Auditory neuron (SGN)

Auditory neurons, primarily represented by spiral ganglion neurons (SGNs), are the essential bridge between the sensory hair cells of the cochlea and the central nervous system. These bipolar neurons transduce chemical signals from hair cells into electrical impulses, which are then transmitted via the auditory nerve to the brainstem for processing (StatPearls, 2023). Degeneration of auditory neurons is a primary cause of permanent sensorineural hearing loss and auditory neuropathy, often occurring secondary to hair cell loss or direct insult from noise and ototoxic drugs (NIDCD, 2022). While "auditory neuron" refers to a cell population rather than a single protein, these cells are the focus of regenerative medicine and otoprotective drug development. Current research targets these neurons using neurotrophic factors like BDNF and NT-3 to promote survival and neurite outgrowth (Frontiers in Cellular Neuroscience, 2021). They are also the unintended targets of ototoxic medications such as cisplatin and aminoglycoside antibiotics, which can trigger neuronal apoptosis. Understanding the survival signaling and electrophysiological properties of these neurons is critical for the advancement of cochlear implants and biological hearing restoration therapies.

Other names

Spiral ganglion neuronCochlear neuronPrimary auditory afferentAcoustic neuron

Activation of neurotrophic signaling pathways (TrkB/TrkC), modulation of voltage-gated ion channels, and induction of apoptotic cascades by ototoxic agents.