STRC rescue threshold

Definition. Minimum fraction of OHCs that must express functional stereocilin (or receive protein) to produce clinically meaningful ABR improvement.

Working estimate (from 2021 Holt + 2026 Iranfar):

• 30-50% OHC transduction → 20-30 dB ABR shift in mouse
• 50-70% → approaching WT ABR threshold
• <20% → undetectable effect

Translation to human.

• Conservative target: 40% OHC rescue over apical-to-mid turns = expected 20 dB PTA improvement
• Stretch: 60% rescue = 30+ dB improvement, approaching normal-range hearing

Used as gate in:

• h04 mRNA-LNP PKPD (OHC tropism modeling)
• h09 hydrogel (HTC restoration coverage)
• All delivery-phase audits

Connections

• [applies] index
• [applies] index
• [source] 2021-12-holt-strc-dual-aav-science-advances
• [source] 2026-01-iranfar-dual-aav-strc-ctm