Gene transfer targeting mouse vestibule using adenovirus and adeno-associated virus vectors.

HYPOTHESIS: The present study assessed how to inject a gene into the mouse vestibule and which is the optimum gene to the mouse vestibule adenovirus (AdV) vector or adeno-associated virus (AAV) vector.
BACKGROUND: Loss of vestibular hair cell is seen in various balance disorder diseases. There have been some reports concerning gene delivery to the mouse vestibule in recent years. To effectively induce transgene expression at the vestibule, we assessed the efficiency of inoculating the mouse inner ear using various methods.
METHODS: We employed an AdV- and AAV-carrying green fluorescent protein using a semicircular canal approach (via a canalostomy) and round window approach.
RESULTS: AAV injection via canalostomy induced gene expression at the hair cells, supporting cells, and fibrocytes at the vestibular organs without auditory or balance dysfunction, suggesting it was the most suitable transfection method. This method is thus considered to be a promising strategy to prevent balance dysfunction.
CONCLUSION: AAV injection via canalostomy to the vestibule is the noninvasive and highly efficient transfection method, and this study may have the potential to repair balance disorders in human in the future.