Author Response: Generation of Inner Ear Hair Cells by Direct Lineage Conversion of Primary Somatic Cells

This study identified a combination of four transcription factors (Six1, Atoh1, Pou4f3, and Gfi1) that could reprogram somatic cells into hair cell-like cells (iHCs) in vitro, offering a potential method for screening otoprotective and regenerative strategies. The research demonstrated high reprogramming efficiency and thorough characterization of iHCs' transcriptomic and epigenetic profiles, although the iHCs were not fully mature, suggesting the need for additional factors like Zfp503. The study aimed to improve reprogramming protocols and explored co-culture techniques to enhance iHC maturity. The experiments showed that reprogrammed iHCs could be used independently from primary hair cells, with sensitivity to gentamicin, and highlighted the potential for future research into hair cell regeneration and therapeutic applications.