The epigenetic regulation of sensorineural deafness

Abstract

Sensorineural deafness is a common defect and related to the structural and functional abnormality of the sensory nerve epithelial cells in the cochlea. A growing number of studies have found that epigenetic mechanisms, such as DNA methylation and histone modification, are also important factors in the occurrence of deafness in addition to genetic factors. This article summarizes recent findings concerning the role of epigenetics in deafness and the epigenetic strategies to restore hearing.