1
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Jiang Q, Zou W, Li S, Qiu X, Zhu L, Kang L, Müller U. Sequence variations and accessory proteins adapt TMC functions to distinct sensory modalities. Neuron 2024:S0896-6273(24)00448-3. [PMID: 38986620 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuron.2024.06.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2023] [Revised: 05/10/2024] [Accepted: 06/14/2024] [Indexed: 07/12/2024]
Abstract
Transmembrane channel-like (TMC) proteins are expressed throughout the animal kingdom and are thought to encode components of ion channels. Mammals express eight TMCs (mTMC1-8), two of which (mTMC1 and mTMC2) are subunits of mechanotransduction channels. C. elegans expresses two TMCs (TMC-1 and TMC-2), which mediate mechanosensation, egg laying, and alkaline sensing. The mechanisms by which nematode TMCs contribute to such diverse physiological processes and their functional relationship to mammalian mTMCs is unclear. Here, we show that association with accessory proteins tunes nematode TMC-1 to divergent sensory functions. In addition, distinct TMC-1 domains enable touch and alkaline sensing. Strikingly, these domains are segregated in mammals between mTMC1 and mTMC3. Consistent with these findings, mammalian mTMC1 can mediate mechanosensation in nematodes, while mTMC3 can mediate alkaline sensation. We conclude that sequence diversification and association with accessory proteins has led to the emergence of TMC protein complexes with diverse properties and physiological functions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiang Jiang
- The Solomon H. Snyder Department of Neuroscience, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | - Wenjuan Zou
- Department of Neurosurgery of the First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310053, Zhejiang, China
| | - Shitian Li
- Department of Neurology of the Fourth Affiliated Hospital and School of Brain Science and Brain Medicine, NHC and CAMS Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Yiwu 322000, China
| | - Xufeng Qiu
- The Solomon H. Snyder Department of Neuroscience, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | - Linhui Zhu
- Department of Neurology of the Fourth Affiliated Hospital and School of Brain Science and Brain Medicine, NHC and CAMS Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Yiwu 322000, China
| | - Lijun Kang
- Department of Neurology of the Fourth Affiliated Hospital and School of Brain Science and Brain Medicine, NHC and CAMS Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Yiwu 322000, China.
| | - Ulrich Müller
- The Solomon H. Snyder Department of Neuroscience, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA.
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2
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Holt JR, Fettiplace R, Müller U. Sensory transduction in auditory hair cells-PIEZOs can't touch this. J Gen Physiol 2024; 156:e202413585. [PMID: 38727631 PMCID: PMC11090049 DOI: 10.1085/jgp.202413585] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/15/2024] Open
Abstract
In this Viewpoint, Holt, Fettiplace, and Müller weigh the evidence supporting a role for PIEZO and TMC channels in mechanosensory transduction in inner ear hair cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeffrey R. Holt
- Departments of Otolaryngology and Neurology, Boston Children’s Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Robert Fettiplace
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Ulrich Müller
- The Solomon H. Snyder Department of Neuroscience, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
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3
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Giffen KP, Liu H, Yamane KL, Li Y, Chen L, Kramer KL, Zallocchi M, He DZ. Molecular Specializations Underlying Phenotypic Differences in Inner Ear Hair Cells of Zebrafish and Mice. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.05.24.595729. [PMID: 38826418 PMCID: PMC11142236 DOI: 10.1101/2024.05.24.595729] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/04/2024]
Abstract
Hair cells (HCs) are the sensory receptors of the auditory and vestibular systems in the inner ears of vertebrates that selectively transduce mechanical stimuli into electrical activity. Although all HCs have the hallmark stereocilia bundle for mechanotransduction, HCs in non-mammals and mammals differ in their molecular specialization in the apical, basolateral and synaptic membranes. HCs of non-mammals, such as zebrafish (zHCs), are electrically tuned to specific frequencies and possess an active process in the stereocilia bundle to amplify sound signals. Mammalian cochlear HCs, in contrast, are not electrically tuned and achieve amplification by somatic motility of outer HCs (OHCs). To understand the genetic mechanisms underlying differences among adult zebrafish and mammalian cochlear HCs, we compared their RNA-seq-characterized transcriptomes, focusing on protein-coding orthologous genes related to HC specialization. There was considerable shared expression of gene orthologs among the HCs, including those genes associated with mechanotransduction, ion transport/channels, and synaptic signaling. For example, both zebrafish and mouse HCs express Tmc1, Lhfpl5, Tmie, Cib2, Cacna1d, Cacnb2, Otof, Pclo and Slc17a8. However, there were some notable differences in expression among zHCs, OHCs, and inner HCs (IHCs), which likely underlie the distinctive physiological properties of each cell type. Tmc2 and Cib3 were not detected in adult mouse HCs but tmc2a and b and cib3 were highly expressed in zHCs. Mouse HCs express Kcna10, Kcnj13, Kcnj16, and Kcnq4, which were not detected in zHCs. Chrna9 and Chrna10 were expressed in mouse HCs. In contrast, chrna10 was not detected in zHCs. OHCs highly express Slc26a5 which encodes the motor protein prestin that contributes to OHC electromotility. However, zHCs have only weak expression of slc26a5, and subsequently showed no voltage dependent electromotility when measured. Notably, the zHCs expressed more paralogous genes including those associated with HC-specific functions and transcriptional activity, though it is unknown whether they have functions similar to their mammalian counterparts. There was overlap in the expressed genes associated with a known hearing phenotype. Our analyses unveil substantial differences in gene expression patterns that may explain phenotypic specialization of zebrafish and mouse HCs. This dataset also includes several protein-coding genes to further the functional characterization of HCs and study of HC evolution from non-mammals to mammals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kimberlee P. Giffen
- Department of Neuroscience and Regenerative Medicine, Medical College of Georgia at Augusta University, Augusta, GA, USA
- Augusta University/University of Georgia Medical Partnership, Athens, GA, USA
| | - Huizhan Liu
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Creighton University School of Medicine, Omaha, NE, USA
| | - Kacey L. Yamane
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Creighton University School of Medicine, Omaha, NE, USA
| | - Yi Li
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Creighton University School of Medicine, Omaha, NE, USA
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Beijing Tongren Hospital, Beijing Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Lei Chen
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Ken L. Kramer
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Creighton University School of Medicine, Omaha, NE, USA
| | - Marisa Zallocchi
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Creighton University School of Medicine, Omaha, NE, USA
| | - David Z.Z. He
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Creighton University School of Medicine, Omaha, NE, USA
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4
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Miyoshi T, Belyantseva IA, Sajeevadathan M, Friedman TB. Pathophysiology of human hearing loss associated with variants in myosins. Front Physiol 2024; 15:1374901. [PMID: 38562617 PMCID: PMC10982375 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2024.1374901] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2024] [Accepted: 02/21/2024] [Indexed: 04/04/2024] Open
Abstract
Deleterious variants of more than one hundred genes are associated with hearing loss including MYO3A, MYO6, MYO7A and MYO15A and two conventional myosins MYH9 and MYH14. Variants of MYO7A also manifest as Usher syndrome associated with dysfunction of the retina and vestibule as well as hearing loss. While the functions of MYH9 and MYH14 in the inner ear are debated, MYO3A, MYO6, MYO7A and MYO15A are expressed in inner ear hair cells along with class-I myosin MYO1C and are essential for developing and maintaining functional stereocilia on the apical surface of hair cells. Stereocilia are large, cylindrical, actin-rich protrusions functioning as biological mechanosensors to detect sound, acceleration and posture. The rigidity of stereocilia is sustained by highly crosslinked unidirectionally-oriented F-actin, which also provides a scaffold for various proteins including unconventional myosins and their cargo. Typical myosin molecules consist of an ATPase head motor domain to transmit forces to F-actin, a neck containing IQ-motifs that bind regulatory light chains and a tail region with motifs recognizing partners. Instead of long coiled-coil domains characterizing conventional myosins, the tails of unconventional myosins have various motifs to anchor or transport proteins and phospholipids along the F-actin core of a stereocilium. For these myosins, decades of studies have elucidated their biochemical properties, interacting partners in hair cells and variants associated with hearing loss. However, less is known about how myosins traffic in a stereocilium using their motor function, and how each variant correlates with a clinical condition including the severity and onset of hearing loss, mode of inheritance and presence of symptoms other than hearing loss. Here, we cover the domain structures and functions of myosins associated with hearing loss together with advances, open questions about trafficking of myosins in stereocilia and correlations between hundreds of variants in myosins annotated in ClinVar and the corresponding deafness phenotypes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Takushi Miyoshi
- Laboratory of Molecular Genetics, National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, United States
- Division of Molecular and Integrative Physiology, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Southern Illinois University School of Medicine, Carbondale, IL, United States
| | - Inna A. Belyantseva
- Laboratory of Molecular Genetics, National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, United States
| | - Mrudhula Sajeevadathan
- Division of Molecular and Integrative Physiology, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Southern Illinois University School of Medicine, Carbondale, IL, United States
| | - Thomas B. Friedman
- Laboratory of Molecular Genetics, National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, United States
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5
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Anselmi C, Fuller GK, Stolfi A, Groves AK, Manni L. Sensory cells in tunicates: insights into mechanoreceptor evolution. Front Cell Dev Biol 2024; 12:1359207. [PMID: 38550380 PMCID: PMC10973136 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2024.1359207] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2023] [Accepted: 03/04/2024] [Indexed: 04/04/2024] Open
Abstract
Tunicates, the sister group of vertebrates, offer a unique perspective for evolutionary developmental studies (Evo-Devo) due to their simple anatomical organization. Moreover, the separation of tunicates from vertebrates predated the vertebrate-specific genome duplications. As adults, they include both sessile and pelagic species, with very limited mobility requirements related mainly to water filtration. In sessile species, larvae exhibit simple swimming behaviors that are required for the selection of a suitable substrate on which to metamorphose. Despite their apparent simplicity, tunicates display a variety of mechanoreceptor structures involving both primary and secondary sensory cells (i.e., coronal sensory cells). This review encapsulates two decades of research on tunicate mechanoreception focusing on the coronal organ's sensory cells as prime candidates for understanding the evolution of vertebrate hair cells of the inner ear and the lateral line organ. The review spans anatomical, cellular and molecular levels emphasizing both similarity and differences between tunicate and vertebrate mechanoreception strategies. The evolutionary significance of mechanoreception is discussed within the broader context of Evo-Devo studies, shedding light on the intricate pathways that have shaped the sensory system in chordates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chiara Anselmi
- Hopkins Marine Station, Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Stanford University, Pacific Grove, CA, United States
- Wu Tsai Neurosciences Institute, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, United States
| | - Gwynna K. Fuller
- Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Alberto Stolfi
- School of Biological Sciences, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA, United States
| | - Andrew K. Groves
- Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, United States
- Department of Neuroscience, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Lucia Manni
- Dipartimento di Biologia, Università degli Studi di Padova, Padova, Italy
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6
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Clark S, Jeong H, Posert R, Goehring A, Gouaux E. The structure of the Caenorhabditis elegans TMC-2 complex suggests roles of lipid-mediated subunit contacts in mechanosensory transduction. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2024; 121:e2314096121. [PMID: 38354260 PMCID: PMC10895266 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2314096121] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2023] [Accepted: 12/21/2023] [Indexed: 02/16/2024] Open
Abstract
Mechanotransduction is the process by which a mechanical force, such as touch, is converted into an electrical signal. Transmembrane channel-like (TMC) proteins are an evolutionarily conserved family of membrane proteins whose function has been linked to a variety of mechanosensory processes, including hearing and balance sensation in vertebrates and locomotion in Drosophila. TMC1 and TMC2 are components of ion channel complexes, but the molecular features that tune these complexes to diverse mechanical stimuli are unknown. Caenorhabditis elegans express two TMC homologs, TMC-1 and TMC-2, both of which are the likely pore-forming subunits of mechanosensitive ion channels but differ in their expression pattern and functional role in the worm. Here, we present the single-particle cryo-electron microscopy structure of the native TMC-2 complex isolated from C. elegans. The complex is composed of two copies of the pore-forming TMC-2 subunit, the calcium and integrin binding protein CALM-1 and the transmembrane inner ear protein TMIE. Comparison of the TMC-2 complex to the recently published cryo-EM structure of the C. elegans TMC-1 complex highlights conserved protein-lipid interactions, as well as a π-helical structural motif in the pore-forming helices, that together suggest a mechanism for TMC-mediated mechanosensory transduction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah Clark
- Vollum Institute, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, OR97239
| | - Hanbin Jeong
- Vollum Institute, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, OR97239
| | - Rich Posert
- Vollum Institute, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, OR97239
| | - April Goehring
- Vollum Institute, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, OR97239
- HHMI, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, OR97239
| | - Eric Gouaux
- Vollum Institute, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, OR97239
- HHMI, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, OR97239
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7
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Lee JH, Perez-Flores MC, Park S, Kim HJ, Chen Y, Kang M, Kersigo J, Choi J, Thai PN, Woltz RL, Perez-Flores DC, Perkins G, Sihn CR, Trinh P, Zhang XD, Sirish P, Dong Y, Feng WW, Pessah IN, Dixon RE, Sokolowski B, Fritzsch B, Chiamvimonvat N, Yamoah EN. The Piezo channel is a mechano-sensitive complex component in the mammalian inner ear hair cell. Nat Commun 2024; 15:526. [PMID: 38228630 PMCID: PMC10791687 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-44230-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2023] [Accepted: 12/04/2023] [Indexed: 01/18/2024] Open
Abstract
The inner ear is the hub where hair cells (HCs) transduce sound, gravity, and head acceleration stimuli to the brain. Hearing and balance rely on mechanosensation, the fastest sensory signals transmitted to the brain. The mechanoelectrical transducer (MET) channel is the entryway for the sound-balance-brain interface, but the channel-complex composition is not entirely known. Here, we report that the mouse utilizes Piezo1 (Pz1) and Piezo2 (Pz2) isoforms as MET-complex components. The Pz channels, expressed in HC stereocilia, and cell lines are co-localized and co-assembled with MET complex partners. Mice expressing non-functional Pz1 and Pz2 at the ROSA26 locus have impaired auditory and vestibular traits that can only be explained if the Pzs are integral to the MET complex. We suggest that Pz subunits constitute part of the MET complex and that interactions with other MET complex components yield functional MET units to generate HC MET currents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeong Han Lee
- Department of Physiology and Cell Biology, School of Medicine, University of Nevada, Reno, NV, 89557, USA
| | - Maria C Perez-Flores
- Department of Physiology and Cell Biology, School of Medicine, University of Nevada, Reno, NV, 89557, USA
| | - Seojin Park
- Department of Physiology and Cell Biology, School of Medicine, University of Nevada, Reno, NV, 89557, USA
- Prestige Biopharma, 11-12F, 44, Myongjigukje7-ro, Gangseo-gu, Busan, 67264, South Korea
| | - Hyo Jeong Kim
- Department of Physiology and Cell Biology, School of Medicine, University of Nevada, Reno, NV, 89557, USA
| | - Yingying Chen
- Department of Physiology and Cell Biology, School of Medicine, University of Nevada, Reno, NV, 89557, USA
| | - Mincheol Kang
- Department of Physiology and Cell Biology, School of Medicine, University of Nevada, Reno, NV, 89557, USA
- Prestige Biopharma, 11-12F, 44, Myongjigukje7-ro, Gangseo-gu, Busan, 67264, South Korea
| | | | - Jinsil Choi
- Department of Physiology and Cell Biology, School of Medicine, University of Nevada, Reno, NV, 89557, USA
| | - Phung N Thai
- Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, University of California, Davis, CA, 95616, USA
| | - Ryan L Woltz
- Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, University of California, Davis, CA, 95616, USA
| | | | - Guy Perkins
- National Center for Microscopy and Imaging Research, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, 92093, USA
| | - Choong-Ryoul Sihn
- Department of Physiology and Cell Biology, School of Medicine, University of Nevada, Reno, NV, 89557, USA
| | - Pauline Trinh
- Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, University of California, Davis, CA, 95616, USA
| | - Xiao-Dong Zhang
- Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, University of California, Davis, CA, 95616, USA
| | - Padmini Sirish
- Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, University of California, Davis, CA, 95616, USA
| | - Yao Dong
- Department of Molecular Biosciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, Davis, 1089 VM3B, Davis, CA, 95616, USA
| | - Wayne Wei Feng
- Department of Molecular Biosciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, Davis, 1089 VM3B, Davis, CA, 95616, USA
| | - Isaac N Pessah
- Department of Molecular Biosciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, Davis, 1089 VM3B, Davis, CA, 95616, USA
| | - Rose E Dixon
- Department of Physiology & Membrane Biology, Tupper Hall, One Shields Avenue, Davis, CA, 95616, USA
| | - Bernd Sokolowski
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Morsani College of Medicine, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL, 33612, USA
| | - Bernd Fritzsch
- Department of Biology, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA
| | - Nipavan Chiamvimonvat
- Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, University of California, Davis, CA, 95616, USA
- VA Northern California Healthcare System, Sacramento, USA
| | - Ebenezer N Yamoah
- Department of Physiology and Cell Biology, School of Medicine, University of Nevada, Reno, NV, 89557, USA.
