Bernd Fritzsch

Irx3/5 define the cochlear sensory domain and regulate vestibular and cochlear sensory patterning in the mammalian inner ear

This study shows that Irx3/5 genes are critical for patterning vestibular and cochlear sensory domains in the mammalian inner ear, with their deletion causing structural and cellular abnormalities in the cochlea.

Genetic and pharmacologic alterations of claudin9 levels suffice to induce functional and mature inner hair cells

This study shows reducing Cldn9 levels pharmacogenetically generates functional inner hair cells in mice, which are durable and resemble normal cells.

ISL1 is necessary for auditory neuron development and contributes towards tonotopic organization

This study shows that ISL1 is essential for auditory neuron development and tonotopic organization, but central plasticity cannot fully compensate for peripheral dysfunction.

Brg1 controls neurosensory cell fate commitment and differentiation in the mammalian inner ear

This study identifies Brg1's role in specifying neurosensory lineage and differentiation in the mammalian inner ear by interacting with Eya1/Six1 and regulating chromatin structure.