EGFR signaling is required for regenerative proliferation in the cochlea: Conservation in birds and mammals

► We study proliferation in auditory regeneration, comparing mice and chickens. ► Mouse cochlear supporting cells require EGFR for mitosis in cell culture. ► Chicken auditory supporting cell mitosis in regeneration requires EGFR signaling. ► Proliferation in both systems also requires phospho-inositol kinase 3 signaling. ► Mouse EGFR signaling down-regulates the cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor p27Kip1.