Gene Therapy and Therapeutic Interventions in the Auditory System A Series of Synopses Arising from the Auditory Function and Dysfunction Satellite Symposium of the 34th IUPS Congress. Special Topic Issue: Audiology and Neuro-Otology 2002, Vol. 7, No. 3

This special issue represents the third of three issues containing papers arising from the 'Auditory Function and Dysfunction: Molecular and Physiological Mechanisms' symposium held in Auckland, New Zealand in August 2001. It reflects on the exciting advances that are being made in our understanding of the molecular basis of cochlear development, neurodegeneration and the attempts to provide otoprotective strategies. One group of papers deals with some of the genetic aspects of cochlear development and hearing loss. In a second group the advances being made in strategies to protect the inner ear from stress and ototoxic drugs that may ultimately form the basis of treatments for inner ear disorders are being discussed. The last group of papers considers the delivery of compounds to the inner ear for its genetic or pharmacological manipulation. This and the other two issues stemming from the symposium will be valuable contributions to the communication between the wide-ranging disciplines within the hearing sciences and the clinic.