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Lou Y, Ma J, Hu Y, Yao X, Liu Y, Wu M, Jia G, Chen Y, Chai R, Xia M, Li W. Integration of Functional Human Auditory Neural Circuits Based on a 3D Carbon Nanotube System. ADVANCED SCIENCE (WEINHEIM, BADEN-WURTTEMBERG, GERMANY) 2024:e2309617. [PMID: 38889308 DOI: 10.1002/advs.202309617] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2023] [Revised: 04/27/2024] [Indexed: 06/20/2024]
Abstract
The physiological interactions between the peripheral and central auditory systems are crucial for auditory information transmission and perception, while reliable models for auditory neural circuits are currently lacking. To address this issue, mouse and human neural pathways are generated by utilizing a carbon nanotube nanofiber system. The super-aligned pattern of the scaffold renders the axons of the bipolar and multipolar neurons extending in a parallel direction. In addition, the electrical conductivity of the scaffold maintains the electrophysiological activity of the primary mouse auditory neurons. The mouse and human primary neurons from peripheral and central auditory units in the system are then co-cultured and showed that the two kinds of neurons form synaptic connections. Moreover, neural progenitor cells of the cochlea and auditory cortex are derived from human embryos to generate region-specific organoids and these organoids are assembled in the nanofiber-combined 3D system. Using optogenetic stimulation, calcium imaging, and electrophysiological recording, it is revealed that functional synaptic connections are formed between peripheral neurons and central neurons, as evidenced by calcium spiking and postsynaptic currents. The auditory circuit model will enable the study of the auditory neural pathway and advance the search for treatment strategies for disorders of neuronal connectivity in sensorineural hearing loss.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yiyun Lou
- ENT Institute and Otorhinolaryngology Department of Eye & ENT Hospital, State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology and MOE Frontiers Center for Brain Science, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200031, China
- Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Jiaoyao Ma
- ENT Institute and Otorhinolaryngology Department of Eye & ENT Hospital, State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology and MOE Frontiers Center for Brain Science, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200031, China
- Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Yangnan Hu
- State Key Laboratory of Digital Medical Engineering, Department of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Zhongda Hospital, School of Life Sciences and Technology, Advanced Institute for Life and Health, Jiangsu Province High-Tech Key Laboratory for Bio-Medical Research, Southeast University, Nanjing, 210096, China
- Co-Innovation Center of Neuroregeneration, Nantong University, Nantong, 226001, China
| | - Xiaoying Yao
- Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200011, China
| | - Yaoqian Liu
- ENT Institute and Otorhinolaryngology Department of Eye & ENT Hospital, State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology and MOE Frontiers Center for Brain Science, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200031, China
- Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Mingxuan Wu
- ENT Institute and Otorhinolaryngology Department of Eye & ENT Hospital, State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology and MOE Frontiers Center for Brain Science, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200031, China
- Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Gaogan Jia
- ENT Institute and Otorhinolaryngology Department of Eye & ENT Hospital, State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology and MOE Frontiers Center for Brain Science, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200031, China
- Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Yan Chen
- ENT Institute and Otorhinolaryngology Department of Eye & ENT Hospital, State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology and MOE Frontiers Center for Brain Science, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200031, China
- Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
- NHC Key Laboratory of Hearing Medicine, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200031, China
- The Institutes of Brain Science and the Collaborative Innovation Center for Brain Science, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Renjie Chai
- State Key Laboratory of Digital Medical Engineering, Department of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Zhongda Hospital, School of Life Sciences and Technology, Advanced Institute for Life and Health, Jiangsu Province High-Tech Key Laboratory for Bio-Medical Research, Southeast University, Nanjing, 210096, China
- Co-Innovation Center of Neuroregeneration, Nantong University, Nantong, 226001, China
| | - Mingyu Xia
- ENT Institute and Otorhinolaryngology Department of Eye & ENT Hospital, State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology and MOE Frontiers Center for Brain Science, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200031, China
- Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
- NHC Key Laboratory of Hearing Medicine, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200031, China
- The Institutes of Brain Science and the Collaborative Innovation Center for Brain Science, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Wenyan Li
- ENT Institute and Otorhinolaryngology Department of Eye & ENT Hospital, State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology and MOE Frontiers Center for Brain Science, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200031, China
- Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
- NHC Key Laboratory of Hearing Medicine, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200031, China
- The Institutes of Brain Science and the Collaborative Innovation Center for Brain Science, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
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Kersbergen CJ, Bergles DE. Priming central sound processing circuits through induction of spontaneous activity in the cochlea before hearing onset. Trends Neurosci 2024:S0166-2236(24)00065-1. [PMID: 38782701 DOI: 10.1016/j.tins.2024.04.007] [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: 12/22/2023] [Revised: 04/02/2024] [Accepted: 04/26/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024]
Abstract
Sensory systems experience a period of intrinsically generated neural activity before maturation is complete and sensory transduction occurs. Here we review evidence describing the mechanisms and functions of this 'spontaneous' activity in the auditory system. Both ex vivo and in vivo studies indicate that this correlated activity is initiated by non-sensory supporting cells within the developing cochlea, which induce depolarization and burst firing of groups of nearby hair cells in the sensory epithelium, activity that is conveyed to auditory neurons that will later process similar sound features. This stereotyped neural burst firing promotes cellular maturation, synaptic refinement, acoustic sensitivity, and establishment of sound-responsive domains in the brain. While sensitive to perturbation, the developing auditory system exhibits remarkable homeostatic mechanisms to preserve periodic burst firing in deaf mice. Preservation of this early spontaneous activity in the context of deafness may enhance the efficacy of later interventions to restore hearing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Calvin J Kersbergen
- The Solomon H. Snyder Department of Neuroscience, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Dwight E Bergles
- The Solomon H. Snyder Department of Neuroscience, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA; Department of Biomedical Engineering, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA; Department of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA; Kavli Neuroscience Discovery Institute, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA.