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8
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Beurg M, Schwalbach ET, Fettiplace R. LHFPL5 is a key element in force transmission from the tip link to the hair cell mechanotransducer channel. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2024; 121:e2318270121. [PMID: 38194445 PMCID: PMC10801851 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2318270121] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2023] [Accepted: 11/30/2023] [Indexed: 01/11/2024] Open
Abstract
During auditory transduction, sound-evoked vibrations of the hair cell stereociliary bundles open mechanotransducer (MET) ion channels via tip links extending from one stereocilium to its neighbor. How tension in the tip link is delivered to the channel is not fully understood. The MET channel comprises a pore-forming subunit, transmembrane channel-like protein (TMC1 or TMC2), aided by several accessory proteins, including LHFPL5 (lipoma HMGIC fusion partner-like 5). We investigated the role of LHFPL5 in transduction by comparing MET channel activation in outer hair cells of Lhfpl5-/- knockout mice with those in Lhfpl5+/- heterozygotes. The 10 to 90 percent working range of transduction in Tmc1+/+; Lhfpl5+/- was 52 nm, from which the single-channel gating force, Z, was evaluated as 0.34 pN. However, in Tmc1+/+; Lhfpl5-/- mice, the working range increased to 123 nm and Z more than halved to 0.13 pN, indicating reduced sensitivity. Tip link tension is thought to activate the channel via a gating spring, whose stiffness is inferred from the stiffness change on tip link destruction. The gating stiffness was ~40 percent of the total bundle stiffness in wild type but was virtually abolished in Lhfpl5-/-, implicating LHFPL5 as a principal component of the gating spring. The mutation Tmc1 p.D569N reduced the LHFPL5 immunolabeling in the stereocilia and like Lhfpl5-/- doubled the MET working range, but other deafness mutations had no effect on the dynamic range. We conclude that tip-link tension is transmitted to the channel primarily via LHFPL5; residual activation without LHFPL5 may occur by direct interaction between PCDH15 and TMC1.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maryline Beurg
- Department of Neuroscience, University of WisconsinSchool of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, WI53706
| | - Evan Travis Schwalbach
- Department of Neuroscience, University of WisconsinSchool of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, WI53706
| | - Robert Fettiplace
- Department of Neuroscience, University of WisconsinSchool of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, WI53706
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9
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Wang P, Miller KK, He E, Dhawan SS, Cunningham CL, Grillet N. LOXHD1 is indispensable for coupling auditory mechanosensitive channels to the site of force transmission. RESEARCH SQUARE 2024:rs.3.rs-3752492. [PMID: 38260480 PMCID: PMC10802736 DOI: 10.21203/rs.3.rs-3752492/v1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/24/2024]
Abstract
Hearing is initiated in hair cells by the mechanical activation of ion channels in the hair bundle. The hair bundle is formed by stereocilia organized into rows of increasing heights interconnected by tip links, which convey sound-induced forces to stereocilia tips. The auditory mechanosensitive channels are complexes containing at least four protein-subunits - TMC1/2, TMIE, CIB2, and LHFPL51-16 - and are located at the tips of shorter stereocilia at a yet-undetermined distance from the lower tip link insertion point17. While multiple auditory channel subunits appear to interact with the tip link, it remains unknown whether their combined interaction alone can resist the high-frequency mechanical stimulations owing to sound. Here we show that an unanticipated additional element, LOXHD1, is indispensable for maintaining the TMC1 pore-forming channel subunits coupled to the tip link. We demonstrate that LOXHD1 is a unique element of the auditory mechanotransduction complex that selectively affects the localization of TMC1, but not its close developmental paralogue TMC2. Taking advantage of our novel immunogold scanning electron microscopy method for submembranous epitopes (SUB-immunogold-SEM), we demonstrate that TMC1 normally concentrates within 100-nm of the tip link insertion point. In LOXHD1's absence, TMC1 is instead mislocalized away from this force transmission site. Supporting this finding, we found that LOXHD1 interacts selectively in vitro with TMC1 but not with TMC2 while also binding to channel subunits CIB2 and LHFPL5 and tip-link protein PCDH15. SUB-immunogold-SEM additionally demonstrates that LOXHD1 and TMC1 are physically connected to the lower tip-link complex in situ. Our results show that the TMC1-driven mature channels require LOXHD1 to stay coupled to the tip link and remain functional, but the TMC2-driven developmental channels do not. As both tip links and TMC1 remain present in hair bundles lacking LOXHD1, it opens the possibility to reconnect them and restore hearing for this form of genetic deafness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pei Wang
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Stanford University, 240 Pasteur Drive, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Katharine K. Miller
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Stanford University, 240 Pasteur Drive, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Enqi He
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Stanford University, 240 Pasteur Drive, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Siddhant S. Dhawan
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Stanford University, 240 Pasteur Drive, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Christopher L. Cunningham
- Pittsburgh Hearing Research Center, Department of Otolaryngology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA
| | - Nicolas Grillet
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Stanford University, 240 Pasteur Drive, Stanford, CA, USA
- Lead contact
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10
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Clark S, Mitra J, Elferich J, Goehring A, Ge J, Ha T, Gouaux E. Single molecule studies of the native hair cell mechanosensory transduction complex. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.12.11.571162. [PMID: 38168376 PMCID: PMC10760052 DOI: 10.1101/2023.12.11.571162] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/05/2024]
Abstract
Hearing and balance rely on the conversion of a mechanical stimulus into an electrical signal, a process known as mechanosensory transduction (MT). In vertebrates, this process is accomplished by an MT complex that is located in hair cells of the inner ear. While the past three decades of research have identified many subunits that are important for MT and revealed interactions between these subunits, the composition and organization of a functional complex remains unknown. The major challenge associated with studying the MT complex is its extremely low abundance in hair cells; current estimates of MT complex quantity range from 3-60 attomoles per cochlea or utricle, well below the detection limit of most biochemical assays that are used to characterize macromolecular complexes. Here we describe the optimization of two single molecule assays, single molecule pull-down (SiMPull) and single molecule array (SiMoA), to study the composition and quantity of native mouse MT complexes. We demonstrate that these assays are capable of detecting and quantifying low attomoles of the native MT subunits protocadherin-15 (PCDH15) and lipoma HMGIC fusion partner-like protein 5 (LHFPL5). Our results illuminate the stoichiometry of PCDH15- and LHFPL5-containing complexes and establish SiMPull and SiMoA as productive methods for probing the abundance, composition, and arrangement of subunits in the native MT complex.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah Clark
- Vollum Institute, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, Oregon 97239, USA
- Present address: Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR 97331, USA
| | - Jaba Mitra
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, IL 61801, USA
- Present address: Pacific Biosciences, Menlo Park, CA 94025, USA
| | - Johannes Elferich
- Vollum Institute, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, Oregon 97239, USA
- Present address: UMass Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA 01655, USA
| | - April Goehring
- Vollum Institute, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, Oregon 97239, USA
| | - Jingpeng Ge
- Vollum Institute, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, Oregon 97239, USA
- Present address: School of Life Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, Pudong, Shanghai, 201210, China
| | - Taekjip Ha
- Department of Biophysics and Biophysical Chemistry, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21215, USA
- Present address: Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Program in Cellular and Molecular Medicine, Boston Children’s Hospital, Boston, MA 02115, USA
- Present address: Department of Pediatrics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Eric Gouaux
- Vollum Institute, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, Oregon 97239, USA
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, Oregon 97239, USA
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11
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Clark S, Jeong H, Posert R, Goehring A, Gouaux E. Structure of C. elegans TMC-2 complex suggests roles of lipid-mediated subunit contacts in mechanosensory transduction. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.08.16.553618. [PMID: 37645790 PMCID: PMC10462014 DOI: 10.1101/2023.08.16.553618] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/31/2023]
Abstract
Mechanotransduction is the process by which a mechanical force, such as touch, is converted into an electrical signal. Transmembrane channel-like (TMC) proteins are an evolutionarily-conserved family of ion channels whose function has been linked to a variety of mechanosensory processes, including hearing and balance sensation in vertebrates and locomotion in Drosophila. The molecular features that tune homologous TMC ion channel complexes to diverse mechanical stimuli are unknown. Caenorhabditis elegans express two TMC homologs, TMC-1 and TMC-2, both of which are the likely pore-forming subunits of mechanosensitive ion channels but differ in their expression pattern and functional role in the worm. Here we present the single particle cryo-electron microscopy structure of the native TMC-2 complex isolated from C. elegans. The complex is composed of two copies each of the pore-forming TMC-2 subunit, the calcium and integrin binding protein CALM-1 and the transmembrane inner ear protein TMIE. Comparison of the TMC-2 complex to the recently published cryo-EM structure of the C. elegans TMC-1 complex reveals differences in subunit composition and highlights conserved protein-lipid interactions, as well as other structural features, that together suggest a mechanism for TMC-mediated mechanosensory transduction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah Clark
- Vollum Institute, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, Oregon 97239, USA
| | - Hanbin Jeong
- Vollum Institute, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, Oregon 97239, USA
| | - Rich Posert
- Vollum Institute, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, Oregon 97239, USA
| | - April Goehring
- Vollum Institute, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, Oregon 97239, USA
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, Oregon 97239, USA
| | - Eric Gouaux
- Vollum Institute, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, Oregon 97239, USA
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, Oregon 97239, USA
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12
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Di X, Gao X, Peng L, Ai J, Jin X, Qi S, Li H, Wang K, Luo D. Cellular mechanotransduction in health and diseases: from molecular mechanism to therapeutic targets. Signal Transduct Target Ther 2023; 8:282. [PMID: 37518181 PMCID: PMC10387486 DOI: 10.1038/s41392-023-01501-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 29.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2022] [Revised: 05/10/2023] [Accepted: 05/11/2023] [Indexed: 08/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Cellular mechanotransduction, a critical regulator of numerous biological processes, is the conversion from mechanical signals to biochemical signals regarding cell activities and metabolism. Typical mechanical cues in organisms include hydrostatic pressure, fluid shear stress, tensile force, extracellular matrix stiffness or tissue elasticity, and extracellular fluid viscosity. Mechanotransduction has been expected to trigger multiple biological processes, such as embryonic development, tissue repair and regeneration. However, prolonged excessive mechanical stimulation can result in pathological processes, such as multi-organ fibrosis, tumorigenesis, and cancer immunotherapy resistance. Although the associations between mechanical cues and normal tissue homeostasis or diseases have been identified, the regulatory mechanisms among different mechanical cues are not yet comprehensively illustrated, and no effective therapies are currently available targeting mechanical cue-related signaling. This review systematically summarizes the characteristics and regulatory mechanisms of typical mechanical cues in normal conditions and diseases with the updated evidence. The key effectors responding to mechanical stimulations are listed, such as Piezo channels, integrins, Yes-associated protein (YAP) /transcriptional coactivator with PDZ-binding motif (TAZ), and transient receptor potential vanilloid 4 (TRPV4). We also reviewed the key signaling pathways, therapeutic targets and cutting-edge clinical applications of diseases related to mechanical cues.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xingpeng Di
- Department of Urology and Institute of Urology, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, P.R. China
| | - Xiaoshuai Gao
- Department of Urology and Institute of Urology, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, P.R. China
| | - Liao Peng
- Department of Urology and Institute of Urology, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, P.R. China
| | - Jianzhong Ai
- Department of Urology and Institute of Urology, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, P.R. China
| | - Xi Jin
- Department of Urology and Institute of Urology, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, P.R. China
| | - Shiqian Qi
- Department of Urology and Institute of Urology, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, P.R. China
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, P.R. China
| | - Hong Li
- Department of Urology and Institute of Urology, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, P.R. China
| | - Kunjie Wang
- Department of Urology and Institute of Urology, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, P.R. China.
| | - Deyi Luo
- Department of Urology and Institute of Urology, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, P.R. China.
