Gene therapy for hearing impairment

Abstract

This disclosure provides polynucleotides containing regions of the TMPRSS3 promoter capable of expressing transgenes, particularly in cochlear hair cells and sensory support cells. This disclosure also provides nucleic acid vectors containing these promoters operably ligated to polynucleotides encoding polypeptides. This disclosure provides compositions and methods for inducing transgene expression, particularly in inner ear cells (such as hair cells and sensory support cells). The compositions described herein may be administered to subjects to treat disorders caused by inner ear cell dysfunction (such as hearing loss or vestibular dysfunction).

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