| abstract |
The invention relates to the generation of inner ear sensory epithelial cells through the manipulation of the expression level or function of the genes and/or proteins involved in the retinoblastoma (Rb) pathway, particularly retinoblastoma family members, such as Rb1. Methods for generating inner ear sensory epithelial cells and for restoring hearing or balance in a subject, therefore, are provided. The invention further relates to cell lines of inner ear sensory epithelial cells, such as progenitor, supporting or hair cells, where the expression level or function of the retinoblastoma genes and/or retinoblastoma proteins has been manipulated. In addition to these methods, compositions of agents for use in or the cells produced by such methods provided are also included. Finally, the invention also relates to methods and compositions for the generation of inner ear sensory epithelial cells through the manipulation of Isl-1 alone or in combination with the manipulation of retinoblastoma gene and/or retinoblastoma protein. |