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3
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Duan B, Peng KA, Wang L. Injury and protection of spiral ganglion neurons. Chin Med J (Engl) 2024; 137:651-656. [PMID: 37407223 PMCID: PMC10950135 DOI: 10.1097/cm9.0000000000002765] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2022] [Indexed: 07/07/2023] Open
Abstract
ABSTRACT Cochlear spiral ganglion neurons (SGNs) are bipolar ganglion cells and are the first neurons in the auditory transduction pathway. They transmit complex acoustic information from hair cells to second-order sensory neurons in the cochlear nucleus for sound processing. Injury to SGNs causes largely irreversible hearing impairment because these neurons are highly differentiated cells and cannot regenerate, making treatment of sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL) arising from SGN injury difficult. When exposed to ototoxic drugs or damaging levels of noise or when there is loss of neurotrophic factors (NTFs), aging, and presence of other factors, SGNs can be irreversibly damaged, resulting in SNHL. It has been found that NTFs and stem cells can induce regeneration among dead spiral ganglion cells. In this paper, we summarized the present knowledge regarding injury, protection, and regeneration of SGNs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Beilei Duan
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Beijing Friendship Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100050, China
| | - Kevin A. Peng
- Department of Neurotology, House Clinic, Los Angeles, CA 90017, USA
| | - Line Wang
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Beijing Friendship Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100050, China
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Minařík M, Modrell MS, Gillis JA, Campbell AS, Fuller I, Lyne R, Micklem G, Gela D, Pšenička M, Baker CVH. Identification of multiple transcription factor genes potentially involved in the development of electrosensory versus mechanosensory lateral line organs. Front Cell Dev Biol 2024; 12:1327924. [PMID: 38562141 PMCID: PMC10982350 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2024.1327924] [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: 10/25/2023] [Accepted: 02/19/2024] [Indexed: 04/04/2024] Open
Abstract
In electroreceptive jawed vertebrates, embryonic lateral line placodes give rise to electrosensory ampullary organs as well as mechanosensory neuromasts. Previous reports of shared gene expression suggest that conserved mechanisms underlie electroreceptor and mechanosensory hair cell development and that electroreceptors evolved as a transcriptionally related "sister cell type" to hair cells. We previously identified only one transcription factor gene, Neurod4, as ampullary organ-restricted in the developing lateral line system of a chondrostean ray-finned fish, the Mississippi paddlefish (Polyodon spathula). The other 16 transcription factor genes we previously validated in paddlefish were expressed in both ampullary organs and neuromasts. Here, we used our published lateral line organ-enriched gene-set (arising from differential bulk RNA-seq in late-larval paddlefish), together with a candidate gene approach, to identify 25 transcription factor genes expressed in the developing lateral line system of a more experimentally tractable chondrostean, the sterlet (Acipenser ruthenus, a small sturgeon), and/or that of paddlefish. Thirteen are expressed in both ampullary organs and neuromasts, consistent with conservation of molecular mechanisms. Seven are electrosensory-restricted on the head (Irx5, Irx3, Insm1, Sp5, Satb2, Mafa and Rorc), and five are the first-reported mechanosensory-restricted transcription factor genes (Foxg1, Sox8, Isl1, Hmx2 and Rorb). However, as previously reported, Sox8 is expressed in ampullary organs as well as neuromasts in a catshark (Scyliorhinus canicula), suggesting the existence of lineage-specific differences between cartilaginous and ray-finned fishes. Overall, our results support the hypothesis that ampullary organs and neuromasts develop via largely conserved transcriptional mechanisms, and identify multiple transcription factors potentially involved in the formation of electrosensory versus mechanosensory lateral line organs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martin Minařík
- Department of Physiology, Development and Neuroscience, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Melinda S. Modrell
- Department of Physiology, Development and Neuroscience, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - J. Andrew Gillis
- Department of Zoology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
- Josephine Bay Paul Center for Comparative Molecular Biology and Evolution, Marine Biological Laboratory, Woods Hole, MA, United States
| | - Alexander S. Campbell
- Department of Physiology, Development and Neuroscience, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Isobel Fuller
- Department of Physiology, Development and Neuroscience, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Rachel Lyne
- Department of Genetics, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Gos Micklem
- Department of Genetics, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - David Gela
- Faculty of Fisheries and Protection of Waters, Research Institute of Fish Culture and Hydrobiology, University of South Bohemia in České Budějovice, Vodňany, Czechia
| | - Martin Pšenička
- Faculty of Fisheries and Protection of Waters, Research Institute of Fish Culture and Hydrobiology, University of South Bohemia in České Budějovice, Vodňany, Czechia
| | - Clare V. H. Baker
