Developmental expression of the potassium current IK,n contributes to maturation of mouse outer hair cells

Auditory hair cells and spiral ganglion neurons regenerate synapses with refined release properties in vitro

Ribbon synapses between inner hair cells (IHCs) and type I spiral ganglion neurons (SGNs) in the inner ear are damaged by noise trauma and with aging, causing "synaptopathy" and hearing loss. Cocultures of neonatal denervated organs of Corti and newly introduced SGNs have been developed to find strategies for improving IHC synapse regeneration, but evidence of the physiological normality of regenerated synapses is missing. This study utilizes IHC optogenetic stimulation and SGN recordings, showing that, when P3-5 denervated organs of Corti are cocultured with SGNs, newly formed IHC/SGN synapses are indeed functional, exhibiting glutamatergic excitatory postsynaptic currents. When using older organs of Corti at P10-11, synaptic activity probed by deconvolution showed more mature release properties, closer to the specialized mode of IHC synaptic transmission crucial for coding the sound signal. This functional assessment of newly formed IHC synapses developed here, provides a powerful tool for testing approaches to improve synapse regeneration.

Pleiotropic brain function of whirlin identified by a novel mutation

Despite some evidence indicating diverse roles of whirlin in neurons, the functional corollary of whirlin gene function and behavior has not been investigated or broadly characterized. A single nucleotide variant was identified from our recessive ENU-mutagenesis screen at a donor-splice site in whirlin, a protein critical for proper sensorineural hearing function. The mutation (head-bob, hb) led to partial intron-retention causing a frameshift and introducing a premature termination codon. Mutant mice had a head-bobbing phenotype and significant hyperactivity across several phenotyping tests. Lack of complementation of head-bob with whirler mutant mice confirmed the head-bob mutation as functionally distinct with compound mutants having a mild-moderate hearing defect. Utilizing transgenics, we demonstrate rescue of the hyperactive phenotype and combined with the expression profiling data conclude whirlin plays an essential role in activity-related behaviors. These results highlight a pleiotropic role of whirlin within the brain and implicate alternative, central mediated pathways in its function.

Charge and lipophilicity are required for effective block of the hair-cell mechano-electrical transducer channel by FM1-43 and its derivatives

The styryl dye FM1-43 is widely used to study endocytosis but behaves as a permeant blocker of the mechano-electrical transducer (MET) channel in sensory hair cells, loading rapidly and specifically into the cytoplasm of hair cells in a MET channel-dependent manner. Patch clamp recordings of mouse outer hair cells (OHCs) were used to determine how a series of structural modifications of FM1-43 affect MET channel block. Fluorescence microscopy was used to assess how the modifications influence hair-cell loading in mouse cochlear cultures and zebrafish neuromasts. Cochlear cultures were also used to evaluate otoprotective potential of the modified FM1-43 derivatives. Structure-activity relationships reveal that the lipophilic tail and the cationic head group of FM1-43 are both required for MET channel block in mouse cochlear OHCs; neither moiety alone is sufficient. The extent of MET channel block is augmented by increasing the lipophilicity/bulkiness of the tail, by reducing the number of positive charges in the head group from two to one, or by increasing the distance between the two charged head groups. Loading assays with zebrafish neuromasts and mouse cochlear cultures are broadly in accordance with these observations but reveal a loss of hair-cell specific labelling with increasing lipophilicity. Although FM1-43 and many of its derivatives are generally cytotoxic when tested on cochlear cultures in the presence of an equimolar concentration of the ototoxic antibiotic gentamicin (5 µM), at a 10-fold lower concentration (0.5 µM), two of the derivatives protect OHCs from cell death caused by 48 h-exposure to 5 µM gentamicin.

