Conditional knockout of Dkk3 drives Lgr5+ progenitor reprogramming into hair cells in the mouse cochlea

Theranostics 2026 Open access

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Authors: Hairong Xiao, Xinlin Wang, Zixuan Ye, Xin Tan, Ying Ma, Xiangyu Ma, Wei Tong, Luying Zhang, Yanqin Lin, Xujun Tang, Huiling Zhang, Jinxian Wan
+3 more Qiuyue Zhang, Renjie Chai, Shasha Zhang
DOI: 10.7150/thno.131808
Cited by: 1

Abstract

Background: Neonatal cochlear Lgr5+ progenitors possess a transient regenerative capacity that diminishes rapidly after birth, severely limiting the potential for hearing restoration. Identifying the molecular mechanisms that restrict this plasticity is critical for developing effective regenerative therapies to treat hearing loss (HL). Methods: cKO cochlea to elucidate the underlying molecular signaling networks. Results: cKO may activate a pro-regenerative network involving the Wnt, Hedgehog, and mTOR signaling pathways. Conclusions: represents a promising therapeutic strategy for functional and durable HC reprogramming.

Fields of Study & Subjects

Hearing Cochlea Tinnitus Genetics Developmental Biology and Gene Regulation Hair Growth and Disorders

Publication details

Journal / source
Theranostics
Publisher
Ivyspring International Publisher
Volume
16
Issue
12
Pages
6911–6927
Publication date
18 May 2026
Language
EN