BIONIC EAR: The bionic ear, a new approch to trigger repair mechanisms in the inner ear

• Research unit: EU RFP
• Project number: 02.0441

Key words (English)

Life Sciences; Medicine; Health; Scientific Research

Alternative project number (English)

EU project number: QLG3-CT-2000-01343

Research programs (English)

EU-programme: 5. Frame Research Programme - 1.1.9 Support for research infrastructures

Short description (German)

Siehe Abstract

Abstract (German)

This project aims at designing a new therapeutic approach for the restoration of sensory function after damage in the inner ear auditory and balance organs. This goal will be reached through the better understanding of the regenerative and 'neo- synaptogenesis' potential of inner ear sensory neurons and on how this potential can be enhanced in in vivo in hearing impaired animals. Stem cell lines from normal animals and form transgenic animals over expressing neurotrophic factors will be established and these cells will be further manipulated using genetic engineering. The ability of these cells to support regeneration in the inner ear will be assessed with functional in vitro and in vivo approaches. This cell therapy approach will be combined with existing biopolymer implants and with existing cochlear electrode prosthesis into a BIOELECTRODE implant.

References in databases (English)

Swiss Database: Euro-DB of the
State Secretariat for Education and Research
Hallwylstrasse 4
CH-3003 Berne, Switzerland
Tel. [phone]
Swiss Project-Number: 02.0441