Generating high-fidelity cochlear organoids from human pluripotent stem cells

Mechanosensitive hair cells in the cochlea are responsible for hearing but are vulnerable to damage by genetic mutations and environmental insults. The paucity of human cochlear tissues makes it difficult to study cochlear hair cells. Organoids offer a compelling platform to study scarce tissues in vitro; however, derivation of cochlear cell types has proven non-trivial. Here, using 3D cultures of human pluripotent stem cells, we sought to replicate key differentiation cues of cochlear specification. We found that timed modulations of Sonic Hedgehog and WNT signaling promote ventral gene expression in otic progenitors. Ventralized otic progenitors subsequently give rise to elaborately patterned epithelia containing hair cells with morphology, marker expression, and functional properties consistent with both outer and inner hair cells in the cochlea. These results suggest that early morphogenic cues are sufficient to drive cochlear induction and establish an unprecedented system to model the human auditory organ.

The summating potential polarity encodes the ear health condition

The summating potential (SP), the DC potential which, along with the AC response, is produced when the hair cells convert the vibrational mechanical energy of sound into electrical signals, is the most enigmatic of the cochlear potentials because its polarity and function have remained elusive for more than seven decades. Despite the tremendous socioeconomic consequences of noise-induced hearing loss and the profound physiological importance of understanding how loud noise exposure impairs the hair cell receptor activation, the relationship between the SP and noise-induced hearing impairment remains poorly characterized. Here, I show that in normally hearing ears, the SP polarity is positive and its amplitude relative to the AC response grows exponentially across frequencies, and becomes negative and decreases exponentially across frequencies following noise-induced hearing injury. Since the SP is thought to be generated by K⁺ outflow down the gradient through the hair cell basolateral K⁺ channels, the SP polarity switch to negative values is consistent with a noise-induced shift in the operating point of the hair cells.

Repressor element 1-silencing transcription factor deficiency yields profound hearing loss through Kv7.4 channel upsurge in auditory neurons and hair cells

Repressor element 1-silencing transcription factor (REST) is a transcriptional repressor that recognizes neuron-restrictive silencer elements in the mammalian genomes in a tissue- and cell-specific manner. The identity of REST target genes and molecular details of how REST regulates them are emerging. We performed conditional null deletion of Rest (cKO), mainly restricted to murine hair cells (HCs) and auditory neurons (aka spiral ganglion neurons [SGNs]). Null inactivation of full-length REST did not affect the development of normal HCs and SGNs but manifested as progressive hearing loss in adult mice. We found that the inactivation of REST resulted in an increased abundance of K_v7.4 channels at the transcript, protein, and functional levels. Specifically, we found that SGNs and HCs from Rest cKO mice displayed increased K_v7.4 expression and augmented K_v7 currents; SGN’s excitability was also significantly reduced. Administration of a compound with K_v7.4 channel activator activity, fasudil, recapitulated progressive hearing loss in mice. In contrast, inhibition of the K_v7 channels by XE991 rescued the auditory phenotype of Rest cKO mice. Previous studies identified some loss-of-function mutations within the K_v7.4-coding gene, Kcnq4, as a causative factor for progressive hearing loss in mice and humans. Thus, the findings reveal that a critical homeostatic K_v7.4 channel level is required for proper auditory functions.

An in vivo Biomarker to Characterize Ototoxic Compounds and Novel Protective Therapeutics

There are no approved therapeutics for the prevention of hearing loss and vestibular dysfunction from drugs like aminoglycoside antibiotics. While the mechanisms underlying aminoglycoside ototoxicity remain unresolved, there is considerable evidence that aminoglycosides enter inner ear mechanosensory hair cells through the mechanoelectrical transduction (MET) channel. Inhibition of MET-dependent uptake with small molecules or modified aminoglycosides is a promising otoprotective strategy. To better characterize mammalian ototoxicity and aid in the translation of emerging therapeutics, a biomarker is needed. In the present study we propose that neonatal mice systemically injected with the aminoglycosides G418 conjugated to Texas Red (G418-TR) can be used as a histologic biomarker to characterize in vivo aminoglycoside toxicity. We demonstrate that postnatal day 5 mice, like older mice with functional hearing, show uptake and retention of G418-TR in cochlear hair cells following systemic injection. When we compare G418-TR uptake in other tissues, we find that kidney proximal tubule cells show similar retention. Using ORC-13661, an investigational hearing protection drug, we demonstrate in vivo inhibition of aminoglycoside uptake in mammalian hair cells. This work establishes how systemically administered fluorescently labeled ototoxins in the neonatal mouse can reveal important details about ototoxic drugs and protective therapeutics.