- Department of Physiology, Development and Neuroscience, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
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Kolesova H, Hrabalova P, Bohuslavova R, Abaffy P, Fabriciova V, Sedmera D, Pavlinkova G. Reprogramming of the developing heart by Hif1a-deficient sympathetic system and maternal diabetes exposure. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2024; 15:1344074. [PMID: 38505753 PMCID: PMC10948485 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2024.1344074] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2023] [Accepted: 02/14/2024] [Indexed: 03/21/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction Maternal diabetes is a recognized risk factor for both short-term and long-term complications in offspring. Beyond the direct teratogenicity of maternal diabetes, the intrauterine environment can influence the offspring's cardiovascular health. Abnormalities in the cardiac sympathetic system are implicated in conditions such as sudden infant death syndrome, cardiac arrhythmic death, heart failure, and certain congenital heart defects in children from diabetic pregnancies. However, the mechanisms by which maternal diabetes affects the development of the cardiac sympathetic system and, consequently, heightens health risks and predisposes to cardiovascular disease remain poorly understood. Methods and results In the mouse model, we performed a comprehensive analysis of the combined impact of a Hif1a-deficient sympathetic system and the maternal diabetes environment on both heart development and the formation of the cardiac sympathetic system. The synergic negative effect of exposure to maternal diabetes and Hif1a deficiency resulted in the most pronounced deficit in cardiac sympathetic innervation and the development of the adrenal medulla. Abnormalities in the cardiac sympathetic system were accompanied by a smaller heart, reduced ventricular wall thickness, and dilated subepicardial veins and coronary arteries in the myocardium, along with anomalies in the branching and connections of the main coronary arteries. Transcriptional profiling by RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) revealed significant transcriptome changes in Hif1a-deficient sympathetic neurons, primarily associated with cell cycle regulation, proliferation, and mitosis, explaining the shrinkage of the sympathetic neuron population. Discussion Our data demonstrate that a failure to adequately activate the HIF-1α regulatory pathway, particularly in the context of maternal diabetes, may contribute to abnormalities in the cardiac sympathetic system. In conclusion, our findings indicate that the interplay between deficiencies in the cardiac sympathetic system and subtle structural alternations in the vasculature, microvasculature, and myocardium during heart development not only increases the risk of cardiovascular disease but also diminishes the adaptability to the stress associated with the transition to extrauterine life, thus increasing the risk of neonatal death.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hana Kolesova
- Institute of Anatomy, First Faculty of Medicine, Charles University, Prague, Czechia
- Department of Developmental Cardiology, Institute of Physiology Czech Academy of Sciences (CAS), Prague, Czechia
| | - Petra Hrabalova
- Laboratory of Molecular Pathogenetics, Institute of Biotechnology Czech Academy of Sciences (CAS), BIOCEV, Vestec, Czechia
- Faculty of Science, Charles University, Prague, Czechia
| | - Romana Bohuslavova
- Laboratory of Molecular Pathogenetics, Institute of Biotechnology Czech Academy of Sciences (CAS), BIOCEV, Vestec, Czechia
| | - Pavel Abaffy
- Laboratory of Gene Expression, Institute of Biotechnology Czech Academy of Sciences (CAS), BIOCEV, Vestec, Czechia
| | - Valeria Fabriciova
- Laboratory of Molecular Pathogenetics, Institute of Biotechnology Czech Academy of Sciences (CAS), BIOCEV, Vestec, Czechia
| | - David Sedmera
- Institute of Anatomy, First Faculty of Medicine, Charles University, Prague, Czechia
- Department of Developmental Cardiology, Institute of Physiology Czech Academy of Sciences (CAS), Prague, Czechia
| | - Gabriela Pavlinkova
- Laboratory of Molecular Pathogenetics, Institute of Biotechnology Czech Academy of Sciences (CAS), BIOCEV, Vestec, Czechia
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Xu M, Li S, Xie X, Guo L, Yu D, Zhuo J, Lin J, Kol L, Gan L. ISL1 and POU4F1 Directly Interact to Regulate the Differentiation and Survival of Inner Ear Sensory Neurons. J Neurosci 2024; 44:e1718232024. [PMID: 38267260 PMCID: PMC10883659 DOI: 10.1523/jneurosci.1718-23.2024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2023] [Revised: 01/05/2024] [Accepted: 01/11/2024] [Indexed: 01/26/2024] Open
Abstract
The inner ear sensory neurons play a pivotal role in auditory processing and balance control. Though significant progresses have been made, the underlying mechanisms controlling the differentiation and survival of the inner ear sensory neurons remain largely unknown. During development, ISL1 and POU4F transcription factors are co-expressed and are required for terminal differentiation, pathfinding, axon outgrowth and the survival of neurons in the central and peripheral nervous systems. However, little is understood about their functional relationship and regulatory mechanism in neural development. Here, we have knocked out Isl1 or Pou4f1 or both in mice of both sexes. In the absence of Isl1, the differentiation of cochleovestibular ganglion (CVG) neurons is disturbed and with that Isl1-deficient CVG neurons display defects in migration and axon pathfinding. Compound deletion of Isl1 and Pou4f1 causes a delay in CVG differentiation and results in a more severe CVG defect with a loss of nearly all of spiral ganglion neurons (SGNs). Moreover, ISL1 and POU4F1 interact directly in developing CVG neurons and act cooperatively as well as independently in regulating the expression of unique sets of CVG-specific genes crucial for CVG development and survival by binding to the cis-regulatory elements including the promoters of Fgf10, Pou4f2, and Epha5 and enhancers of Eya1 and Ntng2 These findings demonstrate that Isl1 and Pou4f1 are indispensable for CVG development and maintenance by acting epistatically to regulate genes essential for CVG development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mei Xu
