About Alan Cheng
Our laboratory is interested in the signaling pathways that maintain the inner ear stem/progenitor cells. Unlike the lower vertebrates, sensory hair cell loss in mammals is irreversible. However, a defined population of inner ear supporting cells exhibits stem cell behavior (self-renewal and pluripotency). The reason why these inner ear stem cells disappear rapidly during early postnatal development is unclear. In collaboration with Stefan Heller, we are currently using fluorescent activated cell sorting methods to purify and enrich this defined cell population. This cell population is then analyzed both in vitro and in vivo to characterize their stem cell behavior as well as ability to regenerate hair cells and supporting cells. Our long-term goal is to activate these inner ear stem cells to restore hearing.
Another area of interest in our laboratory is to understand the mechanisms underlying aminoglycoside toxicity. Little is known about how aminoglycosides enter hair cells. In collaboration with Tony Ricci, we are currently testing the hypothesis that mechanotransduction channels are the main avenue of entry. By modulating the permeability of these channels, we hope to decrease the accumulation of aminoglycosides in hair cells and thus their toxicity. Our long-term goal is to prevent sensory hair cell loss.
