复旦大学李文妍小组的研究显示，Pou4f3缺乏阻碍前庭毛细胞亚型分化。相关论文于2025年8月24日发表在《神经科学通报》杂志上。

在这项研究中，课题组研究了一个重要的转录因子Pou4f3在前庭HC分化主题Pou4f3^DTR/DTR（缺陷）和Pou4f3^CreER/CreER（敲除）小鼠模型中的作用。在Pou4f3缺陷小鼠中，HC数量减少，未成熟的HC不能发育I型特征，表明发育停止。当II型HC正常分化时，Pou4f3的缺乏破坏了HC束的形成和细胞极性。敲除模型的结果进一步证实了Pou4f3在前庭HC亚型规范中的重要作用。该研究强调了Pou4f3在确定前庭HC亚型中的关键作用，并为通过HC再生恢复前庭功能的潜在策略提供了见解。

据悉，内耳前庭毛细胞（HCs）对平衡和空间定向至关重要，分为I型和II型亚型，但调节其分化的机制尚不清楚。

附：英文原文

Title: Pou4f3 Deficiency Obstructs the Subtype Differentiation of Vestibular Hair Cells

Author: Zhou, Qin, Huang, Yikang, Ni, Wenli, Feng, Mingchuan, Wu, Lingjie, Lai, Chuijin, Zhang, Yanping, Li, Wenyan, Chen, Yan

Issue&Volume: 2025-08-24

Abstract: Vestibular hair cells (HCs) in the inner ear, crucial for balance and spatial orientation, are classified into type I and type II subtypes, but the mechanisms regulating their differentiation remain unclear. In this study, we examined the role of Pou4f3, an important transcription factor, in vestibular HC differentiation using Pou4f3DTR/DTR (deficient) and Pou4f3CreER/CreER (knockout) mouse models. In Pou4f3-deficient mice, the HC number decreased, and immature HCs failed to develop type I characteristics, indicating a developmental arrest. While type II HCs differentiated normally, Pou4f3 deficiency disrupted HC bundle formation and cell polarity. Findings from knockout models further confirmed the essential role of Pou4f3 in vestibular HC subtype specification. This study underscores the critical role of Pou4f3 in determining vestibular HC subtypes and offers insights into potential strategies for restoring vestibular function through HC regeneration.

DOI: 10.1007/s12264-025-01474-5

Source: https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s12264-025-01474-5