- College of Life Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310058, China
- Department of Neuroscience and Regenerative Medicine, Augusta University, Augusta, Georgia 30912
- Institution of Life Sciences, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou 310036, China
| | - Shuchun Li
- Department of Neuroscience and Regenerative Medicine, Augusta University, Augusta, Georgia 30912
| | - Xiaoling Xie
- Department of Neuroscience and Regenerative Medicine, Augusta University, Augusta, Georgia 30912
| | - Luming Guo
- College of Life Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310058, China
- Department of Neuroscience and Regenerative Medicine, Augusta University, Augusta, Georgia 30912
- Institution of Life Sciences, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou 310036, China
| | - Dongliang Yu
- College of Life Science and Medicine, Zhejiang Sci-Tech University, Hangzhou 310018, China
| | - Jiaping Zhuo
- Department of Neuroscience and Regenerative Medicine, Augusta University, Augusta, Georgia 30912
| | - Jacey Lin
- Department of Neuroscience and Regenerative Medicine, Augusta University, Augusta, Georgia 30912
| | - Lotem Kol
- Department of Neuroscience and Regenerative Medicine, Augusta University, Augusta, Georgia 30912
| | - Lin Gan
- Department of Neuroscience and Regenerative Medicine, Augusta University, Augusta, Georgia 30912
- James and Jean Culver Vision Discovery Institute, Medical College of Georgia, Augusta University, Georgia 30912
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Fritzsch B, Elliott KL. Fish hearing revealed: Do we understand hearing in critical fishes and marine tetrapods. THE JOURNAL OF THE ACOUSTICAL SOCIETY OF AMERICA 2023; 154:3019-3026. [PMID: 37955566 PMCID: PMC10769566 DOI: 10.1121/10.0022355] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2023] [Revised: 09/26/2023] [Accepted: 09/27/2023] [Indexed: 11/14/2023]
Abstract
Hearing evolved in lampreys with a frequency range of 50-200 Hz. This hearing range is comparable to that of elasmobranchs, most non-teleosts, and lungfish. Elasmobranchs most likely use the saccule and the papilla neglecta (PN) for hearing. In non-teleosts and teleosts, lungfish, and certain tetrapods the saccule is the likely sensor for sound reception while the lagena and the PN are important for gravistatic sensing. Coelacanth and most tetrapods have a basilar papilla (BP) for hearing. In coelacanth and tetrapods, the hair cells of the BP are in contact with a basilar and a tectorial membrane. These membranes transmit mechanical vibrations. A cochlear aqueduct (CA) provides a connection between the cerebrospinal fluid that has a sodium rich space in coelacanth and tetrapods while the potassium rich endolymph is known in vertebrates. A unique feature is known in basic sarcopterygians, the intracranial joint, that never developed in actinopterygians and has been lost in lungfish and tetrapods. The BP in coelacanths is thought to generate pressure with the intracranial joint that will be transmitted to the CA. Lungs or a swim bladder are not forming in Chondrichthyes, structures that have a major impact on hearing in teleosts and tetrapods.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bernd Fritzsch
- Department of Biology & Department of Otolaryngology, The University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa 52242, USA
| | - Karen L Elliott
- Department of Biology & Department of Otolaryngology, The University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa 52242, USA
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8
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Bohuslavova R, Fabriciova V, Smolik O, Lebrón-Mora L, Abaffy P, Benesova S, Zucha D, Valihrach L, Berkova Z, Saudek F, Pavlinkova G. NEUROD1 reinforces endocrine cell fate acquisition in pancreatic development. Nat Commun 2023; 14:5554. [PMID: 37689751 PMCID: PMC10492842 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-41306-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2023] [Accepted: 08/30/2023] [Indexed: 09/11/2023] Open
Abstract
NEUROD1 is a transcription factor that helps maintain a mature phenotype of pancreatic β cells. Disruption of Neurod1 during pancreatic development causes severe neonatal diabetes; however, the exact role of NEUROD1 in the differentiation programs of endocrine cells is unknown. Here, we report a crucial role of the NEUROD1 regulatory network in endocrine lineage commitment and differentiation. Mechanistically, transcriptome and chromatin landscape analyses demonstrate that Neurod1 inactivation triggers a downregulation of endocrine differentiation transcription factors and upregulation of non-endocrine genes within the Neurod1-deficient endocrine cell population, disturbing endocrine identity acquisition. Neurod1 deficiency altered the H3K27me3 histone modification pattern in promoter regions of differentially expressed genes, which resulted in gene regulatory network changes in the differentiation pathway of endocrine cells, compromising endocrine cell potential, differentiation, and functional properties.
