells in various mammalian tissues. Stem cells in various tissues can restore damaged tissue. Stem cells from the adult nervous system proliferate to form clonal floating colonies called spheres in vitro, and recent studies have demonstrated sphere formation by cells in the tympanic membrane, vestibular system, spiral ganglion, and partly in the organ of Corti. The presence of stem cells in the ear raises the possibilities for the regeneration of the tympanic membrane & inner ear hair cells & neurons. But the gradual loss of stem cells postnatally in the organ of Corti may correlate with the loss of regenerative capacity and limited hearing restoration. Future strategies using endogenous stem cells in the ear can be the another treatment modality for the patients with intractable inner ear diseases.
