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Review
. 2018 Oct;26(5):307-311.
doi: 10.1097/MOO.0000000000000477.

Molecular therapy for genetic and degenerative vestibular disorders

Zahra N Sayyid, Grace S Kim, Alan G Cheng
Review

Molecular therapy for genetic and degenerative vestibular disorders

Zahra N Sayyid et al. Curr Opin Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg. 2018 Oct.

Abstract

Purpose of review: The primary purpose of this review is to summarize current literature in the field of vestibular regeneration with a focus on recent developments in molecular and gene therapies.

Recent findings: Since the discovery of limited vestibular hair cell regeneration in mammals in the 1990s, many elegant studies have improved our knowledge of mechanisms of development and regeneration of the vestibular system. A better understanding of the developmental pathways of the vestibular organs has fueled various biological strategies to enhance regeneration, including novel techniques in deriving vestibular hair cells from embryonic and induced pluripotent stem cells. In addition, the identification of specific genetic mutations responsible for vestibular disorders has opened various opportunities for gene replacement therapy.

Summary: Vestibular dysfunction is a significant clinical problem with limited therapeutic options, warranting research on biological strategies to repair/regenerate the vestibular organs to restore function. The use of gene therapy appears promising in animal models of vestibular dysfunction.

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Conflict of interest statement

Conflicts of interest

There are no conflicts of interest.

Figures

FIGURE 1.
FIGURE 1.
Molecular therapy for vestibular dysfunction. Schematic of possible strategies for molecular therapies for vestibular dysfunction.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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