支持细胞在哺乳动物耳蜗发育及功能中的作用

Role of the supporting cells in the development and function of mammalian cochlea

耳蜗的感觉上皮细胞有毛细胞和支持细胞两种类型。许多研究旨在探讨听力损失的基本机制，重点针对毛细胞和螺旋神经元，较少关注支持细胞。目前对支持细胞作用的了解已从单纯的结构支持扩展到耳蜗毛细胞分化发育、耳蜗离子稳态、毛细胞感音功能的调节以及突触发生发育、毛细胞损伤修复的多个方面。本文对支持细胞在哺乳动物耳蜗发育及功能中的关键作用做一综述。

The sensory epithelia of the cochlea contains two major cell types, namely hair cells and supporting ceils. Many studies aiming to investigate the underlying mechanisms of hearing loss focus on the hair cells and spiral ganglion neurons of the inner ear, while fewer studies on the supporting cell. Current understanding of the role of supporting cells has expanded from structural support to the development of cochlear homeostasis, regulation of the function of hair cells, and the development of synapses and the repair of hair cell damage. Here we review recent studies that highlight the critical roles supporting cells play in the development and function of mammalian cochlea.