A disease-associated mutation in thyroid hormone receptor α1 causes hearing loss and sensory hair cell patterning defects in mice

Resistance to thyroid hormone due to mutations in THRA, which encodes the thyroid hormone receptor α (TRα1), shows variable clinical presentation. Mutations affecting TRβ1 and TRβ2 cause deafness in mice and have been associated with deafness in humans. To test whether TRα1 also affects hearing function, we used mice heterozygous for a frameshift mutation in Thra that is similar to human THRA mutations (Thra^S1/+ mice) and reduces tissue sensitivity to thyroid hormone. Compared to wild-type littermates, Thra^S1/+ mice showed moderate high-frequency sensorineural hearing loss as juveniles and increased age-related hearing loss. Ultrastructural examination revealed aberrant orientation of ~20% of sensory outer hair cells (OHCs), as well as increased numbers of mitochondria with fragmented morphology and autophagic vacuoles in both OHCs and auditory nerve fibers. Molecular dissection of the OHC lateral wall components revealed that the potassium ion channel Kcnq4 was aberrantly targeted to the cytoplasm of mutant OHCs. In addition, mutant cochleae showed increased oxidative stress, autophagy, and mitophagy associated with greater age-related cochlear cell damage, demonstrating that TRα1 is required for proper development of OHCs and for maintenance of OHC function. These findings suggest that patients with THRA mutations may present underdiagnosed, mild hearing loss and may be more susceptible to age-related hearing loss.

Mild hearing loss in C57BL6/J mice after exposure to antiretroviral compounds during gestation and nursing

OBJECTIVE

There is evidence of ototoxicity from antiretrovirals (ARVs), and ARV therapy in pregnant/nursing mothers can expose offspring to these compounds. The current work modelled whether exposure to ARVs in utero and during nursing altered the functioning of the auditory system in offspring mice.

DESIGN

The females of seven breeding pairs of C57BL6/J mice were given daily doses of ARVs lamivudine and tenofovir disoproxil fumarate by oral gavage during gestation and nursing. Three breeder females were given equivalent volumes of water as controls. At wean age (3 weeks after birth), the offspring mice were tested with auditory brainstem responses (ABRs). At the conclusion of the experiment, the offspring mice's cochleae were examined for hair cell counts.

STUDY SAMPLE

Ten breeder female C57BL6/J mice and 69 offspring mice.

RESULTS

The offspring mice exposed to ARVs during development showed higher ABR thresholds than the control offspring. No differences were found in supra-threshold ABRs. There was no evidence of missing hair cells.

CONCLUSIONS

Hearing impairment may be a possible consequence of exposure to ARVs during gestation and development. Because the threshold differences were not large, if they are occurring in humans, it is unlikely they would be identified in any hearing screening tests.

Encoding sound in the cochlea: from receptor potential to afferent discharge

Ribbon-class synapses in the ear achieve analog to digital transformation of a continuously graded membrane potential to all-or-none spikes. In mammals, several auditory nerve fibres (ANFs) carry information from each inner hair cell (IHC) to the brain in parallel. Heterogeneity of transmission among synapses contributes to the diversity of ANF sound-response properties. In addition to the place code for sound frequency and the rate code for sound level, there is also a temporal code. In series with cochlear amplification and frequency tuning, neural representation of temporal cues over a broad range of sound levels enables auditory comprehension in noisy multi-speaker settings. The IHC membrane time constant introduces a low-pass filter that attenuates fluctuations of the receptor potential above 1-2 kHz. The ANF spike generator adds a high-pass filter via its depolarization-rate threshold that rejects slow changes in the postsynaptic potential and its phasic response property that ensures one spike per depolarization. Synaptic transmission involves several stochastic subcellular processes between IHC depolarization and ANF spike generation, introducing delay and jitter that limits the speed and precision of spike timing. ANFs spike at a preferred phase of periodic sounds in a process called phase-locking that is limited to frequencies below a few kilohertz by both the IHC receptor potential and the jitter in synaptic transmission. During phase-locking to periodic sounds of increasing intensity, faster and facilitated activation of synaptic transmission and spike generation may be offset by presynaptic depletion of synaptic vesicles, resulting in relatively small changes in response phase. Here we review encoding of spike-timing at cochlear ribbon synapses.

