BST2 impairs Schwann cell function to accelerate age-related hearing loss and serves as a novel serum biomarker.

BACKGROUND

Age-related hearing loss (ARHL) represents the most prevalent sensory disorder among the elderly, significantly impairing daily functioning and increasing the risk of psychiatric conditions. Although Schwann cells (SCs) are critical for maintaining auditory nerve function, the mechanisms underlying their dysfunction in ARHL remain incompletely elucidated.

AIMS: To investigate BST2's role in SCs dysfunction in ARHL and assess its potential value as a serum biomarker for early ARHL diagnosis.

MATERIALS AND

METHODS

Adeno-associated virus (AAV) carrying a SC specific promoter-MBP, was injected into the posterior semicircular canal of mice. Immunofluorescence was employed to assess cochlear SCs function, while ELISA was used to measured BST2 levels in the serum of both humans and mice.

RESULTS

Overexpression of BST2 inhibited SCs proliferation and differentiation, promoted apoptosis, and accelerated ARHL. Serum BST2 levels were elevated in both ARHL patients and mice, showing a significant positive correlation with audiometric thresholds and wave I latency of ABR.

CONCLUSIONS AND SIGNIFICANCE: BST2 accelerates the progression of ARHL by exacerbating SCs dysfunction and serves as a potential serum biomarker for ARHL.