The Heller Lab
Our laboratory works on inner ear development and regeneration, as well as on the biology of sensory hair cells, the mechanosensitive cells of the inner ear. Using molecular biological and bioinformatics-based approaches, we aim to fundamentally understand the mechanisms of inner ear cell regeneration in animals such as chickens that recover naturally from hearing loss. We further utilize stem cell-based in vitro assays to assess suitable regenerative targets that can be activated with drugs, and exploring reprogramming as well as cell transplantation strategies for the treatment of hearing loss.
