Microglia are critical in brain development and Alzheimer's disease (AD) etiology. Down
syndrome (DS) is the most common genetic developmental disorder and risk factor for AD. …

Synonymous and noncoding single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the KCNJ6 gene,
encoding G protein-gated inwardly rectifying potassium channel subunit 2 (GIRK2), have …

Mutations in many synaptic genes are associated with autism spectrum disorders (ASD),
suggesting that synaptic dysfunction is a key driver of ASD pathogenesis. Among these …

Loss of spiral ganglion neurons (SGNs) significantly contributes to hearing loss. Otic progenitor
cell transplantation is a potential strategy to replace lost SGNs. Understanding how key …

Loss of sensory hair cells of the inner ear due to aminoglycoside exposure is a major cause
of hearing loss. Using an immortalized multipotent otic progenitor (iMOP) cell line, specific …

Although commitment to epidermal differentiation is generally considered to be irreversible,
differentiated keratinocytes (KCs) have been shown to maintain a regenerative potential and …

The sensory hair cells of the inner ear are exquisitely sensitive to ototoxic insults. Loss of hair
cells after exposure to ototoxic agents causes hearing loss. Chemotherapeutic agents such …

Use of human induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSC) or embryonic stem cells (ESC) for cell
replacement therapies holds great promise. Several limitations including low yields and …

Homeobox genes act at the top of genetic hierarchies to regulate cell specification and
differentiation during embryonic development. We identified the short stature homeobox domain …

Stem cell replacement therapy is a potential method for repopulating lost spiral ganglion
neurons (SGNs) in the inner ear. Efficacy of cell replacement relies on proper differentiation. …