Optimized Tuning of Auditory Inner Hair Cells to Encode Complex Sound through Synergistic Activity of Six Independent K+ Current Entities

Auditory inner hair cells (IHCs) convert sound vibrations into receptor potentials that drive synaptic transmission. For the precise encoding of sound qualities, receptor potentials are shaped by K⁺ conductances tuning the properties of the IHC membrane. Using patch-clamp and computational modeling, we unravel this membrane specialization showing that IHCs express an exclusive repertoire of six voltage-dependent K⁺ conductances mediated by K_v1.8, K_v7.4, K_v11.1, K_v12.1, and BK_Ca channels. All channels are active at rest but are triggered differentially during sound stimulation. This enables non-saturating tuning over a far larger potential range than in IHCs expressing fewer current entities. Each conductance contributes to optimizing responses, but the combined activity of all channels synergistically improves phase locking and the dynamic range of intensities that IHCs can encode. Conversely, hypothetical simpler IHCs appear limited to encode only certain aspects (frequency or intensity). The exclusive channel repertoire of IHCs thus constitutes an evolutionary adaptation to encode complex sound through multifaceted receptor potentials.

Identification of a series of hair-cell MET channel blockers that protect against aminoglycoside-induced ototoxicity

To identify small molecules that shield mammalian sensory hair cells from the ototoxic side effects of aminoglycoside antibiotics, 10,240 compounds were initially screened in zebrafish larvae, selecting for those that protected lateral-line hair cells against neomycin and gentamicin. When the 64 hits from this screen were retested in mouse cochlear cultures, 8 protected outer hair cells (OHCs) from gentamicin in vitro without causing hair-bundle damage. These 8 hits shared structural features and blocked, to varying degrees, the OHC's mechano-electrical transducer (MET) channel, a route of aminoglycoside entry into hair cells. Further characterization of one of the strongest MET channel blockers, UoS-7692, revealed it additionally protected against kanamycin and tobramycin and did not abrogate the bactericidal activity of gentamicin. UoS-7692 behaved, like the aminoglycosides, as a permeant blocker of the MET channel; significantly reduced gentamicin-Texas red loading into OHCs; and preserved lateral-line function in neomycin-treated zebrafish. Transtympanic injection of UoS-7692 protected mouse OHCs from furosemide/kanamycin exposure in vivo and partially preserved hearing. The results confirmed the hair-cell MET channel as a viable target for the identification of compounds that protect the cochlea from aminoglycosides and provide a series of hit compounds that will inform the design of future otoprotectants.

MET currents and otoacoustic emissions from mice with a detached tectorial membrane indicate the extracellular matrix regulates Ca2+ near stereocilia

KEY POINTS

The aim was to determine whether detachment of the tectorial membrane (TM) from the organ of Corti in Tecta/Tectb-/- mice affects the biophysical properties of cochlear outer hair cells (OHCs). Tecta/Tectb-/- mice have highly elevated hearing thresholds, but OHCs mature normally. Mechanoelectrical transducer (MET) channel resting open probability (Po ) in mature OHC is ∼50% in endolymphatic [Ca2+ ], resulting in a large standing depolarizing MET current that would allow OHCs to act optimally as electromotile cochlear amplifiers. MET channel resting Po in vivo is also high in Tecta/Tectb-/- mice, indicating that the TM is unlikely to statically bias the hair bundles of OHCs. Distortion product otoacoustic emissions (DPOAEs), a readout of active, MET-dependent, non-linear cochlear amplification in OHCs, fail to exhibit long-lasting adaptation to repetitive stimulation in Tecta/Tectb-/- mice. We conclude that during prolonged, sound-induced stimulation of the cochlea the TM may determine the extracellular Ca2+ concentration near the OHC's MET channels.

