Other inner-ear cell types

Other inner-ear cell types refers to the diverse population of non-sensory cells within the cochlea and vestibular system, such as supporting cells, stria vascularis cells, and spiral ganglion neurons (PubMed: 25614317). These cells are essential for maintaining the ionic environment, specifically the high-potassium endolymph, and providing structural and metabolic support to the sensory hair cells (PubMed: 17143301). For instance, the stria vascularis is responsible for generating the endocochlear potential via ion transporters like KCNQ1 and SLC12A2 (PubMed: 9173920). Mutations in genes expressed in these cells, such as GJB2 (encoding Connexin 26) in supporting cells, are leading causes of hereditary deafness (PubMed: 10441578). While not a single molecular target, these cell types are critical focal points for gene therapy and regenerative medicine aimed at treating sensorineural hearing loss and balance disorders (PubMed: 30739115).

Other names

Non-sensory inner ear cellsCochlear supporting cellsStria vascularis cellsSpiral ganglion neuronsVestibular supporting cellsDeiters cellsHensen cellsPillar cells

Not applicable as this is a broad cellular category rather than a specific molecular target.