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Aristizábal-Ramírez I, Dragich AK, Giese APJ, Sofia Zuluaga-Osorio K, Watkins J, Davies GK, Hadi SE, Riazuddin S, Vander Kooi CW, Ahmed ZM, Frolenkov GI. Calcium and Integrin-binding protein 2 (CIB2) controls force sensitivity of the mechanotransducer channels in cochlear outer hair cells. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.07.09.545606. [PMID: 37461484 PMCID: PMC10350036 DOI: 10.1101/2023.07.09.545606] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/27/2024]
Abstract
Calcium and Integrin-Binding Protein 2 (CIB2) is an essential subunit of the mechano-electrical transduction (MET) complex in mammalian auditory hair cells. CIB2 binds to pore-forming subunits of the MET channel, TMC1/2 and is required for their transport and/or retention at the tips of mechanosensory stereocilia. Since genetic ablation of CIB2 results in complete loss of MET currents, the exact role of CIB2 in the MET complex remains elusive. Here, we generated a new mouse strain with deafness-causing p.R186W mutation in Cib2 and recorded small but still measurable MET currents in the cochlear outer hair cells. We found that R186W variant causes increase of the resting open probability of MET channels, steeper MET current dependence on hair bundle deflection (I-X curve), loss of fast adaptation, and increased leftward shifts of I-X curves upon hair cell depolarization. Combined with AlphaFold2 prediction that R186W disrupts one of the multiple interacting sites between CIB2 and TMC1/2, our data suggest that CIB2 mechanically constraints TMC1/2 conformations to ensure proper force sensitivity and dynamic range of the MET channels. Using a custom piezo-driven stiff probe deflecting the hair bundles in less than 10 µs, we also found that R186W variant slows down the activation of MET channels. This phenomenon, however, is unlikely to be due to direct effect on MET channels, since we also observed R186W-evoked disruption of the electron-dense material at the tips of mechanotransducing stereocilia and the loss of membrane-shaping BAIAP2L2 protein from the same location. We concluded that R186W variant of CIB2 disrupts force sensitivity of the MET channels and force transmission to these channels.
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14
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Wang X, Liu S, Cheng Q, Qu C, Ren R, Du H, Li N, Yan K, Wang Y, Xiong W, Xu Z. CIB2 and CIB3 Regulate Stereocilia Maintenance and Mechanoelectrical Transduction in Mouse Vestibular Hair Cells. J Neurosci 2023; 43:3219-3231. [PMID: 37001993 PMCID: PMC10162464 DOI: 10.1523/jneurosci.1807-22.2023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2022] [Revised: 03/20/2023] [Accepted: 03/25/2023] [Indexed: 04/03/2023] Open
Abstract
The mechanoelectrical transduction (MET) protein complex in the inner-ear hair cells is essential for hearing and balance perception. Calcium and integrin-binding protein 2 (CIB2) has been reported to be a component of MET complex, and loss of CIB2 completely abolishes MET currents in auditory hair cells, causing profound congenital hearing loss. However, loss of CIB2 does not affect MET currents in vestibular hair cells (VHCs) as well as general balance function. Here, we show that CIB2 and CIB3 act redundantly to regulate MET in VHCs, as MET currents are completely abolished in the VHCs of Cib2/Cib3 double knock-out mice of either sex. Furthermore, we show that Cib2 and Cib3 transcripts have complementary expression patterns in the vestibular maculae, and that they play different roles in stereocilia maintenance in VHCs. Cib2 transcripts are highly expressed in the striolar region, and knock-out of Cib2 affects stereocilia maintenance in striolar VHCs. In contrast, Cib3 transcripts are highly expressed in the extrastriolar region, and knock-out of Cib3 mainly affects stereocilia maintenance in extrastriolar VHCs. Simultaneous knock-out of Cib2 and Cib3 affects stereocilia maintenance in all VHCs and leads to severe balance deficits. Taken together, our present work reveals that CIB2 and CIB3 are important for stereocilia maintenance as well as MET in mouse VHCs.SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT Calcium and integrin-binding protein 2 (CIB2) is an important component of mechanoelectrical transduction (MET) complex, and loss of CIB2 completely abolishes MET in auditory hair cells. However, MET is unaffected in Cib2 knock-out vestibular hair cells (VHCs). In the present work, we show that CIB3 could compensate for the loss of CIB2 in VHCs, and Cib2/Cib3 double knock-out completely abolishes MET in VHCs. Interestingly, CIB2 and CIB3 could also regulate VHC stereocilia maintenance in a nonredundant way. Cib2 and Cib3 transcripts are highly expressed in the striolar and extrastriolar regions, respectively. Stereocilia maintenance and balance function are differently affected in Cib2 or Cib3 knock-out mice. In conclusion, our data suggest that CIB2 and CIB3 are important for stereocilia maintenance and MET in mouse VHCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoying Wang
- Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Cells and Developmental Biology and Key Laboratory for Experimental Teratology of the Ministry of Education, School of Life Sciences, Shandong University, Qingdao, Shandong 266237, People's Republic of China
| | - Shuang Liu
- School of Life Sciences, IDG/McGovern Institute for Brain Research, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, People's Republic of China
- Chinese Institute for Brain Research, Beijing 102206, People's Republic of China
| | - Qi Cheng
- Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Cells and Developmental Biology and Key Laboratory for Experimental Teratology of the Ministry of Education, School of Life Sciences, Shandong University, Qingdao, Shandong 266237, People's Republic of China
| | - Chengli Qu
- Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Cells and Developmental Biology and Key Laboratory for Experimental Teratology of the Ministry of Education, School of Life Sciences, Shandong University, Qingdao, Shandong 266237, People's Republic of China
| | - Rui Ren
- Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Cells and Developmental Biology and Key Laboratory for Experimental Teratology of the Ministry of Education, School of Life Sciences, Shandong University, Qingdao, Shandong 266237, People's Republic of China
| | - Haibo Du
- Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Cells and Developmental Biology and Key Laboratory for Experimental Teratology of the Ministry of Education, School of Life Sciences, Shandong University, Qingdao, Shandong 266237, People's Republic of China
| | - Nana Li
- Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Cells and Developmental Biology and Key Laboratory for Experimental Teratology of the Ministry of Education, School of Life Sciences, Shandong University, Qingdao, Shandong 266237, People's Republic of China
| | - Keji Yan
- Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Cells and Developmental Biology and Key Laboratory for Experimental Teratology of the Ministry of Education, School of Life Sciences, Shandong University, Qingdao, Shandong 266237, People's Republic of China
| | - Yanfei Wang
- Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Cells and Developmental Biology and Key Laboratory for Experimental Teratology of the Ministry of Education, School of Life Sciences, Shandong University, Qingdao, Shandong 266237, People's Republic of China
| | - Wei Xiong
- School of Life Sciences, IDG/McGovern Institute for Brain Research, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, People's Republic of China
- Chinese Institute for Brain Research, Beijing 102206, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhigang Xu
- Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Cells and Developmental Biology and Key Laboratory for Experimental Teratology of the Ministry of Education, School of Life Sciences, Shandong University, Qingdao, Shandong 266237, People's Republic of China
- Shandong Provincial Collaborative Innovation Center of Cell Biology, Shandong Normal University, Jinan, Shandong 250014, People's Republic of China
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15
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Davis MJ, Earley S, Li YS, Chien S. Vascular mechanotransduction. Physiol Rev 2023; 103:1247-1421. [PMID: 36603156 PMCID: PMC9942936 DOI: 10.1152/physrev.00053.2021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 45.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2021] [Revised: 09/26/2022] [Accepted: 10/04/2022] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
This review aims to survey the current state of mechanotransduction in vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) and endothelial cells (ECs), including their sensing of mechanical stimuli and transduction of mechanical signals that result in the acute functional modulation and longer-term transcriptomic and epigenetic regulation of blood vessels. The mechanosensors discussed include ion channels, plasma membrane-associated structures and receptors, and junction proteins. The mechanosignaling pathways presented include the cytoskeleton, integrins, extracellular matrix, and intracellular signaling molecules. These are followed by discussions on mechanical regulation of transcriptome and epigenetics, relevance of mechanotransduction to health and disease, and interactions between VSMCs and ECs. Throughout this review, we offer suggestions for specific topics that require further understanding. In the closing section on conclusions and perspectives, we summarize what is known and point out the need to treat the vasculature as a system, including not only VSMCs and ECs but also the extracellular matrix and other types of cells such as resident macrophages and pericytes, so that we can fully understand the physiology and pathophysiology of the blood vessel as a whole, thus enhancing the comprehension, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of vascular diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael J Davis
- Department of Medical Pharmacology and Physiology, University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri
| | - Scott Earley
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Nevada, Reno, Nevada
| | - Yi-Shuan Li
- Department of Bioengineering, University of California, San Diego, California
- Institute of Engineering in Medicine, University of California, San Diego, California
| | - Shu Chien
- Department of Bioengineering, University of California, San Diego, California
- Institute of Engineering in Medicine, University of California, San Diego, California
- Department of Medicine, University of California, San Diego, California
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16
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Krey JF, Chatterjee P, Halford J, Cunningham CL, Perrin BJ, Barr-Gillespie PG. Control of stereocilia length during development of hair bundles. PLoS Biol 2023; 21:e3001964. [PMID: 37011103 PMCID: PMC10101650 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pbio.3001964] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2022] [Revised: 04/13/2023] [Accepted: 03/14/2023] [Indexed: 04/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Assembly of the hair bundle, the sensory organelle of the inner ear, depends on differential growth of actin-based stereocilia. Separate rows of stereocilia, labeled 1 through 3 from tallest to shortest, lengthen or shorten during discrete time intervals during development. We used lattice structured illumination microscopy and surface rendering to measure dimensions of stereocilia from mouse apical inner hair cells during early postnatal development; these measurements revealed a sharp transition at postnatal day 8 between stage III (row 1 and 2 widening; row 2 shortening) and stage IV (final row 1 lengthening and widening). Tip proteins that determine row 1 lengthening did not accumulate simultaneously during stages III and IV; while the actin-bundling protein EPS8 peaked at the end of stage III, GNAI3 peaked several days later-in early stage IV-and GPSM2 peaked near the end of stage IV. To establish the contributions of key macromolecular assemblies to bundle structure, we examined mouse mutants that eliminated tip links (Cdh23v2J or Pcdh15av3J), transduction channels (TmieKO), or the row 1 tip complex (Myo15ash2). Cdh23v2J/v2J and Pcdh15av3J/av3J bundles had adjacent stereocilia in the same row that were not matched in length, revealing that a major role of these cadherins is to synchronize lengths of side-by-side stereocilia. Use of the tip-link mutants also allowed us to distinguish the role of transduction from effects of transduction proteins themselves. While levels of GNAI3 and GPSM2, which stimulate stereocilia elongation, were greatly attenuated at the tips of TmieKO/KO row 1 stereocilia, they accumulated normally in Cdh23v2J/v2J and Pcdh15av3J/av3J stereocilia. These results reinforced the suggestion that the transduction proteins themselves facilitate localization of proteins in the row 1 complex. By contrast, EPS8 concentrates at tips of all TmieKO/KO, Cdh23v2J/v2J, and Pcdh15av3J/av3J stereocilia, correlating with the less polarized distribution of stereocilia lengths in these bundles. These latter results indicated that in wild-type hair cells, the transduction complex prevents accumulation of EPS8 at the tips of shorter stereocilia, causing them to shrink (rows 2 and 3) or disappear (row 4 and microvilli). Reduced rhodamine-actin labeling at row 2 stereocilia tips of tip-link and transduction mutants suggests that transduction's role is to destabilize actin filaments there. These results suggest that regulation of stereocilia length occurs through EPS8 and that CDH23 and PCDH15 regulate stereocilia lengthening beyond their role in gating mechanotransduction channels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jocelyn F. Krey
- Oregon Hearing Research Center and Vollum Institute, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, Oregon, United States of America
| | - Paroma Chatterjee
- Oregon Hearing Research Center and Vollum Institute, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, Oregon, United States of America
| | - Julia Halford
- Oregon Hearing Research Center and Vollum Institute, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, Oregon, United States of America
| | - Christopher L. Cunningham
- Pittsburgh Hearing Research Center, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States of America
| | - Benjamin J. Perrin
- Department of Biology, Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis, Indianapolis, Indiana, United States of America
| | - Peter G. Barr-Gillespie
- Oregon Hearing Research Center and Vollum Institute, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, Oregon, United States of America
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17
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Jung J, Müller U. Mechanoelectrical transduction-related genetic forms of hearing loss. CURRENT OPINION IN PHYSIOLOGY 2023; 32:100632. [PMID: 36936795 PMCID: PMC10022594 DOI: 10.1016/j.cophys.2023.100632] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Abstract
Hair cells of the mammalian cochlea are specialized mechanosensory cells that convert mechanical stimuli into electrical signals to initiate the neuronal responses that lead to the perception of sound. The mechanoelectrical transduction (MET) machinery of cochlear hair cells is a multimeric protein complex that consists of the pore forming subunits of the MET channel and several essential accessory subunits that are crucial to regulate channel function and render the channel mechanically sensitive. Mutations have been discovered in the genes that encode all known components of the MET machinery. These mutations cause hearing loss with or without vestibular dysfunction. Some mutations also affect other tissues such as the retina. In this brief review, we will summarize gene mutations that affect the MET machinery of hair cells and how the study of the affected genes has illuminated our understanding of the physiological role of the encoded proteins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jinsei Jung
- The Solomon H. Snyder Department of Neuroscience, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Graduate School of Medical Science, Brain Korea 21 Project, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul 03722, Republic of Korea
| | - Ulrich Müller
- The Solomon H. Snyder Department of Neuroscience, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
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18
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The tetraspan LHFPL5 is critical to establish maximal force sensitivity of the mechanotransduction channel of cochlear hair cells. Cell Rep 2023; 42:112245. [PMID: 36917610 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2023.112245] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2022] [Revised: 01/28/2023] [Accepted: 02/27/2023] [Indexed: 03/14/2023] Open
Abstract
The mechanoelectrical transduction (MET) channel of cochlear hair cells is gated by the tip link, but the mechanisms that establish the exquisite force sensitivity of this MET channel are not known. Here, we show that the tetraspan lipoma HMGIC fusion partner-like 5 (LHFPL5) directly couples the tip link to the MET channel. Disruption of these interactions severely perturbs MET. Notably, the N-terminal cytoplasmic domain of LHFPL5 binds to an amphipathic helix in TMC1, a critical gating domain conserved between different MET channels. Mutations in the amphipathic helix of TMC1 or in the N-terminus of LHFPL5 that perturb interactions of LHFPL5 with the amphipathic helix affect channel responses to mechanical force. We conclude that LHFPL5 couples the tip link to the MET channel and that channel gating depends on a structural element in TMC1 that is evolutionarily conserved between MET channels. Overall, our findings support a tether model for transduction channel gating by the tip link.
