The Genetics Podcast EP 213: Inside the science of hearing loss and gene therapy for deafness with Ellen Reisinger of the University of Tübingen
This week on The Genetics Podcast, Patrick is joined by Dr. Ellen Reisinger, Professor and group leader at the University of Tübingen. They discuss her journey into hearing loss research, why otoferlin has become a leading target for gene therapy, and the emerging science shaping the next generation of treatments.
Show Notes:
0:00 Intro to The Genetics Podcast
00:59 Welcome to Ellen
01:52 Ellen’s career path that coincidentally led to her work on otoferlin-related hearing loss
03:22 Mechanism and advantages of the dual adenoassociated virus (AAV) system
05:35 The genetic landscape of early-onset hearing loss and why otoferlin stands out
07:42 Why otoferlin-related deafness is an ideal target for postnatal gene therapy development
09:53 Potential next gene therapy targets beyond otoferlin and associated challenges
13:13 Carrier and newborn screening as approaches to preventing hereditary hearing loss
14:37 How far the field is from prenatal gene therapy and why it remains unlikely in the near term
16:07 Exploring gene-agnostic and protective approaches to prevent or slow hearing loss
18:22 How genetics and environment interact in age-related hearing loss
20:00 Current research focus of Ellen’s group on degenerative hearing loss genes and uncovering cell death mechanisms
22:05 Using mouse models and human organoids to study hearing loss mechanisms
23:42 Emerging gene editing approaches
25:20 Ellen’s research journey from biochemistry to leading gene therapy research in hearing loss
27:54 Unanswered questions about how inner hair cells release neurotransmitters
29:21 Comparing outcomes of gene therapy and cochlear implants for hearing restoration and differences across languages
34:20 Closing remarks
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