Yasheng Yuan, Ph.D.

Meet the Researcher

Yasheng Yuan, Ph.D is a postdoctoral fellow in the laboratory of Albert Edge, Ph.D., at Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary with an academic appointment at Harvard Medical School. He is an ENT surgeon and an associate professor at Shanghai ENT hospital, Fudan University, China.

The Research

Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary
Regeneration of auditory neurons using stem cells

Hearing loss is usually permanent, and there are no effective interventions available to reverse symptoms by repair of damage. The overall goal of this research is to develop a cell-based therapy to replace auditory neurons. We have shown that neural progenitor cells derived from mouse embryonic stem (ES) cells transplanted into the auditory nerve send out fibers that grow to hair cells and to the cochlear nucleus. In this proposal, we will specifically address this issue through the use of a new mouse ES cell line for tracing the grafted cells and new procedures for detection of the synapses. We will connect the location of the new synapses with auditory function throughout the frequency range of the cochlea. Our study is composed of two related, specific aims. In the first aim we will assess auditory function after cell transplantation. In the second aim we will connect the synaptic counts to functional improvement in specific frequency regions.

Research areas: sensorineural hearing loss, stem cells and regeneration

Long-term goal of research: to find biological treatments for hearing loss. Hearing loss has lifelong consequences for individuals and their family. Hearing is mediated by hair cells, which convert sound vibrations into electric signals that are conveyed to the brain through the auditory nerve. Damage to hair cells and the auditory nerve result in hearing loss. Since mammals lack the regenerative capacity to replace hair cells and auditory nerve, hearing loss is usually permanent and there is no effective intervention to reverse the loss of these cells. Our previous work has demonstrated that neurons derived from stem cells can survive and re-innervate the cochlea. The proposed work will investigate a new approach to cell transplantation that will allow us to directly measure cell replacement and its effect on hearing.