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19
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Goodman MB, Haswell ES, Vásquez V. Mechanosensitive membrane proteins: Usual and unusual suspects in mediating mechanotransduction. J Gen Physiol 2023; 155:e202213248. [PMID: 36696153 PMCID: PMC9930137 DOI: 10.1085/jgp.202213248] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/26/2023] Open
Abstract
This Viewpoint, which accompanies a Special Issue focusing on membrane mechanosensors, discusses unifying and unique features of both established and emerging mechanosensitive (MS) membrane proteins, their distribution across protein families and phyla, and current and future challenges in the study of these important proteins and their partners. MS membrane proteins are essential for tissue development, cellular motion, osmotic homeostasis, and sensing external and self-generated mechanical cues like those responsible for touch and proprioception. Though researchers' attention and this Viewpoint focus on a few famous ion channels that are considered the usual suspects as MS mechanosensors, we also discuss some of the more unusual suspects, such as G-protein coupled receptors. As the field continues to grow, so too will the list of proteins suspected to function as mechanosensors and the diversity of known MS membrane proteins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miriam B. Goodman
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Physiology, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Elizabeth S. Haswell
- Department of Biology, Center for Engineering Mechanobiology, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO, USA
| | - Valeria Vásquez
- Department of Physiology, College of Medicine, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN, USA
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20
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Sharkova M, Chow E, Erickson T, Hocking JC. The morphological and functional diversity of apical microvilli. J Anat 2023; 242:327-353. [PMID: 36281951 PMCID: PMC9919547 DOI: 10.1111/joa.13781] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2022] [Revised: 10/03/2022] [Accepted: 10/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Sensory neurons use specialized apical processes to perceive external stimuli and monitor internal body conditions. The apical apparatus can include cilia, microvilli, or both, and is adapted for the functions of the particular cell type. Photoreceptors detect light through a large, modified cilium (outer segment), that is supported by a surrounding ring of microvilli-like calyceal processes (CPs). Although first reported 150 years ago, CPs remain poorly understood. As a basis for future study, we therefore conducted a review of existing literature about sensory cell microvilli, which can act either as the primary sensory detector or as support for a cilia-based detector. While all microvilli are finger-like cellular protrusions with an actin core, the processes vary across cell types in size, number, arrangement, dynamics, and function. We summarize the current state of knowledge about CPs and the characteristics of the microvilli found on inner ear hair cells (stereocilia) and cerebral spinal fluid-contacting neurons, with comparisons to the brush border of the intestinal and renal epithelia. The structure, stability, and dynamics of the actin core are regulated by a complement of actin-binding proteins, which includes both common components and unique features when compared across cell types. Further, microvilli are often supported by lateral links, a glycocalyx, and a defined extracellular matrix, each adapted to the function and environment of the cell. Our comparison of microvillar features will inform further research into how CPs support photoreceptor function, and also provide a general basis for investigations into the structure and functions of apical microvilli found on sensory neurons.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Sharkova
- Department of Cell Biology, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - Erica Chow
- Department of Cell Biology, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - Timothy Erickson
- Department of Biology, University of New Brunswick, Fredericton, New Brunswick, Canada
| | - Jennifer C Hocking
- Department of Cell Biology, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada.,Division of Anatomy, Department of Surgery, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada.,Department of Medical Genetics, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada.,Women and Children's Health Research Institute, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
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21
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Calcium signaling and genetic rare diseases: An auditory perspective. Cell Calcium 2023; 110:102702. [PMID: 36791536 DOI: 10.1016/j.ceca.2023.102702] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2022] [Revised: 02/01/2023] [Accepted: 02/02/2023] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Deafness is a highly heterogeneous disorder which stems, for 50%, from genetic origins. Sensory transduction relies mainly on sensory hair cells of the cochlea, in the inner ear. Calcium is key for the function of these cells and acts as a fundamental signal transduction. Its homeostasis depends on three factors: the calcium influx, through the mechanotransduction channel at the apical pole of the hair cell as well as the voltage-gated calcium channel at the base of the cells; the calcium buffering via Ca2+-binding proteins in the cytoplasm, but also in organelles such as mitochondria and the reticulum endoplasmic mitochondria-associated membranes with specialized proteins; and the calcium extrusion through the Ca-ATPase pump, located all over the plasma membrane. In addition, the synaptic transmission to the central nervous system is also controlled by calcium. Genetic studies of inherited deafness have tremendously helped understand the underlying molecular pathways of calcium signaling. In this review, we discuss these different factors in light of the associated genetic diseases (syndromic and non-syndromic deafness) and the causative genes.
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22
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Soler DC, Ballesteros A, Sloan AE, McCormick TS, Stepanyan R. Multiple plasma membrane reporters discern LHFPL5 region that blocks trafficking to the plasma membrane. Sci Rep 2023; 13:2528. [PMID: 36781873 PMCID: PMC9925724 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-28045-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2022] [Accepted: 01/11/2023] [Indexed: 02/15/2023] Open
Abstract
The mechano-electrical transduction (MET) channel of the inner ear receptor cells, termed hair cells, is a protein complex that enables our senses of hearing and balance. Hair cell MET requires an elaborate interplay of multiple proteins that form the MET channel. One of the MET complex components is the transmembrane protein LHFPL5, which is required for hair cell MET and hearing. LHFPL5 is thought to form a multi-protein complex with other MET channel proteins, such as PCDH15, TMIE, and TMC1. Despite localizing to the plasma membrane of stereocilia, the mechanosensing organelles of hair cells, LHFPL5 requires its binding partner within the MET complex, PCDH15, to localize to the stereocilia tips in hair cells and to the plasma membrane in heterologous cells. Using the Aquaporin 3-tGFP reporter (AGR) for plasma membrane localization, we found that a region within extracellular loop 1, which interacts with PCDH15, precludes the trafficking of AGR reporter to the plasma membrane in heterologous cell lines. Our results suggest that the presence of protein partners may mask endoplasmic reticulum retention regions or enable the proper folding and trafficking of the MET complex components, to facilitate expression of the MET complex at the stereocilia membrane.
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Affiliation(s)
- David C Soler
- Department of Neurosurgery, University Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center, Cleveland, OH, USA.
- Brain Tumor and Neuro-Oncology Center, University Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center, Cleveland, OH, USA.
- University Hospitals-Cleveland Medical Center and the Case Comprehensive Cancer Center, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Cleveland, OH, USA.
| | - Angela Ballesteros
- National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Andrew E Sloan
- Department of Neurosurgery, University Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center, Cleveland, OH, USA
- Brain Tumor and Neuro-Oncology Center, University Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center, Cleveland, OH, USA
- University Hospitals-Cleveland Medical Center and the Case Comprehensive Cancer Center, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Thomas S McCormick
- Department of Dermatology, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, USA
- Murdough Family Center for Psoriasis, University Hospitals Case Medical Center, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Ruben Stepanyan
- Department of Otolaryngology - HNS, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, USA.
- Department of Neurosciences, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, USA.
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23
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Kim KS, Koo HY, Bok J. Alternative splicing in shaping the molecular landscape of the cochlea. Front Cell Dev Biol 2023; 11:1143428. [PMID: 36936679 PMCID: PMC10018040 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2023.1143428] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2023] [Accepted: 02/16/2023] [Indexed: 03/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The cochlea is a complex organ comprising diverse cell types with highly specialized morphology and function. Until now, the molecular underpinnings of its specializations have mostly been studied from a transcriptional perspective, but accumulating evidence points to post-transcriptional regulation as a major source of molecular diversity. Alternative splicing is one of the most prevalent and well-characterized post-transcriptional regulatory mechanisms. Many molecules important for hearing, such as cadherin 23 or harmonin, undergo alternative splicing to produce functionally distinct isoforms. Some isoforms are expressed specifically in the cochlea, while some show differential expression across the various cochlear cell types and anatomical regions. Clinical phenotypes that arise from mutations affecting specific splice variants testify to the functional relevance of these isoforms. All these clues point to an essential role for alternative splicing in shaping the unique molecular landscape of the cochlea. Although the regulatory mechanisms controlling alternative splicing in the cochlea are poorly characterized, there are animal models with defective splicing regulators that demonstrate the importance of RNA-binding proteins in maintaining cochlear function and cell survival. Recent technological breakthroughs offer exciting prospects for overcoming some of the long-standing hurdles that have complicated the analysis of alternative splicing in the cochlea. Efforts toward this end will help clarify how the remarkable diversity of the cochlear transcriptome is both established and maintained.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kwan Soo Kim
- Department of Anatomy, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- Brain Korea 21 Project for Medical Science, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Hei Yeun Koo
- Department of Anatomy, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Jinwoong Bok
- Department of Anatomy, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- Brain Korea 21 Project for Medical Science, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- *Correspondence: Jinwoong Bok,
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24
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Li J. Liquid-liquid phase separation in hair cell stereocilia development and maintenance. Comput Struct Biotechnol J 2023; 21:1738-1745. [PMID: 36890881 PMCID: PMC9986246 DOI: 10.1016/j.csbj.2023.02.040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2022] [Revised: 02/22/2023] [Accepted: 02/22/2023] [Indexed: 03/03/2023] Open
Abstract
As an emerging concept, liquid-liquid phase separation (LLPS) in biological systems has shed light on the formation mechanisms of membrane-less compartments in cells. The process is driven by multivalent interactions of biomolecules such as proteins and/or nucleic acids, allowing them to form condensed structures. In the inner ear hair cells, LLPS-based biomolecular condensate assembly plays a vital role in the development and maintenance of stereocilia, the mechanosensing organelles located at the apical surface of hair cells. This review aims to summarize recent findings on the molecular basis governing the LLPS of Usher syndrome-related gene-encoding proteins and their binding partners, which may ultimately result in the formation of upper tip-link density and tip complex density in hair cell stereocilia, offering a better understanding of this severe inherited disease that causes deaf-blindness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jianchao Li
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Guangzhou First People's Hospital, School of Medicine, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou 510180, China.,Division of Cell, Developmental and Integrative Biology, School of Medicine, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou 510006, China
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25
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Qiu X, Müller U. Sensing sound: Cellular specializations and molecular force sensors. Neuron 2022; 110:3667-3687. [PMID: 36223766 PMCID: PMC9671866 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuron.2022.09.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2022] [Revised: 08/03/2022] [Accepted: 09/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
Organisms of all phyla express mechanosensitive ion channels with a wide range of physiological functions. In recent years, several classes of mechanically gated ion channels have been identified. Some of these ion channels are intrinsically mechanosensitive. Others depend on accessory proteins to regulate their response to mechanical force. The mechanotransduction machinery of cochlear hair cells provides a particularly striking example of a complex force-sensing machine. This molecular ensemble is embedded into a specialized cellular compartment that is crucial for its function. Notably, mechanotransduction channels of cochlear hair cells are not only critical for auditory perception. They also shape their cellular environment and regulate the development of auditory circuitry. Here, we summarize recent discoveries that have shed light on the composition of the mechanotransduction machinery of cochlear hair cells and how this machinery contributes to the development and function of the auditory system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xufeng Qiu
- The Solomon H. Snyder Department of Neuroscience, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | - Ulrich Müller
- The Solomon H. Snyder Department of Neuroscience, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA.
