This is an inner ear organoid, with sensing neurons reaching like jellyfish tentacles, and vessels weaving like currents through a luminous sea. Human inner ear organoids uniquely self-develop both neurons and blood vessels, creating a physiologically accurate model for studying drug-induced hearing loss in the lab.
Impact
Hearing loss is permanent and incurable. By using vascularized and innervated inner ear organoids, which mimic the blood-labyrinth barrier, we can better understand and prevent drug-induced damage, thereby bringing us closer to restoring hearing for patients worldwide.
reNEW research
In our lab, we use stem cells to create 3D inner ear organoids that model the human hearing organ. These organoids self-assemble into structures called otic vesicles, which include sensory cells, neurons, and vessels. Not only can we study damage and toxicity, but we can also explore protective therapies to combat this.
Image description
Self-assembled, vascularized, and innervated stem cell-derived inner ear organoids showing CD31+ vessels and TUBB3+ neurons.
Credits
Amy Lucassen, PhD candidate, Locher Lab, reNEW Leiden.