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Affiliation(s)
- Romana Bohuslavova
- Laboratory of Molecular Pathogenetics, Institute of Biotechnology CAS, 25250, Vestec, Czechia
| | - Valeria Fabriciova
- Laboratory of Molecular Pathogenetics, Institute of Biotechnology CAS, 25250, Vestec, Czechia
| | - Ondrej Smolik
- Laboratory of Molecular Pathogenetics, Institute of Biotechnology CAS, 25250, Vestec, Czechia
| | - Laura Lebrón-Mora
- Laboratory of Molecular Pathogenetics, Institute of Biotechnology CAS, 25250, Vestec, Czechia
| | - Pavel Abaffy
- Laboratory of Gene Expression, Institute of Biotechnology CAS, 25250, Vestec, Czechia
| | - Sarka Benesova
- Laboratory of Gene Expression, Institute of Biotechnology CAS, 25250, Vestec, Czechia
| | - Daniel Zucha
- Laboratory of Gene Expression, Institute of Biotechnology CAS, 25250, Vestec, Czechia
| | - Lukas Valihrach
- Laboratory of Gene Expression, Institute of Biotechnology CAS, 25250, Vestec, Czechia
| | - Zuzana Berkova
- Diabetes Centre, Experimental Medicine Centre, Institute for Clinical and Experimental Medicine, 14021, Prague, Czechia
| | - Frantisek Saudek
- Diabetes Centre, Experimental Medicine Centre, Institute for Clinical and Experimental Medicine, 14021, Prague, Czechia
| | - Gabriela Pavlinkova
- Laboratory of Molecular Pathogenetics, Institute of Biotechnology CAS, 25250, Vestec, Czechia.
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Sun Y, Liu Z. Recent advances in molecular studies on cochlear development and regeneration. Curr Opin Neurobiol 2023; 81:102745. [PMID: 37356371 DOI: 10.1016/j.conb.2023.102745] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2023] [Revised: 05/06/2023] [Accepted: 05/25/2023] [Indexed: 06/27/2023]
Abstract
The auditory organ cochlea harbors two types of sound receptors, inner hair cells (IHCs) and outer hair cells (OHCs), which are innervated by spiral (auditory) ganglion neurons (SGNs). Recent transcriptomic, epigenetic, and genetic studies have started to reveal various aspects of cochlear development, including how prosensory progenitors are specified and diversified into IHCs or OHCs, as well as the heterogeneity among SGNs and how SGN subtypes are formed. Here, we primarily review advances in this line of research over the past five years and discuss a few key studies (from the past two years) to elucidate (1) how prosensory progenitors are specified; (2) the cis-regulatory control of Atoh1 expression and the synergistic interaction between Atoh1 and Pou4f3; and (3) the essential roles of Insm1 and Ikzf2 in OHC development and Tbx2 in IHC development. Moreover, we highlight the contribution of recent molecular studies on cochlear development toward the goal of regenerating IHCs and OHCs, which holds considerable potential for application in treating human deafness. Lastly, we briefly summarize the most recent progress on uncovering when and how SGN diversity is generated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuwei Sun
- Institute of Neuroscience, State Key Laboratory of Neuroscience, CAS Center for Excellence in Brain Science and Intelligence Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 200031, China
| | - Zhiyong Liu
- Institute of Neuroscience, State Key Laboratory of Neuroscience, CAS Center for Excellence in Brain Science and Intelligence Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 200031, China; Shanghai Center for Brain Science and Brain-Inspired Intelligence Technology, Shanghai, 201210, China.
