UBneuro researchers uncover genetic mechanisms behind balance cell degeneration in the ear

A team from University of Barcelona, the Institute of Neurosciences (UBneuro) and the Bellvitge Biomedical Research Institute (IDIBELL) has identified the genetic mechanisms involved in the degeneration of the vestibular system (the structure in the inner ear responsible for balance) caused by exposure to ototoxic drugs such as certain antibiotics and anticancer agents.

The study, published in the Journal of Biomedical Science, was led by Dr. Jordi Llorens with the participation of researchers from the National Centre for Genomic Analysis (CNAG).

Using RNA-seq analysis, the researchers found that during the early stages of degeneration, hair cells in the vestibular system alter their gene expression to cope with the progressive damage caused by ototoxic compounds. Importantly, they observed that this damage is reversible in the initial phase, highlighting the importance of early detection to prevent permanent loss of balance function.

The study also identifies a novel gene, Vsig10l2, whose expression significantly decreases in all experimental models, suggesting its potential as a biomarker for chronic ototoxicity.

Beyond its relevance for vestibular disorders, the findings may also contribute to understanding other conditions involving chronic cellular stress, such as age-related balance loss or hearing impairment.

References

Borrajo, M., Greguske, E. A., Maroto, A. F., Palou, A., Renner, A., Giménez-Esbrí, V., Sedano, D., Gut, M., Esteve-Codina, A., Martín-Mur, B., Barrallo-Gimeno, A., & Llorens, J. (2025). Early downregulation of hair cell (HC)-specific genes in the vestibular sensory epithelium during chronic ototoxicity. Journal of Biomedical Science, 32(84). https://doi.org/10.1186/s12929-025-01180-4