In the auditory system, ribbon synapses are vesicle-associated structures located between inner hair cells (IHCs) and spiral ganglion neurons that are implicated in the modulation of trafficking and fusion of synaptic vesicles at the presynaptic terminals. Synapse loss may result in hearing loss and difficulties with understanding speech in a noisy environment. This phenomenon happens without permanent hearing loss; that is, the cochlear synaptopathy is "hidden." Recent studies have reported that synapse loss might be critical in the pathogenesis of hidden hearing loss. A better understanding of the molecular mechanisms of the formation, structure, regeneration, and protection of ribbon synapses will assist in the design of potential therapeutic strategies. In this review, we describe and summarize the following aspects of ribbon synapses: (1) functional and structural features, (2) potential mechanisms of damage, (3) therapeutic research on protecting the synapses, and (4) the role of synaptic regeneration in auditory neuropathy and the current options for synapse rehabilitation.
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| http://dx.doi.org/10.1155/2020/8815990 | DOI Listing |
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Article Synopsis
- Auditory neuropathy (AN) is a type of hearing loss caused by damage to inner hair cells, ribbon synapses, and spiral ganglion neurons.
- The lack of effective treatments has led to a need for better understanding of how AN develops, particularly through the role of MAPK signaling.
- Research shows that changes in various MAPK pathways, specifically ERK, p38, and JNK, occur at different sites in the auditory system, indicating that targeting these pathways could help in developing new treatments for AN.
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