Summary of Gene Therapy Breakthrough in Treatment of Age-Related Hearing Loss:
Researchers at Mass Eye and Ear have used adeno-associated virus (AAV) vectors in gene therapies to treat genetic hearing loss in aged mouse models. The breakthrough suggests the potential for similar therapies to treat genetic hearing loss in the human-aged population. By 2050, one in 10 individuals is expected to live with some form of hearing loss, and genetic hearing loss is challenging to treat. AAV vectors have shown promise but have not yet been proven in fully mature or aged animal models. However, the Mass Eye and Ear research demonstrates that these could be feasible therapies for patients with genetic hearing loss.
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Using Gene Therapy to Treat Age-Related Hearing Loss: A Breakthrough Study with Promising Results
Hearing loss is a common age-related issue that affects millions of people worldwide. While hearing aids and cochlear implants are currently available to help alleviate hearing loss, these treatments offer limited relief, and no available treatment can prevent or reverse genetic hearing loss. However, Mass Eye and Ear researchers have discovered a promising solution using adeno-associated virus (AAV) vectors in gene therapies to treat age-related hearing loss in mouse models.
The Need for Gene Therapies to Treat Age-Related Hearing Loss
According to the World Health Organization, hearing loss affects roughly 466 million people worldwide, expected to rise to 900 million by 2050. Age-related hearing loss is one of the most prevalent forms of the condition. With an aging population, scientists are looking to gene therapies as an alternative solution to treat and prevent gene-related hearing loss.
The Potential of Adeno-Associated Virus (AAV) Vectors in Gene Therapies
Scientists have long sought proof-of-concept in older mouse models before testing it on humans with genetic hearing loss. Adeno-associated viruses (AAVs) are a promising tool in gene therapies and have restored hearing in neonatal animals with genetic defects. However, until now, AAVVectors have been unable to demonstrate the same effect on fully mature or aged animal models.
Mass Eye and Ear’s Breakthrough Study
Researchers from Mass Eye and Ear, a member of Mass General Brigham, recently became the first to demonstrate AAV vector efficacy in aged animal models. They used age-matched mice models with a mutation equivalent to a defective TMPRSS3 human gene, typically resulting in progressive hearing loss. Researchers injected the animals with an AAV carrying a healthy human TMPRSS3 gene and saw remarkable results. In Molecular Therapy, the researchers reported hearing rescue in the aged mice indicating robust efficacy in aged animal models for the first time.
What the Results Mean for Gene Therapies in the Human-Aged Population
The research from Mass Eye and Ear’s breakthrough study point to the potential of virally mediated gene therapies for treating age-related genetic hearing loss. Their findings could benefit millions worldwide who experience hearing loss due to genetic factors. This study’s results suggest gene therapies could treat genetic hearing loss, either by itself or combined with other treatments such as cochlear implants. The study could also establish the feasibility of other gene therapies for treating age-related hearing loss.
Conclusion
Researchers at Mass Eye and Ear have made a significant breakthrough in discovering the potential of using adeno-associated virus vectors in gene therapies to treat age-related hearing loss. The study’s findings indicate robust efficacy in aged animal models and point to the potential of virally mediated gene therapies for treating age-related hearing loss in humans. While more research is needed, these promising findings provide hope for millions worldwide who experience age-related hearing loss.
