EP 213: Inside the science of hearing loss and gene therapy for deafness with Ellen Reisinger of the University of Tübingen
NOV 13, 202535 MIN
EP 213: Inside the science of hearing loss and gene therapy for deafness with Ellen Reisinger of the University of Tübingen
NOV 13, 202535 MIN
Description
<p>This week on The Genetics Podcast, Patrick is joined by Dr. Ellen Reisinger, Professor and group leader at the University of Tübingen. They discuss her journey into hearing loss research, why otoferlin has become a leading target for gene therapy, and the emerging science shaping the next generation of treatments.</p><p><strong>Show Notes: </strong></p><p><strong>0:00 </strong>Intro to The Genetics Podcast</p><p><strong>00:59</strong> Welcome to Ellen</p><p><strong>01:52</strong> Ellen’s career path that coincidentally led to her work on otoferlin-related hearing loss</p><p><strong>03:22 </strong>Mechanism and advantages of the dual adenoassociated virus (AAV) system </p><p><strong>05:35</strong> The genetic landscape of early-onset hearing loss and why otoferlin stands out</p><p><strong>07:42</strong> Why otoferlin-related deafness is an ideal target for postnatal gene therapy development</p><p><strong>09:53 </strong>Potential next gene therapy targets beyond otoferlin and associated challenges</p><p><strong>13:13 </strong>Carrier and newborn screening as approaches to preventing hereditary hearing loss</p><p><strong>14:37 </strong>How far the field is from prenatal gene therapy and why it remains unlikely in the near term</p><p><strong>16:07 </strong>Exploring gene-agnostic and protective approaches to prevent or slow hearing loss</p><p><strong>18:22 </strong>How genetics and environment interact in age-related hearing loss</p><p><strong>20:00 </strong>Current research focus of Ellen’s group on degenerative hearing loss genes and uncovering cell death mechanisms</p><p><strong>22:05 </strong>Using mouse models and human organoids to study hearing loss mechanisms</p><p><strong>23:42 </strong>Emerging gene editing approaches </p><p><strong>25:20 </strong>Ellen’s research journey from biochemistry to leading gene therapy research in hearing loss<strong> </strong></p><p><strong>27:54 </strong>Unanswered questions about how inner hair cells release neurotransmitters</p><p><strong>29:21 </strong>Comparing outcomes of gene therapy and cochlear implants for hearing restoration and differences across languages</p><p><strong>34:20 </strong>Closing remarks</p><p>Please consider rating and reviewing us on your chosen podcast listening platform! </p><p><a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Bp2_wVNSzntTs_zuoizU8bX1dvao4jfj/view?usp=share_link"><u>https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Bp2_wVNSzntTs_zuoizU8bX1dvao4jfj/view?usp=share_link</u></a><br></p>