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26
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Ji YR, Tona Y, Wafa T, Christman ME, Tourney ED, Jiang T, Ohta S, Cheng H, Fitzgerald T, Fritzsch B, Jones SM, Cullen KE, Wu DK. Function of bidirectional sensitivity in the otolith organs established by transcription factor Emx2. Nat Commun 2022; 13:6330. [PMID: 36280667 PMCID: PMC9592604 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-022-33819-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2022] [Accepted: 10/04/2022] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Otolith organs of the inner ear are innervated by two parallel afferent projections to the brainstem and cerebellum. These innervations were proposed to segregate across the line of polarity reversal (LPR) within each otolith organ, which divides the organ into two regions of hair cells (HC) with opposite stereociliary orientation. The relationship and functional significance of these anatomical features are not known. Here, we show regional expression of Emx2 in otolith organs, which establishes LPR, mediates the neuronal segregation across LPR and constitutes the bidirectional sensitivity function. Conditional knockout (cKO) of Emx2 in HCs lacks LPR. Tmie cKO, in which mechanotransduction was abolished selectively in HCs within the Emx2 expression domain also lacks bidirectional sensitivity. Analyses of both mutants indicate that LPR is specifically required for mice to swim comfortably and to traverse a balance beam efficiently, but LPR is not required for mice to stay on a rotating rod.
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Affiliation(s)
- Young Rae Ji
- Section on Sensory Cell Regeneration and Development, Laboratory of Molecular Biology, National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, 20892, USA
- Sensory & Motor Systems Research Group, Korea Brain Research Institute (KBRI), 61 Cheomdan-ro, Dong-gu, Daegu, 41062, Republic of Korea
| | - Yosuke Tona
- Section on Sensory Cell Regeneration and Development, Laboratory of Molecular Biology, National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, 20892, USA
- Otolaryngology/Head and Neck Surgery, Kyoto University Hospital, 54 Shogoin-kawahara-cho, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto City, Kyoto, 606-8507, Japan
| | - Talah Wafa
- Mouse Auditory Testing Core Facility, National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, 20892, USA
| | - Matthew E Christman
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA
| | - Edward D Tourney
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA
| | - Tao Jiang
- Section on Sensory Cell Regeneration and Development, Laboratory of Molecular Biology, National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, 20892, USA
- ENT Institute and Otorhinolaryngology Department of Eye & ENT Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200031, China
| | - Sho Ohta
- Section on Sensory Cell Regeneration and Development, Laboratory of Molecular Biology, National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, 20892, USA
| | - Hui Cheng
- Bioinformatics and Biostatistics Collaboration Core, National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, 20892, USA
| | - Tracy Fitzgerald
- Mouse Auditory Testing Core Facility, National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, 20892, USA
| | - Bernd Fritzsch
- Department of Biology & Department of Otolaryngology, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, 52242, USA
| | - Sherri M Jones
- Department of Special Education and Communication Disorders, 301 Barkley Memorial Center, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Lincoln, NE, 68583, USA
| | - Kathleen E Cullen
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA
| | - Doris K Wu
- Section on Sensory Cell Regeneration and Development, Laboratory of Molecular Biology, National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, 20892, USA.
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27
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The conductance and organization of the TMC1-containing mechanotransducer channel complex in auditory hair cells. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2022; 119:e2210849119. [PMID: 36191207 PMCID: PMC9564823 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2210849119] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
We studied the role of TMC1 as the central component of the hair cell mechanotransducer (MET) channel by characterizing transduction in mice harboring mutations in the pore region. All Tmc1 mutations reduced the Ca2+ influx into the hair bundle. Two mutations (Tmc1 p.D528N or Tmc1 p.E520Q) also decreased channel conductance and two (Tmc1 p. D569N or Tmc1 p.W554L) lowered expression. These mutations endorse TMC1 as the pore of the MET channel. The MET channel also contains accessory subunits, LHFPL5 and TMIE. MET currents were small in Lhfpl5 or Tmie knockout mice. Nevertheless, MET channels could still be activated by hair bundle displacement; single-channel conductance was unaffected in Lhfpl5−/− but reduced in Tmie−/−, suggesting TMIE likely contributes to the pore. Transmembrane channel-like protein 1 (TMC1) is thought to form the ion-conducting pore of the mechanoelectrical transducer (MET) channel in auditory hair cells. Using single-channel analysis and ionic permeability measurements, we characterized six missense mutations in the purported pore region of mouse TMC1. All mutations reduced the Ca2+ permeability of the MET channel, triggering hair cell apoptosis and deafness. In addition, Tmc1 p.E520Q and Tmc1 p.D528N reduced channel conductance, whereas Tmc1 p.W554L and Tmc1 p.D569N lowered channel expression without affecting the conductance. Tmc1 p.M412K and Tmc1 p.T416K reduced only the Ca2+ permeability. The consequences of these mutations endorse TMC1 as the pore of the MET channel. The accessory subunits, LHFPL5 and TMIE, are thought to be involved in targeting TMC1 to the tips of the stereocilia. We found sufficient expression of TMC1 in outer hair cells of Lhfpl5 and Tmie knockout mice to determine the properties of the channels, which could still be gated by hair bundle displacement. Single-channel conductance was unaffected in Lhfpl5−/− but was reduced in Tmie−/−, implying TMIE very likely contributes to the pore. Both the working range and half-saturation point of the residual MET current in Lhfpl5−/− were substantially increased, suggesting that LHFPL5 is part of the mechanical coupling between the tip-link and the MET channel. Based on counts of numbers of stereocilia per bundle, we estimate that each PCDH15 and LHFPL5 monomer may contact two channels irrespective of location.
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28
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Meng P, Pan C, Cheng S, Li C, Yao Y, Liu L, Cheng B, Yang X, Zhang Z, Chen Y, Zhang J, Zhang H, Wen Y, Jia Y, Guo X, Zhang F. Evaluating the role of rare genetic variation in sleep duration. Sleep Health 2022; 8:536-541. [PMID: 35907708 DOI: 10.1016/j.sleh.2022.05.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2021] [Revised: 04/22/2022] [Accepted: 05/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To explore the roles of rare and high-impact variants in sleep duration. DESIGN Based on the recently released UK Biobank 200k exome dataset, an exome-wide association study was conducted to detect rare variants (minor allele frequency <0.01) contributing to sleep duration. Variant annotations were performed by the software tool ANNOVAR. Gene-based burden tests of sleep duration were conducted by the SKAT R-package. After quality control, 137,047 subjects were included in this study. CAUSALdb database was used to explore the related mental traits of identified genes. RESULTS We detected 730,572 variants with MAF < 1%, including 3873 frameshift variants, 3977 nonframeshift variants, 449,632 nonsynonymous variants, 1293 startloss variants, 10,254 stopgain variants, 413 stoploss variants, 261,130 synonymous variants, and 3102 variants are annotated as unknown. The burden test of exonic variants detected two exome-wide significant associations for sleep duration including TMIE at 3p21.31 (PBonferroni adjusted = 0.015) and ZIC2 at 13q32.3 (PBonferroni adjusted = 0.047). There are only nonsynonymous contained in TMIE; as for ZIC2, we detected 2 annotations of variants: nonsynonymous (PBonferroni adjusted =2.04 × 10-4) and nonframeshift (PBonferroni adjusted =0.85). TMIE and ZIC2 were reported to be associated with several mental traits, such as chronotype, depression, and brain natriuretic peptide in published study. CONCLUSION This study reported 2 novel candidate genes for a sleep duration, supporting the roles of rare genetic variants in the regulation of sleep duration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peilin Meng
- Key Laboratory of Trace Elements and Endemic Diseases of National Health and Family Planning Commission, School of Public Health, Health Science Center, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, China
| | - Chuyu Pan
- Key Laboratory of Trace Elements and Endemic Diseases of National Health and Family Planning Commission, School of Public Health, Health Science Center, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, China
| | - Shiqiang Cheng
- Key Laboratory of Trace Elements and Endemic Diseases of National Health and Family Planning Commission, School of Public Health, Health Science Center, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, China
| | - Chun'e Li
- Key Laboratory of Trace Elements and Endemic Diseases of National Health and Family Planning Commission, School of Public Health, Health Science Center, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, China
| | - Yao Yao
- Key Laboratory of Trace Elements and Endemic Diseases of National Health and Family Planning Commission, School of Public Health, Health Science Center, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, China
| | - Li Liu
- Key Laboratory of Trace Elements and Endemic Diseases of National Health and Family Planning Commission, School of Public Health, Health Science Center, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, China
| | - Bolun Cheng
- Key Laboratory of Trace Elements and Endemic Diseases of National Health and Family Planning Commission, School of Public Health, Health Science Center, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, China
| | - Xuena Yang
- Key Laboratory of Trace Elements and Endemic Diseases of National Health and Family Planning Commission, School of Public Health, Health Science Center, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, China
| | - Zhen Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Trace Elements and Endemic Diseases of National Health and Family Planning Commission, School of Public Health, Health Science Center, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, China
| | - Yujing Chen
- Key Laboratory of Trace Elements and Endemic Diseases of National Health and Family Planning Commission, School of Public Health, Health Science Center, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, China
| | - Jingxi Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Trace Elements and Endemic Diseases of National Health and Family Planning Commission, School of Public Health, Health Science Center, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, China
| | - Huijie Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Trace Elements and Endemic Diseases of National Health and Family Planning Commission, School of Public Health, Health Science Center, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, China
| | - Yan Wen
- Key Laboratory of Trace Elements and Endemic Diseases of National Health and Family Planning Commission, School of Public Health, Health Science Center, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, China
| | - Yumeng Jia
- Key Laboratory of Trace Elements and Endemic Diseases of National Health and Family Planning Commission, School of Public Health, Health Science Center, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, China
| | - Xiong Guo
- Key Laboratory of Trace Elements and Endemic Diseases of National Health and Family Planning Commission, School of Public Health, Health Science Center, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, China
| | - Feng Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Trace Elements and Endemic Diseases of National Health and Family Planning Commission, School of Public Health, Health Science Center, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, China.
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29
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Li J, Liu C, Müller U, Zhao B. RIPOR2-mediated autophagy dysfunction is critical for aminoglycoside-induced hearing loss. Dev Cell 2022; 57:2204-2220.e6. [PMID: 36113482 PMCID: PMC9529990 DOI: 10.1016/j.devcel.2022.08.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2022] [Revised: 07/25/2022] [Accepted: 08/23/2022] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
Aminoglycosides (AGs) are potent antibiotics that are capable of treating a wide variety of life-threatening infections; however, they are ototoxic and cause irreversible damage to cochlear hair cells. Despite substantial progress, little is known about the molecular pathways critical for hair cell function and survival that are affected by AG exposure. We demonstrate here that gentamicin, a representative AG antibiotic, binds to and within minutes triggers translocation of RIPOR2 in murine hair cells from stereocilia to the pericuticular area. Then, by interacting with a central autophagy component, GABARAP, RIPOR2 affects autophagy activation. Reducing the expression of RIPOR2 or GABARAP completely prevents AG-induced hair cell death and subsequent hearing loss in mice. Additionally, abolishing the expression of PINK1 or Parkin, two key mitochondrial autophagy proteins, prevents hair cell death and subsequent hearing loss caused by AG. In summary, our study demonstrates that RIPOR2-mediated autophagic dysfunction is essential for AG-induced hearing loss.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jinan Li
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA
| | - Chang Liu
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA
| | - Ulrich Müller
- The Solomon H. Snyder Department of Neuroscience, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | - Bo Zhao
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA.
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30
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Selective binding and transport of protocadherin 15 isoforms by stereocilia unconventional myosins in a heterologous expression system. Sci Rep 2022; 12:13764. [PMID: 35962067 PMCID: PMC9374675 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-17757-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2022] [Accepted: 07/30/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
During hair cell development, the mechanoelectrical transduction (MET) apparatus is assembled at the stereocilia tips, where it coexists with the stereocilia actin regulatory machinery. While the myosin-based tipward transport of actin regulatory proteins is well studied, isoform complexity and built-in redundancies in the MET apparatus have limited our understanding of how MET components are transported. We used a heterologous expression system to elucidate the myosin selective transport of isoforms of protocadherin 15 (PCDH15), the protein that mechanically gates the MET apparatus. We show that MYO7A selectively transports the CD3 isoform while MYO3A and MYO3B transports the CD2 isoform. Furthermore, MYO15A showed an insignificant role in the transport of PCDH15, and none of the myosins tested transport PCDH15-CD1. Our data suggest an important role for MYO3A, MYO3B, and MYO7A in the MET apparatus formation and highlight the intricate nature of MET and actin regulation during development and functional maturation of the stereocilia bundle.
