Research Overview : The Stria Vascularis

The stria vascularis is a highly specialized epithelial structure in the cochlea responsible for generating the endocochlear potential and maintaining the ionic environment essential for hearing. Defects in its development can lead to profound congenital deafness, as seen in disorders like Waardenburg syndrome. However, the cellular and molecular events guiding its formation remain incompletely understood.

Current Questions We’re Exploring:

Our lab is investigating how the stria vascularis forms during embryonic development, with a focus on the contributions of neural crest cells and the signaling pathways that drive cellular differentiation. We aim to understand how disruptions in these developmental processes contribute to congenital deafness, including genetic conditions like Waardenburg syndrome.

• We are studying how neural crest cells migrate into the developing cochlea and integrate into the lateral wall to give rise to intermediate cells of the stria vascularis. This process is crucial for the formation of a functional barrier and proper ion transport.

• We are also exploring the signaling mechanisms that govern the differentiation of marginal cells, a cell type essential for potassium secretion into the endolymph. Understanding how these pathways regulate cellular identity is key to deciphering how the stria vascularis acquires its complex architecture and function.

Methods We Use:

• In Vivo Models and Developmental Tracing (mouse genetics, lineage tracing)

• Inner Ear Histology (Immunostaining, RNAscope, confocal and electron microscopy)

• Inner Ear Molecular Profiling (Single-Cell RNA Sequencing, bulk RNAseq, proteomics)

• Auditory and Vestibular Function Testing (electrophysiological recordings such as ABR, EP,…)

Why It Matters

By dissecting the cellular origins and molecular signals that guide stria vascularis development, our research aims to reveal how early developmental errors lead to congenital hearing loss and to identify new targets for therapeutic intervention in inner ear disorders.