The α9α10 nicotinic acetylcholine receptor: a compelling drug target for hearing loss?

ELGOYHEN, ANA BELÉN

EXPERT OPINION ON THERAPEUTIC TARGETS

INFORMA HEALTHCARE

Año: 2022 p. 1 - 12

1472-8222

IntroductionHearing loss is a major health problem, impacting education, communication, interpersonal relationships and mental health. Drugs that prevent or restore hearing are lacking. Areas coveredThe present work explores the possibility of targeting the α9α10 nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (nAChR) in the prevention of noise-induced, hidden hearing loss and presbycusis This receptor mediates synaptic transmission between medial olivocochlear efferent fibers and cochlear outer hair cells. This target is highlighted since enhanced olivocochlear activity prevents noise-induced hearing loss and delays presbycusis. Data has been searched in Pubmed, the World Report on Hearing from the World Health Organization and the Global Burden of Disease Study 2019.Expert opinion The design of positive allosteric modulators of α9α10 nAChRs is proposed since they would have the advantage of reinforcing the MOC-hair cell endogenous neurotransmission without directly stimulating the target receptors, therefore not resulting in receptor desensitization and reduced efficacy. The time is right for the search of α9α10 nAChRs targeting compounds, since high throughput screening assays for this receptor have just been developed.