In this presentation, I will
introduce different populations of stem cells from embryonic and adult sources and describe
the potential of these stem cells to differentiate into inner ear cell types in vitro and in vivo. In particular stem cells isolated from the inner ear appear to be quite potent to give rise to inner ear cell types after transplantation. I will
introduce and compare
different sphere-forming stem cells and progenitor cells isolated from different parts of the inner ear. Experimental approaches to replace lost hair cells and spiral ganglion neurons in mouse and gerbil model systems will be discussed. Finally, I will focus on the use of genetically modified stem cells for high-throughput screening for compounds that are effective in inner ear cell regeneration