Reduced expression of citrate synthase leads to excessive superoxide formation and cell apoptosis.

A/J mice are a mouse model of age-related hearing loss. It has been demonstrated that a mutation in gene of citrate synthase (CS) contributes to the early onset of hearing loss occurring at about one month of age. To understand the effects of a decreased CS activity that results from the mutation in Cs gene on hearing loss in A/J mice, human kidney cell line (293T) was transiently transfected with short hairpin RNA for Cs (shRNA-Cs) to reduce expression of CS.

Anti-apoptotic treatment in mouse models of age-related hearing loss.

Age-related hearing loss (AHL), or presbycusis, is the most common neurodegenerative disorder and top communication deficit of the aged population. Genetic predisposition is one of the major factors in the development of AHL. Generally, AHL is associated with an age-dependent loss of sensory hair cells, spiral ganglion neurons and stria vascularis cells in the inner ear.