Follistatin Promotes LIN28B-Mediated Supporting Cell Reprogramming and Hair Cell Regeneration in the Murine Cochlea

The study investigated the role of Follistatin (FST) and LIN28B in hair cell (HC) regeneration in mice. It found that the coactivation of FST and LIN28B enhances the regenerative abilities of cochlear supporting cells (SCs), transforming them into progenitor-like cells, which is crucial for HC regeneration. LIN28B drives the reprogramming of SCs, while FST balances the hyperactivation of transforming growth factor–β–type signaling caused by LIN28B. The coactivation of FST and LIN28B also enhanced spontaneous cochlear HC regeneration in neonatal mice. The study concluded that suppression of TGF-β–type signaling is essential for LIN28B-mediated reprogramming of cochlear SCs into progenitor-like cells, as well as subsequent HC fate induction and HC formation.