Our goal is to develop
new therapeutic strategies against inner ear pathologies
(deafness, tinnitus, vertigo) for which clinicians currently
lack efficient treatments.
Research
on the Cochlea
1. Integration of the sensory message The interest of the cochlea group concerns the
mechanisms of synaptic transmission. Any abnormality
in the functioning of synaptic transmission leads to
tinnitus. We thus develop animal models in order to
test molecules that can protect against tinnitus. Main point: development of
integrated in vitro (explants, slices) and in vivo (acoustic
trauma, ototocity, tinnitus) models.
2. Development, protection and regeneration In the mammalian cochlea, destroyed sensory cells are
not replaced by new hair cells. Studies focusing on mechanisms
involved in generation and development of sensory and neural
auditory structures are thus required to better understand
the occurrence of early abnormalities of genetic or congenital
origin and to promote functional restoration after acoustic
trauma or ototoxicity. Our studies focus on the identification
of the molecular pathways specific to auditory hair cell development,
repair and regeneration. Main point: development of therapeutic
strategies.
3. Genes and physiology of the inner ear Our goals are 1) to identify, in both animal and human,
the genes involved in the physiology and the pathophysiology
of inner ear and 2) to develop animal models in order to establish
therapeutic strategies. We are studying in vitro and in vivo
the efficiency and routes of administration of various types
of vectors as well as different and their side-effects and
ways of preventing them. Main point: development of a research
axis on human genetics.