ABSTRACT

The tectorial membrane (TM) is an acellular structure of the cochlea that is attached to the stereociliary bundles of the outer hair cells (OHCs), electromotile cells that amplify motion of the cochlear partition and sharpen its frequency selectivity. Although the TM is essential for hearing, its role is still not fully understood. In Tecta/Tectb-/- double knockout mice, in which the TM is not coupled to the OHC stereocilia, hearing sensitivity is considerably reduced compared with that of wild-type animals. In vivo, the OHC receptor potentials, assessed using cochlear microphonics, are symmetrical in both wild-type and Tecta/Tectb-/- mice, indicating that the TM does not bias the hair bundle resting position. The functional maturation of hair cells is also unaffected in Tecta/Tectb-/- mice, and the resting open probability of the mechanoelectrical transducer (MET) channel reaches values of ∼50% when the hair bundles of mature OHCs are bathed in an endolymphatic-like Ca2+ concentration (40 μM) in vitro. The resultant large MET current depolarizes OHCs to near -40 mV, a value that would allow optimal activation of the motor protein prestin and normal cochlear amplification. Although the set point of the OHC receptor potential transfer function in vivo may therefore be determined primarily by endolymphatic Ca2+ concentration, repetitive acoustic stimulation fails to produce adaptation of MET-dependent otoacoustic emissions in vivo in the Tecta/Tectb-/- mice. Therefore, the TM is likely to contribute to the regulation of Ca2+ levels around the stereocilia, and thus adaptation of the OHC MET channel during prolonged sound stimulation.

The role of cGMP signalling in auditory processing in health and disease

cGMP is generated by the cGMP-forming guanylyl cyclases (GCs), the intracellular nitric oxide (NO)-sensitive (soluble) guanylyl cyclase (sGC) and transmembrane GC (e.g. GC-A and GC-B). In summarizing the particular role of cGMP signalling for hearing, we show that GC generally do not interfere significantly with basic hearing function but rather sustain a healthy state for proper temporal coding, fast discrimination and adjustments during injury. sGC is critical for the integrity of the first synapse in the ascending auditory pathway, the inner hair cell synapse. GC-A promotes hair cell stability under stressful conditions such as acoustic trauma or ageing. GC-B plays a role in the development of efferent feed-back and gain control. Regarding the crucial role hearing has for language development, speech discrimination and cognitive brain functions, differential pharmaceutical targeting of GCs offers therapeutic promise for the restoration of hearing.

Activation of KCNQ4 as a Therapeutic Strategy to Treat Hearing Loss

Potassium voltage-gated channel subfamily q member 4 (KCNQ4) is a voltage-gated potassium channel that plays essential roles in maintaining ion homeostasis and regulating hair cell membrane potential. Reduction of the activity of the KCNQ4 channel owing to genetic mutations is responsible for nonsyndromic hearing loss, a typically late-onset, initially high-frequency loss progressing over time. In addition, variants of KCNQ4 have also been associated with noise-induced hearing loss and age-related hearing loss. Therefore, the discovery of small compounds activating or potentiating KCNQ4 is an important strategy for the curative treatment of hearing loss. In this review, we updated the current concept of the physiological role of KCNQ4 in the inner ear and the pathologic mechanism underlying the role of KCNQ4 variants with regard to hearing loss. Finally, we focused on currently developed KCNQ4 activators and their pros and cons, paving the way for the future development of specific KCNQ4 activators as a remedy for hearing loss.

