STAT1 and hearing loss disorder: An earlier study showed that EGCG could protect utricular cells against cisplatin-induced death in vitro by inhibiting the STAT1 transcription factor.21 We demonstrated that knockdown of STAT1 by transtympanic application of siRNA protected against cisplatin ototoxicity.17 STAT1 also contributed to the transient hearing loss produced by transtympanic capsaicin administration20 and inhibition of the STAT1 inflammatory pathway was linked to A1 adenosine receptor-mediated otoprotection.16 These studies support the overall goal of targeting STAT1 for treating hearing loss.