MicroRNAs as Regulators of Aging Processes in the Cochlear Lateral Wall of the Mouse Inner Ear (microRNA data set)

Age-related hearing loss (presbycusis) affects more than one-third of Americans over the age of 60, with its prevalence and severity increasing with age. Pathological alterations to the cochlear lateral wall (CLW) disrupting the maintenance of the endocochlear potential (EP) are a major cause of (metabolic) presbycusis. Although molecular mediators of CLW degeneration are largely unknown, several cellular events, including oxidative stress, apoptosis, and inhibition of proliferation, are known to contribute to this dysfunction. Here we have analyzed mRNA and microRNA expression in CLW of young and old mice to profile transcriptional changes that occur as a function of aging. Our results reinforce prior findings about molecular processes and pathways affected by aging and implicate microRNAs that may be involved in influencing these changes. CBA/CaJ young adult (1-3 months) and aged (1.5 years) mice were used in this study. Mice were euthanized and CLWs were micro-dissected from the inner ear. All sample types were prepared in experimental triplicate (n=3).