Abstract: Compositions are described for direct protein delivery into multiple cell types in the mammalian inner ear. The compositions are used to deliver protein(s) (such as gene editing factors) editing of genetic mutations associated with deafness or associated disorders thereof. The delivery of genome editing proteins for gene editing and correction of genetic mutations protect or restore hearing from genetic deafness. Methods of treatment include the intracellular delivery of these molecules to a specific therapeutic target.

Abstract: Described are methods and compositions for increasing islet-1 (Isl1) activity (e.g., biological activity) and or expression (e.g., transcription and/or translation) in a biological cell and or in a subject.

Abstract: Described are methods and compositions for increasing islet-1 (Isl1) activity (e.g., biological activity) and or expression (e.g., transcription and/or translation) in a biological cell and or in a subject.

Abstract: Provided are methods and compositions for inducing cells of the inner ear (for example, cochlear and utricular hair cells) to reenter to cell cycle and to proliferate. More particularly, the invention relates to the use of agents that increase c-myc activity and/or Notch activity for inducing cell cycle reentry and proliferation of cochlear or utricular hair cells and/or cochlear or utricular supporting cells. The methods and compositions can be used to promote the proliferation of hair cells and/or supporting cells to treat a subject at risk of or affected with, hearing loss or a subject at risk of or affected with vestibular dysfunction.

Abstract: Described are methods and compositions for increasing islet-1 (Isl1) activity (e.g., biological activity) and or expression (e.g., transcription and/or translation) in a biological cell and or in a subject.

Abstract: The invention relates to the generation of inner ear sensory epithelial cells through the manipulation of the expression level or function of the genes and/or proteins involved in the retinoblastoma (Rb) pathway, particularly retinoblastoma family members, such as Rb1. Methods for generating inner ear sensory epithelial cells and for restoring hearing or balance in a subject, therefore, are provided. The invention further relates to cell lines of inner ear sensory epithelial cells, such as progenitor, supporting or hair cells, where the expression level or function of the retinoblastoma genes and/or retinoblastoma proteins has been manipulated. In addition to these methods, compositions of agents for use in or the cells produced by such methods provided are also included.