Korean J Otorhinolaryngol-Head Neck Surg.  2013 Dec;56(12):749-753. 10.3342/kjorl-hns.2013.56.12.749.

Endogenous Stem Cells in the Ear

• Park KH

• KMID: 1798110
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.3342/kjorl-hns.2013.56.12.749

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.

Keyword

Adult stem cell; Ear

MeSH Terms

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