Elucidating the Localization of Estrogen and Estrogen-related Receptors in the Inner Ear

Abstract

Hearing loss is the most common sensory impairment, affecting hundreds of millions of people worldwide. Although both men and women are impacted by hearing loss, the incidence rate differs between the two sexes, with the prevalence of bilateral high-frequency hearing loss reported to be 2.7 times higher in males. Recent studies have implicated estrogen as having a protective effect against hearing loss in females. While the localization of the estrogen receptors within the cochlea is known, the roles of estrogen-related receptors in auditory function require further investigation. The aim of this study is to elucidate the localization of estrogen receptors 1 and 2 and estrogen-related receptors α, β, and γ within the inner ear of adult mice using RNAscope. Our results give insight into the molecular mechanism through which estrogen receptors and estrogen-related receptors may grant protection against hearing loss and contribute to the functionality of the inner ear.