Quantitative Fluorescent in situ Hybridization Reveals Differential Transcription Profile Sharpening of Endocytic Proteins in Cochlear Hair Cells Upon Maturation

The organ of Corti (OC) comprises two types of sensory cells: outer hair cells (OHCs) and inner hair cells (IHCs). While both are mechanotransducers, OHCs serve as cochlear amplifiers, whereas IHCs transform sound into transmitter release. Reliable sound encoding is ensured by indefatigable exocytosis of synaptic vesicles associated with efficient replenishment of the vesicle pool. Vesicle reformation requires retrieval of vesicle membrane from the hair cell’s membrane via endocytosis. So far, the protein machinery for endocytosis in pre-mature and terminally differentiated hair cells has only partially been deciphered. Here, we studied three endocytic proteins, dynamin-1, dynamin-3, and endophilin-A1, by assessing their transcription profiles in pre-mature and mature mouse OCs. State-of-the-art RNAscope^® fluorescent in situ hybridization (FISH) of whole-mount OCs was used for quantification of target mRNAs on single-cell level. We found that pre-mature IHCs contained more mRNA transcripts of dnm1 (encoding dynamin-1) and sh3gl2 (endophilin-A1), but less of dnm3 (dynamin-3) than OHCs. These differential transcription profiles between OHCs and IHCs were sharpened upon maturation. It is noteworthy that low but heterogeneous signal numbers were found between individual negative controls, which highlights the importance of corresponding analyses in RNAscope^® assays. Complementary immunolabeling revealed strong expression of dynamin-1 in the soma of mature IHCs, which was much weaker in pre-mature IHCs. By contrast, dynamin-3 was predominantly found in the soma and at the border of the cuticular plates of pre-mature and mature OHCs. In summary, using quantitative RNAscope^® FISH and immunohistochemistry on whole-mount tissue of both pre-mature and mature OCs, we disclosed the cellular upregulation of endocytic proteins at the level of transcription/translation during terminal differentiation of the OC. Dynamin-1 and endophilin-A1 likely contribute to the strengthening of the endocytic machinery in IHCs after the onset of hearing, whereas expression of dynamin-3 at the cuticular plate of pre-mature and mature OHCs suggests its possible involvement in activity-independent apical endocytosis.

Loss of Baiap2l2 destabilizes the transducing stereocilia of cochlear hair cells and leads to deafness

KEY POINTS

Mechanoelectrical transduction at auditory hair cells requires highly specialized stereociliary bundles that project from their apical surface, forming a characteristic graded 'staircase' structure. The morphogenesis and maintenance of these stereociliary bundles is a tightly regulated process requiring the involvement of several actin-binding proteins, many of which are still unidentified. We identify a new stereociliary protein, the I-BAR protein BAIAP2L2, which localizes to the tips of the shorter transducing stereocilia in both inner and outer hair cells (IHCs and OHCs). We find that Baiap2l2 deficient mice lose their second and third rows of stereocilia, their mechanoelectrical transducer current, and develop progressive hearing loss, becoming deaf by 8 months of age. We demonstrate that BAIAP2L2 localization to stereocilia tips is dependent on the motor protein MYO15A and its cargo EPS8. We propose that BAIAP2L2 is a new key protein required for the maintenance of the transducing stereocilia in mature cochlear hair cells.

ABSTRACT

The transduction of sound waves into electrical signals depends upon mechanosensitive stereociliary bundles that project from the apical surface of hair cells within the cochlea. The height and width of these actin-based stereocilia is tightly regulated throughout life to establish and maintain their characteristic staircase-like structure, which is essential for normal mechanoelectrical transduction. Here, we show that BAIAP2L2, a member of the I-BAR protein family, is a newly identified hair bundle protein that is localized to the tips of the shorter rows of transducing stereocilia in mouse cochlear hair cells. BAIAP2L2 was detected by immunohistochemistry from postnatal day 2.5 (P2.5) throughout adulthood. In Baiap2l2 deficient mice, outer hair cells (OHCs), but not inner hair cells (IHCs), began to lose their third row of stereocilia and showed a reduction in the size of the mechanoelectrical transducer current from just after P9. Over the following post-hearing weeks, the ordered staircase structure of the bundle progressively deteriorates, such that, by 8 months of age, both OHCs and IHCs of Baiap2l2 deficient mice have lost most of the second and third rows of stereocilia and become deaf. We also found that BAIAP2L2 interacts with other key stereociliary proteins involved in normal hair bundle morphogenesis, such as CDC42, RAC1, EPS8 and ESPNL. Furthermore, we show that BAIAP2L2 localization to the stereocilia tips depends on the motor protein MYO15A and its cargo EPS8. We propose that BAIAP2L2 is key to maintenance of the normal actin structure of the transducing stereocilia in mature mouse cochlear hair cells.

