Identification and expansion of sensory epithelial stem cell from human inner ear organoid

2023 Fiscal Year Final Research Report

• Project/Area Number: 21K09638
• Research Category: Grant-in-Aid for Scientific Research (C)
• Allocation Type: Multi-year Fund
• Section: 一般
• Review Section: Basic Section 56050:Otorhinolaryngology-related
• Research Institution: Kyoto Prefectural University of Medicine
• Principal Investigator: Nakamura Takashi 京都府立医科大学, 医学(系)研究科(研究院), 助教 (80724179)
• Project Period (FY): 2021-04-01 – 2024-03-31
• Keywords: 内耳オルガノイド / 内耳有毛細胞 / SOX2

Outline of Final Research Achievements

In this study, we attempted to isolate and culture LGR5 and SOX2 positive inner ear stem cells from inner ear organoids differentiated from human ES cells. While isolation and culture of the former proved challenging due to low expression efficiency, the latter was successfully isolated and cultured using reporter cells. This enabled us to analyze the characteristics of sensory epithelial cells and confirm their potential to differentiate into inner ear hair cells. Notably, organoid induction experiments using SOX2 positive cells demonstrated higher efficiency in the expression of genes specific to inner ear hair cells compared to traditional methods.

Free Research Field

内耳再生

Academic Significance and Societal Importance of the Research Achievements

本研究成果は、内耳再生医療の実現に向けた重要な一歩となる可能性を秘めている。難聴患者数が増加する中、内耳有毛細胞の再生を目指した本技術は、感音難聴の根本的な治療法開発に貢献すると考えられる。また、内耳オルガノイドを用いた新たな研究手法は、内耳の発生や病態解明にも寄与し、再生医療分野全体の進展に寄与することが期待される。