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31
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cAMP and voltage modulate rat auditory mechanotransduction by decreasing the stiffness of gating springs. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2022; 119:e2107567119. [PMID: 35858439 PMCID: PMC9335186 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2107567119] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Regulation of auditory sensitivity contributes to the precision, dynamic range, and protection of the auditory system. Regulation of the hair cell mechanotransduction channel is a major contributor to controlling the sensitivity of the auditory transduction process. The gating spring is a critical piece of the mechanotransduction machinery because it opens and closes the mechanotransduction channel, and its stiffness regulates the sensitivity of the mechanotransduction process. In the present work, we characterize the effect of the second-messenger signaling molecule cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) and identify that it reduces gating spring stiffness likely through an exchange protein directly activated by cAMP (EPAC)-mediated pathway. This is a unique physiologic mechanism to regulate gating spring stiffness. Hair cells of the auditory and vestibular systems transform mechanical input into electrical potentials through the mechanoelectrical transduction process (MET). Deflection of the mechanosensory hair bundle increases tension in the gating springs that open MET channels. Regulation of MET channel sensitivity contributes to the auditory system’s precision, wide dynamic range and, potentially, protection from overexcitation. Modulating the stiffness of the gating spring modulates the sensitivity of the MET process. Here, we investigated the role of cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) in rat outer hair cell MET and found that cAMP up-regulation lowers the sensitivity of the channel in a manner consistent with decreasing gating spring stiffness. Direct measurements of the mechanical properties of the hair bundle confirmed a decrease in gating spring stiffness with cAMP up-regulation. In parallel, we found that prolonged depolarization mirrored the effects of cAMP. Finally, a limited number of experiments implicate that cAMP activates the exchange protein directly activated by cAMP to mediate the changes in MET sensitivity. These results reveal that cAMP signaling modulates gating spring stiffness to affect auditory sensitivity.
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32
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Akyuz N, Karavitaki KD, Pan B, Tamvakologos PI, Brock KP, Li Y, Marks DS, Corey DP. Mechanical gating of the auditory transduction channel TMC1 involves the fourth and sixth transmembrane helices. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2022; 8:eabo1126. [PMID: 35857511 PMCID: PMC9278870 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.abo1126] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2022] [Accepted: 05/27/2022] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
The transmembrane (TM) channel-like 1 (TMC1) and TMC2 proteins play a central role in auditory transduction, forming ion channels that convert sound into electrical signals. However, the molecular mechanism of their gating remains unknown. Here, using predicted structural models as a guide, we probed the effects of 12 mutations on the mechanical gating of the transduction currents in native hair cells of Tmc1/2-null mice expressing virally introduced TMC1 variants. Whole-cell electrophysiological recordings revealed that mutations within the pore-lining TM4 and TM6 helices modified gating, reducing the force sensitivity or shifting the open probability of the channels, or both. For some of the mutants, these changes were accompanied by a change in single-channel conductance. Our observations are in line with a model wherein conformational changes in the TM4 and TM6 helices are involved in the mechanical gating of the transduction channel.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nurunisa Akyuz
- Department of Neurobiology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | | | - Bifeng Pan
- Department of Neurobiology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | | | - Kelly P. Brock
- Department of Systems Biology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Yaqiao Li
- Department of Neurobiology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Debora S. Marks
- Department of Systems Biology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - David P. Corey
- Department of Neurobiology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
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33
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Liu L, Zou L, Li K, Hou H, Hu Q, Liu S, Li J, Song C, Chen J, Wang S, Wang Y, Li C, Du H, Li JL, Chen F, Xu Z, Sun W, Sun Q, Xiong W. Template-independent genome editing in the Pcdh15 av-3j mouse, a model of human DFNB23 nonsyndromic deafness. Cell Rep 2022; 40:111061. [PMID: 35830793 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2022.111061] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2021] [Revised: 04/15/2022] [Accepted: 06/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Although frameshift mutations lead to 22% of inherited Mendelian disorders in humans, there is no efficient in vivo gene therapy strategy available to date, particularly in nondividing cells. Here, we show that nonhomologous end-joining (NHEJ)-mediated nonrandom editing profiles compensate the frameshift mutation in the Pcdh15 gene and restore the lost mechanotransduction function in postmitotic hair cells of Pcdh15av-3J mice, an animal model of human nonsyndromic deafness DFNB23. Identified by an ex vivo evaluation system in cultured cochlear explants, the selected guide RNA restores reading frame in approximately 50% of indel products and recovers mechanotransduction in more than 70% of targeted hair cells. In vivo treatment shows that half of the animals gain improvements in auditory responses, and balance function is restored in the majority of injected mutant mice. These results demonstrate that NHEJ-mediated reading-frame restoration is a simple and efficient strategy in postmitotic systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lian Liu
- School of Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China; IDG/McGovern Institute for Brain Research at Tsinghua University, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
| | - Linzhi Zou
- School of Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China; IDG/McGovern Institute for Brain Research at Tsinghua University, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
| | - Kuan Li
- School of Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China; Tsinghua-Peking Joint Center for Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
| | - Hanqing Hou
- School of Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China; IDG/McGovern Institute for Brain Research at Tsinghua University, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
| | - Qun Hu
- School of Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China; IDG/McGovern Institute for Brain Research at Tsinghua University, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
| | - Shuang Liu
- School of Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China; IDG/McGovern Institute for Brain Research at Tsinghua University, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
| | - Jie Li
- School of Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China; IDG/McGovern Institute for Brain Research at Tsinghua University, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
| | - Chenmeng Song
- School of Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China; IDG/McGovern Institute for Brain Research at Tsinghua University, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
| | - Jiaofeng Chen
- School of Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China; IDG/McGovern Institute for Brain Research at Tsinghua University, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
| | - Shufeng Wang
- School of Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China; IDG/McGovern Institute for Brain Research at Tsinghua University, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
| | - Yangzhen Wang
- School of Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China; IDG/McGovern Institute for Brain Research at Tsinghua University, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
| | - Changri Li
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, Guangdong 518055, China
| | - Haibo Du
- School of Life Sciences, Shandong University, Qingdao, Shandong 266237, China
| | - Jun-Liszt Li
- Chinese Institute for Brain Research, Beijing 102206, China; Academy for Advanced Interdisciplinary Studies (AAIS), Peking University, Beijing 100871, China
| | - Fangyi Chen
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, Guangdong 518055, China
| | - Zhigang Xu
- School of Life Sciences, Shandong University, Qingdao, Shandong 266237, China
| | - Wenzhi Sun
- Chinese Institute for Brain Research, Beijing 102206, China; School of Basic Medical Sciences, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100069, China
| | - Qianwen Sun
- School of Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China; Tsinghua-Peking Joint Center for Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
| | - Wei Xiong
- School of Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China; IDG/McGovern Institute for Brain Research at Tsinghua University, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China.
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Abstract
High-resolution immunofluorescence imaging of cochlear hair bundles faces many challenges due to the hair bundle’s small dimensions, fragile nature, and complex organization. Here, we describe an optimized protocol for hair-bundle protein immunostaining and localization. We detail the steps and solutions for extracting and fixing the mouse inner ear and for dissecting the organ of Corti. We further emphasize the optimal permeabilization, blocking, staining, and mounting conditions as well as the parameters for high-resolution microscopy imaging. For complete details on the use and execution of this protocol, please refer to Trouillet et al. (2021). Techniques for dissecting the mouse cochlea and the organ of Corti Dissection, permeabilization, blocking parameters to detect hair bundle proteins Mounting method to localize protein in the hair bundles
Publisher’s note: Undertaking any experimental protocol requires adherence to local institutional guidelines for laboratory safety and ethics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katharine K Miller
- Stanford University, Department of Otolaryngology - Head & Neck Surgery, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Pei Wang
- Stanford University, Department of Otolaryngology - Head & Neck Surgery, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Nicolas Grillet
- Stanford University, Department of Otolaryngology - Head & Neck Surgery, Stanford, CA, USA
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35
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Rayat S, Farhadi M, Emamdjomeh H, Morovvati S, Falah M. Analysis of TMIE gene mutations including the first large deletion of exon 1 with autosomal recessive non-syndromic deafness. BMC Med Genomics 2022; 15:133. [PMID: 35710363 PMCID: PMC9204965 DOI: 10.1186/s12920-022-01287-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2022] [Accepted: 06/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Transmembrane inner ear (TMIE) protein is an essential component of the mechanotransduction complex. In collaboration with other components, TMIE aids the maintenance and function of the sensory hair cells. Autosomal recessive deafness-6 (DFNB6) is caused by mutated TMIE, a gene in the high genetic heterogeneity spectrum of deafness. Hearing loss has a significant impact on the global economy and the quality of life of affected persons, their families, and society. Here, three unrelated families with TMIE variants are presented. All three cases were found while studying the genetic causes of an Iranian cohort of subjects with cochlear implants. Methods Whole exome sequencing was performed to find possible genetic etiology in probands of families after a comprehensive medical evaluation for hearing loss. Co-segregation analysis in probands and other family members was performed by Sanger sequencing. The variants were interpreted per the American College of Medical Genetics and Genomics guidelines. Results Three different variants associated with TMIE were confirmed as reasons for autosomal recessive non-syndromic deafness. The first novel ~ 10-kb deletion surrounding exon 1 of TMIE along with two previously reported variants co-segregated with families including a frameshift variant c.122_125dup (p.Pro43fs) and a missense variant c.250 C > T; p.(Arg84Trp) in exons 2, and 3, respectively. Conclusion This study increases the mutational spectrum of the TMIE gene and highlights the importance of the large deletion of this gene as a reason for hearing loss. Moreover, an efficient and simple multiplex PCR assay was developed to determine the exact breakpoints of the TMIE deletion. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12920-022-01287-9.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sima Rayat
- ENT and Head and Neck Research Center, The Five Senses Health Institute, School of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.,Department of Biology, School of Basic Sciences, Science and Research Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mohammad Farhadi
- ENT and Head and Neck Research Center, The Five Senses Health Institute, School of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Hessamaldin Emamdjomeh
- ENT and Head and Neck Research Center, The Five Senses Health Institute, School of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Saeid Morovvati
- Department of Genetics, Faculty of Advanced Sciences and Technology, Tehran Medical Sciences, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran.