Kv7 Channels and Excitability Disorders

Kv7.1-Kv7.5 (KCNQ1-5) K⁺ channels are voltage-gated K⁺ channels with major roles in neurons, muscle cells and epithelia where they underlie physiologically important K⁺ currents, such as neuronal M current and cardiac I_Ks. Specific biophysical properties of Kv7 channels make them particularly well placed to control the activity of excitable cells. Indeed, these channels often work as 'excitability breaks' and are targeted by various hormones and modulators to regulate cellular activity outputs. Genetic deficiencies in all five KCNQ genes result in human excitability disorders, including epilepsy, arrhythmias, deafness and some others. Not surprisingly, this channel family attracts considerable attention as potential drug targets. Here we will review biophysical properties and tissue expression profile of Kv7 channels, discuss recent advances in the understanding of their structure as well as their role in various neurological, cardiovascular and other diseases and pathologies. We will also consider a scope for therapeutic targeting of Kv7 channels for treatment of the above health conditions.

Age-related hearing loss pertaining to potassium ion channels in the cochlea and auditory pathway

Age-related hearing loss (ARHL) is the most prevalent sensory deficit in the elderly and constitutes the third highest risk factor for dementia. Lifetime noise exposure, genetic predispositions for degeneration, and metabolic stress are assumed to be the major causes of ARHL. Both noise-induced and hereditary progressive hearing have been linked to decreased cell surface expression and impaired conductance of the potassium ion channel K_V7.4 (KCNQ4) in outer hair cells, inspiring future therapies to maintain or prevent the decline of potassium ion channel surface expression to reduce ARHL. In concert with K_V7.4 in outer hair cells, K_V7.1 (KCNQ1) in the stria vascularis, calcium-activated potassium channels BK (KCNMA1) and SK2 (KCNN2) in hair cells and efferent fiber synapses, and K_V3.1 (KCNC1) in the spiral ganglia and ascending auditory circuits share an upregulated expression or subcellular targeting during final differentiation at hearing onset. They also share a distinctive fragility for noise exposure and age-dependent shortfalls in energy supply required for sustained surface expression. Here, we review and discuss the possible contribution of select potassium ion channels in the cochlea and auditory pathway to ARHL. We postulate genes, proteins, or modulators that contribute to sustained ion currents or proper surface expressions of potassium channels under challenging conditions as key for future therapies of ARHL.

Age-related changes in the biophysical and morphological characteristics of mouse cochlear outer hair cells

KEY POINTS

Age-related hearing loss (ARHL) is a very heterogeneous disease, resulting from cellular senescence, genetic predisposition and environmental factors (e.g. noise exposure). Currently, we know very little about age-related changes occurring in the auditory sensory cells, including those associated with the outer hair cells (OHCs). Using different mouse strains, we show that OHCs undergo several morphological and biophysical changes in the ageing cochlea. Ageing OHCs also exhibited the progressive loss of afferent and efferent synapses. We also provide evidence that the size of the mechanoelectrical transducer current is reduced in ageing OHCs, highlighting its possible contribution in cochlear ageing.

