Topic: Advancements in Gene Editing for Hereditary Hearing Loss

Hereditary hearing loss is one of the most prevalent genetic disorders, with significant implications for communication and quality of life. Recent breakthroughs in gene editing technologies, such as CRISPR-Cas9 and base editing, have opened new avenues for correcting genetic mutations responsible for hearing impairment. This Special Issue focuses on exploring innovative gene editing approaches to address hereditary hearing loss and their potential for clinical translation.

We invite submissions of original research, reviews, and case reports covering a wide range of topics, including but not limited to:

● Gene Editing Technologies: Advances in CRISPR-Cas9, base editing, and prime editing for auditory genes;

● Target Genes and Mutations: Identification and editing of genes associated with hereditary hearing loss, such as GJB2, MYO7A, and TMC1;

● Delivery Methods: Development of efficient delivery systems for gene therapies, including viral and non-viral vectors targeting the inner ear;

● Precision Medicine: Personalized approaches to gene therapy based on individual genetic profiles;

● Ethical and Regulatory Considerations: Ethical issues and regulatory challenges in applying gene editing for hearing loss;

● Preclinical and Clinical Studies: Animal models and clinical trials assessing the safety and efficacy of gene editing therapies;

● Gene-Environment Interactions: How environmental factors may influence the outcomes of gene therapy for hearing loss;

● Regeneration and Repair: Gene editing for hair cell regeneration and cochlear repair;

● Multigenic and Syndromic Hearing Loss: Approaches to editing complex genetic disorders that include hearing loss as a component.