Purinergic signaling in the organ of Corti: Potential therapeutic targets of sensorineural hearing losses

•Supporting cells are important in the organ of Corti.•Both P1 and P2 purinergic receptors are widely distributed in the cochlea.•Purines are major regulators of supporting and epithelial cell functions.•Purinergic signaling modulates hearing sensitivity through different pathways.•Lowering hearing sensitivity protects in sensorineural hearing losses.