Abstract: The disclosure provides polynucleotides containing SLC6A14 promoters, as well as vectors containing the same, that can be used to promote expression of a transgene in vestibular supporting cells. The polynucleotides described herein may be operably linked to a transgene, such as a transgene encoding a protein of interest, so as to promote vestibular supporting cell expression of the transgene. The polynucleotides described herein may be operably linked to a transgene and used for the treatment of subjects having or at risk of developing vestibular dysfunction.

Abstract: The disclosure provides Sox2 inhibitors that can be used to generate Type I vestibular hair cells in the vestibular system. The Sox2 inhibitors may be administered to a subject alone or in combination with a regeneration agent to convert Type II vestibular hair cells or regenerated vestibular hair cells to Type I vestibular hair cells.