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10
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Fritzsch B, Schultze HP, Elliott KL. The evolution of the various structures required for hearing in Latimeria and tetrapods. IBRO Neurosci Rep 2023; 14:325-341. [PMID: 37006720 PMCID: PMC10063410 DOI: 10.1016/j.ibneur.2023.03.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2022] [Accepted: 03/20/2023] [Indexed: 03/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Sarcopterygians evolved around 415 Ma and have developed a unique set of features, including the basilar papilla and the cochlear aqueduct of the inner ear. We provide an overview that shows the morphological integration of the various parts needed for hearing, e.g., basilar papilla, tectorial membrane, cochlear aqueduct, lungs, and tympanic membranes. The lagena of the inner ear evolved from a common macula of the saccule several times. It is near this lagena where the basilar papilla forms in Latimeria and tetrapods. The basilar papilla is lost in lungfish, certain caecilians and salamanders, but is transformed into the cochlea of mammals. Hearing in bony fish and tetrapods involves particle motion to improve sound pressure reception within the ear but also works without air. Lungs evolved after the chondrichthyans diverged and are present in sarcopterygians and actinopterygians. Lungs open to the outside in tetraposomorph sarcopterygians but are transformed from a lung into a swim bladder in ray-finned fishes. Elasmobranchs, polypterids, and many fossil fishes have open spiracles. In Latimeria, most frogs, and all amniotes, a tympanic membrane covering the spiracle evolved independently. The tympanic membrane is displaced by pressure changes and enabled tetrapods to perceive airborne sound pressure waves. The hyomandibular bone is associated with the spiracle/tympanic membrane in actinopterygians and piscine sarcopterygians. In tetrapods, it transforms into the stapes that connects the oval window of the inner ear with the tympanic membrane and allows hearing at higher frequencies by providing an impedance matching and amplification mechanism. The three characters-basilar papilla, cochlear aqueduct, and tympanic membrane-are fluid related elements in sarcopterygians, which interact with a set of unique features in Latimeria. Finally, we explore the possible interaction between the unique intracranial joint, basicranial muscle, and an enlarged notochord that allows fluid flow to the foramen magnum and the cochlear aqueduct which houses a comparatively small brain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bernd Fritzsch
- Department of Biology & Department of Otolaryngology, University of Iowa, IA, USA
- Correspondence to: Department of Biology & Department of Otolaryngology, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, 52242, USA.
| | | | - Karen L. Elliott
- Department of Biology & Department of Otolaryngology, University of Iowa, IA, USA
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Elliott KL, Iskusnykh IY, Chizhikov VV, Fritzsch B. Ptf1a expression is necessary for correct targeting of spiral ganglion neurons within the cochlear nuclei. Neurosci Lett 2023; 806:137244. [PMID: 37055006 PMCID: PMC10210513 DOI: 10.1016/j.neulet.2023.137244] [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: 02/16/2023] [Revised: 03/09/2023] [Accepted: 04/10/2023] [Indexed: 04/15/2023]
Abstract
Two transcription factors, Atoh1 and Ptf1a, are essential for cochlear nuclei development. Atoh1 is needed to develop glutamatergic neurons, while Ptf1a is required to generate glycinergic and GABAergic neurons that migrate into the cochlear nucleus. While central projections of inner ear afferents are normal following loss of Atoh1, we wanted to know whether the loss of Ptf1a affects central projections. We found that in Ptf1a mutants, initially, afferents show a normal projection; however, a transient posterior expansion of projections to the dorsal cochlear nucleus occurs at a later stage. In addition, in older (E18.5) Ptf1a mutant mice, excessive neuronal branches form beyond the normal projection to the anterior and posterior ventral cochlear nuclei. Our results on Ptf1a null mice are comparable to that observed in loss of function Prickel1, Npr2, or Fzd3 mouse mutants. The disorganized tonotopic projections that we report in Ptf1a mutant embryos might be functionally relevant, but testing this hypothesis requires Ptf1a KO mice at postnatal stages that unfortunately cannot be performed due to their early death.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karen L Elliott
- Department of Biology, University of Iowa, Iowa, IA 52242, USA
| | - Igor Y Iskusnykh
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, The University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN 38163, USA
| | - Victor V Chizhikov
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, The University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN 38163, USA.
| | - Bernd Fritzsch
- Department of Biology, University of Iowa, Iowa, IA 52242, USA.
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12
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Zine A, Fritzsch B. Early Steps towards Hearing: Placodes and Sensory Development. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:6994. [PMID: 37108158 PMCID: PMC10139157 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24086994] [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: 03/09/2023] [Revised: 04/03/2023] [Accepted: 04/06/2023] [Indexed: 04/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Sensorineural hearing loss is the most prevalent sensory deficit in humans. Most cases of hearing loss are due to the degeneration of key structures of the sensory pathway in the cochlea, such as the sensory hair cells, the primary auditory neurons, and their synaptic connection to the hair cells. Different cell-based strategies to replace damaged inner ear neurosensory tissue aiming at the restoration of regeneration or functional recovery are currently the subject of intensive research. Most of these cell-based treatment approaches require experimental in vitro models that rely on a fine understanding of the earliest morphogenetic steps that underlie the in vivo development of the inner ear since its initial induction from a common otic-epibranchial territory. This knowledge will be applied to various proposed experimental cell replacement strategies to either address the feasibility or identify novel therapeutic options for sensorineural hearing loss. In this review, we describe how ear and epibranchial placode development can be recapitulated by focusing on the cellular transformations that occur as the inner ear is converted from a thickening of the surface ectoderm next to the hindbrain known as the otic placode to an otocyst embedded in the head mesenchyme. Finally, we will highlight otic and epibranchial placode development and morphogenetic events towards progenitors of the inner ear and their neurosensory cell derivatives.
