Advances in Genomics and Epigenetics of Hearing Loss
A special issue of Genes (ISSN 2073-4425). This special issue belongs to the section "Human Genomics and Genetic Diseases".
Deadline for manuscript submissions: 15 November 2025 | Viewed by 52
Special Issue Editor
Special Issue Information
Dear Colleagues,
In recent years, the treatment and understanding of hearing loss have evolved significantly, largely due to advances in genetics and epigenetics. Many types of hearing loss that were once considered "idiopathic" now have clear genetic explanations. At the same time, it has become increasingly clear that epigenetic mechanisms—such as DNA methylation, histone modifications, and the regulation of gene expression by non-coding RNAs—play an important role in the development and progression of auditory dysfunction.
This Special Issue aims to highlight current research exploring the genetic and epigenetic foundations of hearing loss. Our goal is to gather studies that improve our understanding of the molecular mechanisms behind hearing impairment and to foster discussion on future directions in diagnosis, evaluation, and treatment.
We welcome a wide range of submissions, including both basic and clinical research. Studies involving human subjects, animal models, or in vitro systems are all suitable. We also encourage the submission of review articles, case series, and opinion pieces.
Topics of interest include, but are not limited to, the following:
- Newly identified gene mutations causing syndromic or non-syndromic hearing loss;
- Regulation of gene expression in the inner ear;
- Age-related epigenetic changes in the auditory system;
- The role of microRNAs and other non-coding RNAs in hair cell function, degeneration, and regeneration;
- Genetic studies of inherited hearing loss using family-based or population-based data;
- Applications of cochlear organoids, iPSC models, or CRISPR-based technologies;
- Gene therapy and other experimental approaches targeting specific genetic defects;
- Epigenetic markers as potential tools for diagnosis and prognosis;
- Multi-omics approaches combining genomics, transcriptomics, methylomics, and more;
- Interdisciplinary research connecting genetics, audiology, and neuroscience.
Although this field is advancing rapidly, many important questions remain. What are the most effective strategies to correct or compensate for defective genes? Are epigenetic changes in the cochlea reversible? Can we predict which patients will respond to gene- or RNA-based therapies—and to what extent?
We believe that progress in this area requires collaboration across disciplines, involving geneticists, audiologists, molecular biologists, and clinicians. With this Special Issue, we hope to provide a platform for sharing new insights and for accelerating advances in the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of hearing loss.
We warmly invite you to contribute.
Dr. Alessandro Castiglione
Guest Editor
Manuscript Submission Information
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Keywords
- genetics
- hearing loss
- inner ear
- epigenetics
- auditory system
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