In embodiments, the invention relates to methods and compositions for modulating (e.g., increasing) Atoh1 activity (e.g., biological activity) and/or expression (e.g., transcription and/or translation) in vivo and/or in vitro, e.g., in a biological cell and/or in a subject. More specifically, the methods and compositions described herein can be used in the treatment of diseases and/or disorders that would benefit from increased Atoh1 expression in a biological cell. In an embodiment, the invention provides use of one or more compounds selected from the group consisting of: (i) one or more Wnt/.beta.-catenin pathway agonists; (ii) one or more glycogen synthase kinase 3.beta. inhibitors; and (iii) one or more casein kinase I inhibitors for treating a subject who has or is at risk of developing an auditory disorder as a result of loss of auditory hair cells.
PATHWAYS TO GENERATE HAIR CELLS