Cellular autophagy, the compelling roles in hearing function and dysfunction

Huanzhi Wan; Yuanyuan Zhang; Qingquan Hua

doi:10.3389/fncel.2022.966202

Cellular autophagy, the compelling roles in hearing function and dysfunction

Front Cell Neurosci. 2022 Sep 30:16:966202. doi: 10.3389/fncel.2022.966202. eCollection 2022.

Authors

Huanzhi Wan^{1

2}, Yuanyuan Zhang^{1

2}, Qingquan Hua^{1

2}

Affiliations

¹ Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China.
² Research Institute of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China.

Abstract

Sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL) is currently a major health issue. As one of the most common neurodegenerative diseases, SNHL is associated with the degradation of hair cells (HCs), spiral ganglion neurons (SGNs), the stria vascularis, supporting cells and central auditory system cells. Autophagy is a highly integrated cellular system that eliminates impaired components and replenishes energy to benefit cellular homeostasis. Etiological links between autophagy alterations and neurodegenerative diseases, such as SNHL, have been established. The hearing pathway is complex and depends on the comprehensive functions of many types of tissues and cells in auditory system. In this review, we discuss the roles of autophagy in promoting and inhibiting hearing, paying particular attention to specific cells in the auditory system, as discerned through research. Hence, our review provides enlightening ideas for the role of autophagy in hearing development and impairment.

Keywords: auditory cells; auditory pathway; autophagy; cochlea; sensorineural hearing loss.

Publication types

Review