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Affiliation(s)
- Azel Zine
- LBN, Laboratory of Bioengineering and Nanoscience, University of Montpellier, 34193 Montpellier, France
| | - Bernd Fritzsch
- Department of Biology, CLAS, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA
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13
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Bohuslavova R, Fabriciova V, Lebrón-Mora L, Malfatti J, Smolik O, Valihrach L, Benesova S, Zucha D, Berkova Z, Saudek F, Evans SM, Pavlinkova G. ISL1 controls pancreatic alpha cell fate and beta cell maturation. Cell Biosci 2023; 13:53. [PMID: 36899442 PMCID: PMC9999528 DOI: 10.1186/s13578-023-01003-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2022] [Accepted: 03/01/2023] [Indexed: 03/12/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Glucose homeostasis is dependent on functional pancreatic α and ß cells. The mechanisms underlying the generation and maturation of these endocrine cells remain unclear. RESULTS We unravel the molecular mode of action of ISL1 in controlling α cell fate and the formation of functional ß cells in the pancreas. By combining transgenic mouse models, transcriptomic and epigenomic profiling, we uncover that elimination of Isl1 results in a diabetic phenotype with a complete loss of α cells, disrupted pancreatic islet architecture, downregulation of key ß-cell regulators and maturation markers of ß cells, and an enrichment in an intermediate endocrine progenitor transcriptomic profile. CONCLUSIONS Mechanistically, apart from the altered transcriptome of pancreatic endocrine cells, Isl1 elimination results in altered silencing H3K27me3 histone modifications in the promoter regions of genes that are essential for endocrine cell differentiation. Our results thus show that ISL1 transcriptionally and epigenetically controls α cell fate competence, and ß cell maturation, suggesting that ISL1 is a critical component for generating functional α and ß cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Romana Bohuslavova
- Laboratory of Molecular Pathogenetics, Institute of Biotechnology CAS, 25250, Vestec, Czechia.
| | - Valeria Fabriciova
- Laboratory of Molecular Pathogenetics, Institute of Biotechnology CAS, 25250, Vestec, Czechia
| | - Laura Lebrón-Mora
- Laboratory of Molecular Pathogenetics, Institute of Biotechnology CAS, 25250, Vestec, Czechia
| | - Jessica Malfatti
- Laboratory of Molecular Pathogenetics, Institute of Biotechnology CAS, 25250, Vestec, Czechia
| | - Ondrej Smolik
- Laboratory of Molecular Pathogenetics, Institute of Biotechnology CAS, 25250, Vestec, Czechia
| | - Lukas Valihrach
- Laboratory of Gene Expression, Institute of Biotechnology CAS, 25250, Vestec, Czechia
| | - Sarka Benesova
- Laboratory of Gene Expression, Institute of Biotechnology CAS, 25250, Vestec, Czechia
| | - Daniel Zucha
- Laboratory of Gene Expression, Institute of Biotechnology CAS, 25250, Vestec, Czechia
| | - Zuzana Berkova
- Laboratory of Pancreatic Islets, Institute for Clinical and Experimental Medicine, 14021, Prague, Czechia
| | - Frantisek Saudek
- Laboratory of Pancreatic Islets, Institute for Clinical and Experimental Medicine, 14021, Prague, Czechia
| | - Sylvia M Evans
- Department of Pharmacology; Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of California at San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Gabriela Pavlinkova
- Laboratory of Molecular Pathogenetics, Institute of Biotechnology CAS, 25250, Vestec, Czechia.
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14
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Shrestha BR, Wu L, Goodrich LV. Runx1 controls auditory sensory neuron diversity in mice. Dev Cell 2023; 58:306-319.e5. [PMID: 36800995 PMCID: PMC10202259 DOI: 10.1016/j.devcel.2023.01.008] [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: 08/10/2022] [Revised: 08/28/2022] [Accepted: 01/26/2023] [Indexed: 02/18/2023]
Abstract
Sound stimulus is encoded in mice by three molecularly and physiologically diverse subtypes of sensory neurons, called Ia, Ib, and Ic spiral ganglion neurons (SGNs). Here, we show that the transcription factor Runx1 controls SGN subtype composition in the murine cochlea. Runx1 is enriched in Ib/Ic precursors by late embryogenesis. Upon the loss of Runx1 from embryonic SGNs, more SGNs take on Ia rather than Ib or Ic identities. This conversion was more complete for genes linked to neuronal function than to connectivity. Accordingly, synapses in the Ib/Ic location acquired Ia properties. Suprathreshold SGN responses to sound were enhanced in Runx1CKO mice, confirming the expansion of neurons with Ia-like functional properties. Runx1 deletion after birth also redirected Ib/Ic SGNs toward Ia identity, indicating that SGN identities are plastic postnatally. Altogether, these findings show that diverse neuronal identities essential for normal auditory stimulus coding arise hierarchically and remain malleable during postnatal development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brikha R Shrestha
- Department of Neurobiology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA; Eaton-Peabody Laboratories, Massachusetts Eye and Ear, Boston, MA 02114, USA; Department of Otolaryngology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02114, USA.
| | - Lorna Wu
- Department of Neurobiology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Lisa V Goodrich
- Department of Neurobiology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA.