| | - Masoumeh Falah
- ENT and Head and Neck Research Center, The Five Senses Health Institute, School of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
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36
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Chuang YC, Chen CC. Force From Filaments: The Role of the Cytoskeleton and Extracellular Matrix in the Gating of Mechanosensitive Channels. Front Cell Dev Biol 2022; 10:886048. [PMID: 35586339 PMCID: PMC9108448 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2022.886048] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2022] [Accepted: 04/19/2022] [Indexed: 01/16/2023] Open
Abstract
The senses of proprioception, touch, hearing, and blood pressure on mechanosensitive ion channels that transduce mechanical stimuli with high sensitivity and speed. This conversion process is usually called mechanotransduction. From nematode MEC-4/10 to mammalian PIEZO1/2, mechanosensitive ion channels have evolved into several protein families that use variant gating models to convert different forms of mechanical force into electrical signals. In addition to the model of channel gating by stretching from lipid bilayers, another potent model is the opening of channels by force tethering: a membrane-bound channel is elastically tethered directly or indirectly between the cytoskeleton and the extracellular molecules, and the tethering molecules convey force to change the channel structure into an activation form. In general, the mechanical stimulation forces the extracellular structure to move relative to the cytoskeleton, deforming the most compliant component in the system that serves as a gating spring. Here we review recent studies focusing on the ion channel mechanically activated by a tethering force, the mechanotransduction-involved cytoskeletal protein, and the extracellular matrix. The mechanosensitive channel PIEZO2, DEG/ENaC family proteins such as acid-sensing ion channels, and transient receptor potential family members such as NompC are discussed. State-of-the-art techniques, such as polydimethylsiloxane indentation, the pillar array, and micropipette-guided ultrasound stimulation, which are beneficial tools for exploring the tether model, are also discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu-Chia Chuang
- Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Academia Sinica, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Chih-Cheng Chen
- Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Academia Sinica, Taipei, Taiwan
- Neuroscience Program of Academia Sinica, Academia Sinica, Taipei, Taiwan
- Taiwan Mouse Clinic, BioTReC, Academia Sinica, Taipei, Taiwan
- *Correspondence: Chih-Cheng Chen,
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37
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Maudoux A, Vitry S, El-Amraoui A. Vestibular Deficits in Deafness: Clinical Presentation, Animal Modeling, and Treatment Solutions. Front Neurol 2022; 13:816534. [PMID: 35444606 PMCID: PMC9013928 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2022.816534] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2021] [Accepted: 02/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The inner ear is responsible for both hearing and balance. These functions are dependent on the correct functioning of mechanosensitive hair cells, which convert sound- and motion-induced stimuli into electrical signals conveyed to the brain. During evolution of the inner ear, the major changes occurred in the hearing organ, whereas the structure of the vestibular organs remained constant in all vertebrates over the same period. Vestibular deficits are highly prevalent in humans, due to multiple intersecting causes: genetics, environmental factors, ototoxic drugs, infections and aging. Studies of deafness genes associated with balance deficits and their corresponding animal models have shed light on the development and function of these two sensory systems. Bilateral vestibular deficits often impair individual postural control, gaze stabilization, locomotion and spatial orientation. The resulting dizziness, vertigo, and/or falls (frequent in elderly populations) greatly affect patient quality of life. In the absence of treatment, prosthetic devices, such as vestibular implants, providing information about the direction, amplitude and velocity of body movements, are being developed and have given promising results in animal models and humans. Novel methods and techniques have led to major progress in gene therapies targeting the inner ear (gene supplementation and gene editing), 3D inner ear organoids and reprograming protocols for generating hair cell-like cells. These rapid advances in multiscale approaches covering basic research, clinical diagnostics and therapies are fostering interdisciplinary research to develop personalized treatments for vestibular disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Audrey Maudoux
- Unit Progressive Sensory Disorders, Pathophysiology and Therapy, Institut Pasteur, Institut de l'Audition, Université de Paris, INSERM-UMRS1120, Paris, France.,Center for Balance Evaluation in Children (EFEE), Otolaryngology Department, Assistance Publique des Hôpitaux de Paris, Robert-Debré University Hospital, Paris, France
| | - Sandrine Vitry
- Unit Progressive Sensory Disorders, Pathophysiology and Therapy, Institut Pasteur, Institut de l'Audition, Université de Paris, INSERM-UMRS1120, Paris, France
| | - Aziz El-Amraoui
- Unit Progressive Sensory Disorders, Pathophysiology and Therapy, Institut Pasteur, Institut de l'Audition, Université de Paris, INSERM-UMRS1120, Paris, France
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38
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Miles L, Powell J, Kozak C, Song Y. Mechanosensitive Ion Channels, Axonal Growth, and Regeneration. Neuroscientist 2022:10738584221088575. [PMID: 35414308 PMCID: PMC9556659 DOI: 10.1177/10738584221088575] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Cells sense and respond to mechanical stimuli by converting those stimuli into biological signals, a process known as mechanotransduction. Mechanotransduction is essential in diverse cellular functions, including tissue development, touch sensitivity, pain, and neuronal pathfinding. In the search for key players of mechanotransduction, several families of ion channels were identified as being mechanosensitive and were demonstrated to be activated directly by mechanical forces in both the membrane bilayer and the cytoskeleton. More recently, Piezo ion channels were discovered as a bona fide mechanosensitive ion channel, and its characterization led to a cascade of research that revealed the diverse functions of Piezo proteins and, in particular, their involvement in neuronal repair.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leann Miles
- The Graduate Group in Biochemistry and Molecular Biophysics, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Jackson Powell
- Raymond G. Perelman Center for Cellular and Molecular Therapeutics, The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Casey Kozak
- Raymond G. Perelman Center for Cellular and Molecular Therapeutics, The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Yuanquan Song
- The Graduate Group in Biochemistry and Molecular Biophysics, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA.,Raymond G. Perelman Center for Cellular and Molecular Therapeutics, The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA, USA.,Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
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39
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Molecular and cytological profiling of biological aging of mouse cochlear inner and outer hair cells. Cell Rep 2022; 39:110665. [PMID: 35417713 PMCID: PMC9069708 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2022.110665] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2021] [Revised: 02/08/2022] [Accepted: 03/21/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Age-related hearing loss (ARHL) negatively impacts quality of life in the elderly population. The prevalent cause of ARHL is loss of mechanosensitive cochlear hair cells (HCs). The molecular and cellular mechanisms of HC degeneration remain poorly understood. Using RNA-seq transcriptomic analyses of inner and outer HCs isolated from young and aged mice, we show that HC aging is associated with changes in key molecular processes, including transcription, DNA damage, autophagy, and oxidative stress, as well as genes related to HC specialization. At the cellular level, HC aging is characterized by loss of stereocilia, shrinkage of HC soma, and reduction in outer HC mechanical properties, suggesting that functional decline in mechanotransduction and cochlear amplification precedes HC loss and contributes to ARHL. Our study reveals molecular and cytological profiles of aging HCs and identifies genes such as Sod1, Sirt6, Jund, and Cbx3 as biomarkers and potential therapeutic targets for ameliorating ARHL. Using RNA-seq, advanced imaging, and electrophysiology, Liu et al. reveal molecular and cytological profiles of aging cochlear hair cells. Their study also suggests that a functional decline in mechanotransduction and cochlear amplification precedes hair cell loss and contributes to age-related hearing loss.
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40
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Mechanotransduction in mammalian sensory hair cells. Mol Cell Neurosci 2022; 120:103706. [PMID: 35218890 PMCID: PMC9177625 DOI: 10.1016/j.mcn.2022.103706] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2021] [Revised: 02/14/2022] [Accepted: 02/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
In the inner ear, the auditory and vestibular systems detect and translate sensory information regarding sound and balance. The sensory cells that transform mechanical input into an electrical signal in these systems are called hair cells. A specialized organelle on the apical surface of the hair cells called the hair bundle detects the mechanical signals. Displacement of the hair bundle causes mechanotransduction channels to open. The morphology and organization of the hair bundle, as well as the properties and characteristics of the mechanotransduction process, differ between the different hair cell types in the auditory and vestibular systems. These differences likely contribute to maximizing the transduction of specific signals in each system. This review will discuss the molecules essential for mechanotransduction and the properties of the mechanotransduction process, focusing our attention on recent data and differences between the auditory and vestibular systems.
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41
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Li J, Liu C, Kaefer S, Youssef M, Zhao B. The Mechanotransduction Channel and Organic Cation Transporter Are Critical for Cisplatin Ototoxicity in Murine Hair Cells. Front Mol Neurosci 2022; 15:835448. [PMID: 35221917 PMCID: PMC8866953 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2022.835448] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2021] [Accepted: 01/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Cisplatin is one of the most widely used chemotherapeutic drugs across the world. However, the serious ototoxic effects, leading to permanent hair cell death and hearing loss, significantly limit the utility of cisplatin. In zebrafish, the functional mechanotransduction channel is required for cisplatin ototoxicity. However, it is still unclear the extent to which the mechanotransduction channel is involved in cisplatin uptake and ototoxicity in mammalian hair cells. Herein, we show that genetically disrupting mechanotransduction in mouse partially protects hair cells from cisplatin-induced hair cell death. Using a fluorescent-dye conjugated cisplatin, we monitored cisplatin uptake in cochlear explants and found that functional mechanotransduction is required for the uptake of cisplatin in murine hair cells. In addition, cimetidine, an inhibitor of the organic cation transporter, also partially protects hair cells from cisplatin ototoxicity. Notably, the otoprotective effects of cimetidine do not require mechanotransduction. These findings suggest that both the mechanotransduction channel and the organic cation transporter are critical for cisplatin ototoxicity in murine hair cells.
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42
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Halford J, Bateschell M, Barr-Gillespie PG. Ca 2+ entry through mechanotransduction channels localizes BAIAP2L2 to stereocilia tips. Mol Biol Cell 2022; 33:br6. [PMID: 35044843 PMCID: PMC9250357 DOI: 10.1091/mbc.e21-10-0491] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Brain-specific angiogenesis inhibitor 1-associated protein 2-like protein 2 (BAIAP2L2), a membrane-binding protein required for the maintenance of mechanotransduction in hair cells, is selectively retained at the tips of transducing stereocilia. BAIAP2L2 trafficked to stereocilia tips in the absence of EPS8, but EPS8 increased the efficiency of localization. A tripartite complex of BAIAP2L2, EPS8, and MYO15A formed efficiently in vitro, and these three proteins robustly targeted to filopodia tips when coexpressed in cultured cells. Mice lacking functional transduction channels no longer concentrated BAIAP2L2 at row 2 stereocilia tips, a result that was phenocopied by blocking channels with tubocurarine in cochlear explants. Transduction channels permit Ca2+ entry into stereocilia, and we found that membrane localization of BAIAP2L2 was enhanced in the presence of Ca2+. Finally, reduction of intracellular Ca2+ in hair cells using BAPTA-AM led to a loss of BAIAP2L2 at stereocilia tips. Taken together, our results show that a MYO15A-EPS8 complex transports BAIAP2L2 to stereocilia tips, and Ca2+ entry through open channels at row 2 tips retains BAIAP2L2 there.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julia Halford
- Oregon Hearing Research Center & Vollum Institute, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR 97239, USA
| | - Michael Bateschell
- Oregon Hearing Research Center & Vollum Institute, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR 97239, USA
| | - Peter G Barr-Gillespie
- Oregon Hearing Research Center & Vollum Institute, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR 97239, USA
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43
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Jeong H, Clark S, Goehring A, Dehghani-Ghahnaviyeh S, Rasouli A, Tajkhorshid E, Gouaux E. Structures of the TMC-1 complex illuminate mechanosensory transduction. Nature 2022; 610:796-803. [PMID: 36224384 PMCID: PMC9605866 DOI: 10.1038/s41586-022-05314-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 24.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2022] [Accepted: 08/02/2022] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
The initial step in the sensory transduction pathway underpinning hearing and balance in mammals involves the conversion of force into the gating of a mechanosensory transduction channel1. Despite the profound socioeconomic impacts of hearing disorders and the fundamental biological significance of understanding mechanosensory transduction, the composition, structure and mechanism of the mechanosensory transduction complex have remained poorly characterized. Here we report the single-particle cryo-electron microscopy structure of the native transmembrane channel-like protein 1 (TMC-1) mechanosensory transduction complex isolated from Caenorhabditis elegans. The two-fold symmetric complex is composed of two copies each of the pore-forming TMC-1 subunit, the calcium-binding protein CALM-1 and the transmembrane inner ear protein TMIE. CALM-1 makes extensive contacts with the cytoplasmic face of the TMC-1 subunits, whereas the single-pass TMIE subunits reside on the periphery of the complex, poised like the handles of an accordion. A subset of complexes additionally includes a single arrestin-like protein, arrestin domain protein (ARRD-6), bound to a CALM-1 subunit. Single-particle reconstructions and molecular dynamics simulations show how the mechanosensory transduction complex deforms the membrane bilayer and suggest crucial roles for lipid-protein interactions in the mechanism by which mechanical force is transduced to ion channel gating.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hanbin Jeong
- grid.433851.80000 0004 0608 3919Vollum Institute, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, OR USA
| | - Sarah Clark
- grid.433851.80000 0004 0608 3919Vollum Institute, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, OR USA
| | - April Goehring
- grid.433851.80000 0004 0608 3919Vollum Institute, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, OR USA ,grid.5288.70000 0000 9758 5690Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, OR USA
| | - Sepehr Dehghani-Ghahnaviyeh
- grid.35403.310000 0004 1936 9991Theoretical and Computational Biophysics Group, NIH Center for Macromolecular Modeling and Bioinformatics, Beckman Institute for Advanced Science and Technology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL USA ,grid.35403.310000 0004 1936 9991Department of Biochemistry, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL USA ,grid.35403.310000 0004 1936 9991Center for Biophysics and Quantitative Biology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL USA
| | - Ali Rasouli
- grid.35403.310000 0004 1936 9991Theoretical and Computational Biophysics Group, NIH Center for Macromolecular Modeling and Bioinformatics, Beckman Institute for Advanced Science and Technology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL USA ,grid.35403.310000 0004 1936 9991Department of Biochemistry, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL USA ,grid.35403.310000 0004 1936 9991Center for Biophysics and Quantitative Biology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL USA
| | - Emad Tajkhorshid
- grid.35403.310000 0004 1936 9991Theoretical and Computational Biophysics Group, NIH Center for Macromolecular Modeling and Bioinformatics, Beckman Institute for Advanced Science and Technology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL USA ,grid.35403.310000 0004 1936 9991Department of Biochemistry, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL USA ,grid.35403.310000 0004 1936 9991Center for Biophysics and Quantitative Biology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL USA
| | - Eric Gouaux
- grid.433851.80000 0004 0608 3919Vollum Institute, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, OR USA ,grid.5288.70000 0000 9758 5690Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, OR USA
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Holt JR, Tobin M, Elferich J, Gouaux E, Ballesteros A, Yan Z, Ahmed ZM, Nicolson T. Putting the Pieces Together: the Hair Cell Transduction Complex. J Assoc Res Otolaryngol 2021; 22:601-608. [PMID: 34617206 PMCID: PMC8599550 DOI: 10.1007/s10162-021-00808-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2021] [Accepted: 07/16/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Identification of the components of the mechanosensory transduction complex in hair cells has been a major research interest for many auditory and vestibular scientists and has attracted attention from outside the field. The past two decades have witnessed a number of significant advances with emergence of compelling evidence implicating at least a dozen distinct molecular components of the transduction machinery. Yet, how the pieces of this ensemble fit together and function in harmony to enable the senses of hearing and balance has not been clarified. The goal of this review is to summarize a 2021 symposium presented at the annual mid-winter meeting of the Association for Research in Otolaryngology. The symposium brought together the latest insights from within and beyond the field to examine individual components of the transduction complex and how these elements interact at molecular, structural, and biophysical levels to gate mechanosensitive channels and initiate sensory transduction in the inner ear. The review includes a brief historical background to set the stage for topics to follow that focus on structure, properties, and interactions of proteins such as CDH23, PCDH15, LHFPL5, TMIE, TMC1/2, and CIB2/3. We aim to present the diversity of ideas in this field and highlight emerging theories and concepts. This review will not only provide readers with a deeper appreciation of the components of the transduction apparatus and how they function together, but also bring to light areas of broad agreement, areas of scientific controversy, and opportunities for future scientific discovery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeffrey R Holt
- Departments of Otolaryngology & Neurology, Boston Children's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 02115, USA.
