Presentation title: Novel strategies for inner ear regeneration
Speaker: Judith Kempfle
Date: Thursday 13 September
Time: 1.30pm – 3.00pm
Location: AHH, Level 1, Tutorial Room, 1.620

Agenda:
1.30pm – 1.35pm – Welcome
1.35pm – 2.20pm – Presentation
2.20pm – 2.30pm – Q & A
2.30pm – 3.00pm – Refreshments and networking

Abstract: Cochlear implant users rely on residual spiral ganglion neurons of the inner ear to convey acoustic signals to downstream auditory centers. Prolonged deafness and auditory neuropathy are conditions that are associated with degeneration of cochlear neurons.

The overall goal of our research is to develop novel therapies to regenerate cochlear neurons via endogenous or exogenous techniques. Our work in mice focuses on 1) transplantation of neural progenitors from embryonic stem cells (exogenous) to replace damaged cochlear neurons, 2) regeneration of cochlear neurons from endogenous remaining glial cells via neural conversion, and 3) regeneration of auditory synapses via novel bisphosphonate – small molecule neurotrophic factor hybrid compounds that enables long-term, sustained effects in the cochlea.

Bio: Dr. Judith Kempfle is originally from Germany, and received her M.D. from the Albert Einstein University in Ulm, Germany. From 2008-2012, she did a postdoctoral fellowship with Albert Edge PhD in the Eaton-Peabody Laboratories at the Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary (MEEI) and Harvard Medical School. There, she examined the role of transcription factor Sox2 on cell fate of cochlear sensory progenitor cells. She returned to Germany for residency in Otolaryngology at Tübingen University Medical Center in the academic scientist track and is now back in Boston at MEEI to continue her research and complete her surgical training.

She is a senior research associate and collaborates with both Albert Edge and David Jung, MD PhD.

Registration:  Entry is free and open to the public.

Please register by Tuesday 11 September 2018 to louise.dodd@mq.edu.au