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15
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Bordeynik-Cohen M, Sperber M, Ebbers L, Messika-Gold N, Krohs C, Koffler-Brill T, Noy Y, Elkon R, Nothwang HG, Avraham KB. Shared and organ-specific gene-expression programs during the development of the cochlea and the superior olivary complex. RNA Biol 2023; 20:629-640. [PMID: 37602850 PMCID: PMC10443965 DOI: 10.1080/15476286.2023.2247628] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Revised: 08/07/2023] [Accepted: 08/09/2023] [Indexed: 08/22/2023] Open
Abstract
The peripheral and central auditory subsystems together form a complex sensory network that allows an organism to hear. The genetic programs of the two subsystems must therefore be tightly coordinated during development. Yet, their interactions and common expression pathways have never been systematically explored. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are short non-coding RNAs that regulate gene expression and are essential for normal development of the auditory system. We performed mRNA and small-RNA sequencing of organs from both auditory subsystems at three critical developmental timepoints (E16, P0, P16) to obtain a comprehensive and unbiased insight of their expression profiles. Our analysis reveals common and organ-specific expression patterns for differentially regulated mRNAs and miRNAs, which could be clustered with a particular selection of functions such as inner ear development, Wnt signalling, K+ transport, and axon guidance, based on gene ontology. Bioinformatics detected enrichment of predicted targets of specific miRNAs in the clusters and predicted regulatory interactions by monitoring opposite trends of expression of miRNAs and their targets. This approach identified six miRNAs as strong regulatory candidates for both subsystems. Among them was miR-96, an established critical factor for proper development in both subsystems, demonstrating the strength of our approach. We suggest that other miRNAs identified by this analysis are also common effectors of proper hearing acquirement. This first combined comprehensive analysis of the developmental program of the peripheral and central auditory systems provides important data and bioinformatics insights into the shared genetic program of the two sensory subsystems and their regulation by miRNAs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mor Bordeynik-Cohen
- Laboratory of Neural and Sensory Genomics, Department of Human Molecular Genetics & Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine and Sagol School of Neuroscience, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Michal Sperber
- Department of Human Molecular Genetics & Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Lena Ebbers
- Neurogenetics group and Cluster of Excellence Hearing4All, School of Medicine and Health Sciences and Research Center for Neurosensory Science, Carl von Ossietzky University Oldenburg, Oldenburg, Germany
| | - Naama Messika-Gold
- Department of Human Molecular Genetics & Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Constanze Krohs
- Neurogenetics group and Cluster of Excellence Hearing4All, School of Medicine and Health Sciences and Research Center for Neurosensory Science, Carl von Ossietzky University Oldenburg, Oldenburg, Germany
| | - Tal Koffler-Brill
- Laboratory of Neural and Sensory Genomics, Department of Human Molecular Genetics & Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine and Sagol School of Neuroscience, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Yael Noy
- Laboratory of Neural and Sensory Genomics, Department of Human Molecular Genetics & Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine and Sagol School of Neuroscience, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Ran Elkon
- Department of Human Molecular Genetics & Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Hans Gerd Nothwang
- Neurogenetics group and Cluster of Excellence Hearing4All, School of Medicine and Health Sciences and Research Center for Neurosensory Science, Carl von Ossietzky University Oldenburg, Oldenburg, Germany
| | - Karen B. Avraham
- Laboratory of Neural and Sensory Genomics, Department of Human Molecular Genetics & Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine and Sagol School of Neuroscience, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
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16
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Glover JC, Fritzsch B. Molecular mechanisms governing development of the hindbrain choroid plexus and auditory projection: A validation of the seminal observations of Wilhelm His. IBRO Neurosci Rep 2022; 13:306-313. [PMID: 36247525 PMCID: PMC9561746 DOI: 10.1016/j.ibneur.2022.09.011] [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: 04/29/2022] [Revised: 09/29/2022] [Accepted: 09/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Studies by His from 1868 to 1904 delineated the critical role of the dorsal roof plate in the development of the hindbrain choroid plexus, and of the rhombic lips in the development of hindbrain auditory centers. Modern molecular studies have confirmed these observations and placed them in a mechanistic context. Expression of the transcription factor Lmx1a/b is crucial to the development of the hindbrain choroid plexus, and also regulates the expression of Atoh1, a transcription factor that is essential for the formation of the cochlear hair cells and auditory nuclei. By contrast, development of the vestibular hair cells, vestibular ganglion and vestibular nuclei does not depend on Lmx1a/b. These findings demonstrate a common dependence on a specific gene for the hindbrain choroid plexus and the primary auditory projection from hair cells to sensory neurons to hindbrain nuclei. Thus, His' conclusions regarding the origins of specific hindbrain structures are borne out by molecular genetic experiments conducted more than a hundred years later.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joel C. Glover
- Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
- Norwegian Center for Stem Cell Research, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
- Sars International Centre for Marine Molecular Biology, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
- Corresponding author at: Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway.
| | - Bernd Fritzsch
- Department of Biology, University of Iowa, Iowa, IA 52242, USA
- Corresponding author.
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