This project will focus on integrating multiple datasets from the HRP to gain insight into hair cell development and regeneration and prioritize specific "driver" genes that can be targeted to induce regeneration. The main premise is that we will be able to regenerate hair cells if we activate the correct set of hair cell–promoting genes in supporting cells. This process is called transdifferentiation, and it occurs naturally in species such as birds and fish, but not in the inner ear of adult mammals. HRP researchers have generated numerous genomic datasets that describe cochlear development and transdifferentiation in multiple species. By analyzing all of these data together using sophisticated network analysis tools, we aim to identify which genes are involved in these processes as well as key differences that may explain the inability of human and mouse cells to transdifferentiate. Finally, this will enable the identification of genes that can be targeted to enable transdifferentiation.