Stem cell-based approaches: Possible route to hearing restoration?

Figure 3 Considerations on the presence of a putative progenitor cell population in the adult mammalian cochlea. There is yet no clear evidence that such cells are present in the adult cochlea. Some data have been obtained that support their existence; additionally, some reports point to changes in the epigenetic status of these progenitor cells and/or in the surrounding micro-environment as possible causes of their inability to activate a regenerative programme in the damaged tissue.