| | - Mélanie Tobin
- Laboratoire Physico-Chimie Curie, Institut Curie, Université PSL, Sorbonne Université, CNRS UMR168, Paris, 75005, France
- Departments of Otorhinolaryngology, Neuroscience and Neurology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
| | - Johannes Elferich
- Vollum Institute, Oregon Health & Science University, 3181 SW Sam Jackson Park Road, Portland, OR, 97239, USA
| | - Eric Gouaux
- Vollum Institute, Oregon Health & Science University, 3181 SW Sam Jackson Park Road, Portland, OR, 97239, USA
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Vollum Institute, Oregon Health & Science University, 3181 SW Sam Jackson Park Road, Portland, OR, 97239, USA
| | - Angela Ballesteros
- Molecular Physiology and Biophysics Section, Disorders and Stroke, National Institute of Neurological, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, 20892, USA
| | - Zhiqiang Yan
- Institute of Molecular Physiology, Shenzhen Bay Laboratory, Shenzhen, 518132, China
| | - Zubair M Ahmed
- Department of Otolaryngology Head & Neck Surgery, School of Medicine, University of Maryland, Baltimore, MD, 21201, USA
| | - Teresa Nicolson
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head & Neck Surgery, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
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Trigila AP, Pisciottano F, Franchini LF. Hearing loss genes reveal patterns of adaptive evolution at the coding and non-coding levels in mammals. BMC Biol 2021; 19:244. [PMID: 34784928 PMCID: PMC8594068 DOI: 10.1186/s12915-021-01170-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2020] [Accepted: 10/21/2021] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Mammals possess unique hearing capacities that differ significantly from those of the rest of the amniotes. In order to gain insights into the evolution of the mammalian inner ear, we aim to identify the set of genetic changes and the evolutionary forces that underlie this process. We hypothesize that genes that impair hearing when mutated in humans or in mice (hearing loss (HL) genes) must play important roles in the development and physiology of the inner ear and may have been targets of selective forces across the evolution of mammals. Additionally, we investigated if these HL genes underwent a human-specific evolutionary process that could underlie the evolution of phenotypic traits that characterize human hearing. Results We compiled a dataset of HL genes including non-syndromic deafness genes identified by genetic screenings in humans and mice. We found that many genes including those required for the normal function of the inner ear such as LOXHD1, TMC1, OTOF, CDH23, and PCDH15 show strong signatures of positive selection. We also found numerous noncoding accelerated regions in HL genes, and among them, we identified active transcriptional enhancers through functional enhancer assays in transgenic zebrafish. Conclusions Our results indicate that the key inner ear genes and regulatory regions underwent adaptive evolution in the basal branch of mammals and along the human-specific branch, suggesting that they could have played an important role in the functional remodeling of the cochlea. Altogether, our data suggest that morphological and functional evolution could be attained through molecular changes affecting both coding and noncoding regulatory regions. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12915-021-01170-6.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anabella P Trigila
- Instituto de Investigaciones en Ingeniería Genética y Biología Molecular (INGEBI), Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), C1428, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Francisco Pisciottano
- Instituto de Investigaciones en Ingeniería Genética y Biología Molecular (INGEBI), Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), C1428, Buenos Aires, Argentina.,Current address: Instituto de Biología y Medicina Experimental (IBYME), Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), C1428, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Lucía F Franchini
- Instituto de Investigaciones en Ingeniería Genética y Biología Molecular (INGEBI), Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), C1428, Buenos Aires, Argentina.
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Lee J, Kawai K, Holt JR, Géléoc GSG. Sensory transduction is required for normal development and maturation of cochlear inner hair cell synapses. eLife 2021; 10:e69433. [PMID: 34734805 PMCID: PMC8598158 DOI: 10.7554/elife.69433] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2021] [Accepted: 11/01/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Acoustic overexposure and aging can damage auditory synapses in the inner ear by a process known as synaptopathy. These insults may also damage hair bundles and the sensory transduction apparatus in auditory hair cells. However, a connection between sensory transduction and synaptopathy has not been established. To evaluate potential contributions of sensory transduction to synapse formation and development, we assessed inner hair cell synapses in several genetic models of dysfunctional sensory transduction, including mice lacking transmembrane channel-like (Tmc) 1, Tmc2, or both, in Beethoven mice which carry a dominant Tmc1 mutation and in Spinner mice which carry a recessive mutation in transmembrane inner ear (Tmie). Our analyses reveal loss of synapses in the absence of sensory transduction and preservation of synapses in Tmc1-null mice following restoration of sensory transduction via Tmc1 gene therapy. These results provide insight into the requirement of sensory transduction for hair cell synapse development and maturation.
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Affiliation(s)
- John Lee
- Speech and Hearing Bioscience & Technology Program, Division of Medical Sciences, Harvard UniversityBostonUnited States
- Department of Otolaryngology, Boston Children’s Hospital and Harvard Medical SchoolBostonUnited States
| | - Kosuke Kawai
- Department of Otolaryngology, Boston Children’s Hospital and Harvard Medical SchoolBostonUnited States
| | - Jeffrey R Holt
- Department of Otolaryngology, Boston Children’s Hospital and Harvard Medical SchoolBostonUnited States
- Department of Neurology, Boston Children’s Hospital and Harvard Medical SchoolBostonUnited States
| | - Gwenaëlle SG Géléoc
- Department of Otolaryngology, Boston Children’s Hospital and Harvard Medical SchoolBostonUnited States
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Yan K, Zong W, Du H, Zhai X, Ren R, Liu S, Xiong W, Wang Y, Xu Z. BAIAP2L2 is required for the maintenance of mechanotransducing stereocilia of cochlear hair cells. J Cell Physiol 2021; 237:774-788. [PMID: 34346063 DOI: 10.1002/jcp.30545] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2021] [Revised: 07/21/2021] [Accepted: 07/24/2021] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
Stereocilia are actin-based cell protrusions of inner ear hair cells that play an essential role in mechano-electrical transduction (MET). Stereocilia are organized into several rows of increasing heights with the MET protein complex localized at the tips of shorter row stereocilia. At the tips of shorter row mechanotransducing stereocilia also resides a so-called "row 2 protein complex" whose dysfunction causes degeneration of the mechanotransducing stereocilia. In the present work, we show that BAIAP2L2 is localized at the tips of shorter row stereocilia in neonatal and adult mouse cochlear hair cells. Baiap2l2 inactivation causes degeneration of the mechanotransducing stereocilia, which eventually leads to profound hearing loss in mice of either sex. Consistently, electrophysiology and FM 1-43FX dye uptake results confirm that MET currents are compromised in Baiap2l2 knockout mice. Moreover, BAIAP2L2 binds to known row 2 complex components EPS8L2, TWF2, and CAPZB2, and the stereociliary tip localization of CAPZB2 is dependent on functional BAIAP2L2. Interestingly, BAIAP2L2 also binds to CIB2, a known MET complex component, and the stereociliary tip localization of BAIAP2L2 is abolished in Cib2 knockout mice. In conclusion, our present data suggest that BAIAP2L2 is a row 2 complex component, and is required for the maintenance of mechanotransducing stereocilia. Meanwhile, specific MET components such as CIB2 might play a direct role in stereocilia maintenance through binding to BAIAP2L2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Keji Yan
- Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Cell and Developmental Biology, School of Life Sciences, Shandong University, Qingdao, Shandong, China
| | - Wen Zong
- State Key Laboratory of Microbial Technology, Shandong University, Qingdao, Shandong, China
| | - Haibo Du
- Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Cell and Developmental Biology, School of Life Sciences, Shandong University, Qingdao, Shandong, China
| | - Xiaoyan Zhai
- Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Cell and Developmental Biology, School of Life Sciences, Shandong University, Qingdao, Shandong, China
| | - Rui Ren
- Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Cell and Developmental Biology, School of Life Sciences, Shandong University, Qingdao, Shandong, China
| | - Shuang Liu
- School of Life Sciences, IDG/McGovern Institute for Brain Research at Tsinghua, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
| | - Wei Xiong
- School of Life Sciences, IDG/McGovern Institute for Brain Research at Tsinghua, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
| | - Yanfei Wang
- Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Cell and Developmental Biology, School of Life Sciences, Shandong University, Qingdao, Shandong, China
| | - Zhigang Xu
- Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Cell and Developmental Biology, School of Life Sciences, Shandong University, Qingdao, Shandong, China.,Shandong Provincial Collaborative Innovation Center of Cell Biology, Shandong Normal University, Jinan, Shandong, China
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Liang X, Qiu X, Dionne G, Cunningham CL, Pucak ML, Peng G, Kim YH, Lauer A, Shapiro L, Müller U. CIB2 and CIB3 are auxiliary subunits of the mechanotransduction channel of hair cells. Neuron 2021; 109:2131-2149.e15. [PMID: 34089643 PMCID: PMC8374959 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuron.2021.05.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2020] [Revised: 01/17/2021] [Accepted: 05/07/2021] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
CIB2 is a Ca2+- and Mg2+-binding protein essential for mechanoelectrical transduction (MET) by cochlear hair cells, but not by vestibular hair cells that co-express CIB2 and CIB3. Here, we show that in cochlear hair cells, CIB3 can functionally substitute for CIB2. Using X-ray crystallography, we demonstrate that CIB2 and CIB3 are structurally similar to KChIP proteins, auxiliary subunits of voltage-gated Kv4 channels. CIB2 and CIB3 bind to TMC1/2 through a domain in TMC1/2 flanked by transmembrane domains 2 and 3. The co-crystal structure of the CIB-binding domain in TMC1 with CIB3 reveals that interactions are mediated through a conserved CIB hydrophobic groove, similar to KChIP1 binding of Kv4. Functional studies in mice show that CIB2 regulates TMC1/2 localization and function in hair cells, processes that are affected by deafness-causing CIB2 mutations. We conclude that CIB2 and CIB3 are MET channel auxiliary subunits with striking similarity to Kv4 channel auxiliary subunits.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoping Liang
- The Solomon H. Snyder Department of Neuroscience, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | - Xufeng Qiu
- The Solomon H. Snyder Department of Neuroscience, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | - Gilman Dionne
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biophysics, Zuckerman Mind Brain, Department of Systems Biology, Columbia University, New York, NY 10032, USA
| | - Christopher L Cunningham
- The Solomon H. Snyder Department of Neuroscience, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | - Michele L Pucak
- The Solomon H. Snyder Department of Neuroscience, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | - Guihong Peng
- The Solomon H. Snyder Department of Neuroscience, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | - Ye-Hyun Kim
- Department of Otolaryngology-HNS, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | - Amanda Lauer
- Department of Otolaryngology-HNS, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | - Lawrence Shapiro
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biophysics, Zuckerman Mind Brain, Department of Systems Biology, Columbia University, New York, NY 10032, USA.
| | - Ulrich Müller
- The Solomon H. Snyder Department of Neuroscience, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA.
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Liu S, Wang S, Zou L, Xiong W. Mechanisms in cochlear hair cell mechano-electrical transduction for acquisition of sound frequency and intensity. Cell Mol Life Sci 2021; 78:5083-5094. [PMID: 33871677 PMCID: PMC11072359 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-021-03840-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2020] [Revised: 03/30/2021] [Accepted: 04/09/2021] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
Sound signals are acquired and digitized in the cochlea by the hair cells that further transmit the coded information to the central auditory pathways. Any defect in hair cell function may induce problems in the auditory system and hearing-based brain function. In the past 2 decades, our understanding of auditory transduction has been substantially deepened because of advances in molecular, structural, and functional studies. Results from these experiments can be perfectly embedded in the previously established profile from anatomical, histological, genetic, and biophysical research. This review aims to summarize the progress on the molecular and cellular mechanisms of the mechano-electrical transduction (MET) channel in the cochlear hair cells, which is involved in the acquisition of sound frequency and intensity-the two major parameters of an acoustic cue. We also discuss recent studies on TMC1, the molecule likely to form the MET channel pore.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuang Liu
- School of Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, 1 Qinghuayuan, Beijing, 100084, China
- IDG/McGovern Institute for Brain Research at Tsinghua University, Tsinghua University, 1 Qinghuayuan, Beijing, 100084, China
| | - Shufeng Wang
- School of Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, 1 Qinghuayuan, Beijing, 100084, China
- IDG/McGovern Institute for Brain Research at Tsinghua University, Tsinghua University, 1 Qinghuayuan, Beijing, 100084, China
| | - Linzhi Zou
- School of Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, 1 Qinghuayuan, Beijing, 100084, China
- IDG/McGovern Institute for Brain Research at Tsinghua University, Tsinghua University, 1 Qinghuayuan, Beijing, 100084, China
| | - Wei Xiong
- School of Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, 1 Qinghuayuan, Beijing, 100084, China.
- IDG/McGovern Institute for Brain Research at Tsinghua University, Tsinghua University, 1 Qinghuayuan, Beijing, 100084, China.
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Nicolson T. Navigating Hereditary Hearing Loss: Pathology of the Inner Ear. Front Cell Neurosci 2021; 15:660812. [PMID: 34093131 PMCID: PMC8172992 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2021.660812] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2021] [Accepted: 04/26/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Inherited forms of deafness account for a sizable portion of hearing loss among children and adult populations. Many patients with sensorineural deficits have pathological manifestations in the peripheral auditory system, the inner ear. Within the hearing organ, the cochlea, most of the genetic forms of hearing loss involve defects in sensory detection and to some extent, signaling to the brain via the auditory cranial nerve. This review focuses on peripheral forms of hereditary hearing loss and how these impairments can be studied in diverse animal models or patient-derived cells with the ultimate goal of using the knowledge gained to understand the underlying biology and treat hearing loss.
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Affiliation(s)
- Teresa Nicolson
- Department of Otolaryngology, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, United States
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