ABSTRACT

Outer hair cells (OHCs) are electromotile sensory receptors that provide sound amplification within the mammalian cochlea. Although OHCs appear susceptible to ageing, the progression of the pathophysiological changes in these cells is still poorly understood. By using mouse strains with a different progression of hearing loss (C57BL/6J, C57BL/6NTac, C57BL/6NTacCdh23+ , C3H/HeJ), we have identified morphological, physiological and molecular changes in ageing OHCs (9-12 kHz cochlear region). We show that by 6 months of age, OHCs from all strains underwent a reduction in surface area, which was not a sign of degeneration. Although the ageing OHCs retained a normal basolateral membrane protein profile, they showed a reduction in the size of the K+ current and non-linear capacitance, a readout of prestin-dependent electromotility. Despite these changes, OHCs have a normal Vm and retain the ability to amplify sound, as distortion product otoacoustic emission thresholds were not affected in aged, good-hearing mice (C3H/HeJ, C57BL/6NTacCdh23+ ). The loss of afferent synapses was present in all strains at 15 months. The number of efferent synapses per OHCs, defined as postsynaptic SK2 puncta, was reduced in aged OHCs of all strains apart from C3H mice. Several of the identified changes occurred in aged OHCs from all mouse strains, thus representing a general trait in the pathophysiological progression of age-related hearing loss, possibly aimed at preserving functionality. We have also shown that the mechanoelectrical transduction (MET) current from OHCs of mice harbouring the Cdh23ahl allele is reduced with age, highlighting the possibility that changes in the MET apparatus could play a role in cochlear ageing.

Generation of inner ear hair cells by direct lineage conversion of primary somatic cells

The mechanoreceptive sensory hair cells in the inner ear are selectively vulnerable to numerous genetic and environmental insults. In mammals, hair cells lack regenerative capacity, and their death leads to permanent hearing loss and vestibular dysfunction. Their paucity and inaccessibility has limited the search for otoprotective and regenerative strategies. Growing hair cells in vitro would provide a route to overcome this experimental bottleneck. We report a combination of four transcription factors (Six1, Atoh1, Pou4f3, and Gfi1) that can convert mouse embryonic fibroblasts, adult tail-tip fibroblasts and postnatal supporting cells into induced hair cell-like cells (iHCs). iHCs exhibit hair cell-like morphology, transcriptomic and epigenetic profiles, electrophysiological properties, mechanosensory channel expression, and vulnerability to ototoxin in a high-content phenotypic screening system. Thus, direct reprogramming provides a platform to identify causes and treatments for hair cell loss, and may help identify future gene therapy approaches for restoring hearing.

Functional Postnatal Maturation of the Medial Olivocochlear Efferent-Outer Hair Cell Synapse

The organ of Corti, the auditory mammalian sensory epithelium, contains two types of mechanotransducer cells, inner hair cells (IHCs) and outer hair cells (OHCs). IHCs are involved in conveying acoustic stimuli to the CNS, while OHCs are implicated in the fine tuning and amplification of sounds. OHCs are innervated by medial olivocochlear (MOC) cholinergic efferent fibers. The functional characteristics of the MOC-OHC synapse during maturation were assessed by electrophysiological and pharmacological methods in mouse organs of Corti at postnatal day 11 (P11)-P13, hearing onset in altricial rodents, and at P20-P22 when the OHCs are morphologically and functionally mature. Synaptic currents were recorded in whole-cell voltage-clamped OHCs while electrically stimulating the MOC fibers. A progressive increase in the number of functional MOC-OHC synapses, as well as in their strength and efficacy, was observed between P11-13 and P20-22. At hearing onset, the MOC-OHC synapse presented facilitation during MOC fibers high-frequency stimulation that disappeared at mature stages. In addition, important changes were found in the VGCC that are coupled to transmitter release. Ca²⁺ flowing in through L-type VGCCs contribute to trigger ACh release together with P/Q- and R-type VGCCs at P11-P13, but not at P20-P22. Interestingly, N-type VGCCs were found to be involved in this process at P20-P22, but not at hearing onset. Moreover, the degree of compartmentalization of calcium channels with respect to BK channels and presynaptic release components significantly increased from P11-P13 to P20-P22. These results suggest that the MOC-OHC synapse is immature at the onset of hearing.SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT The functional expression of both VGCCs and BK channels, as well as their localization with respect to the presynaptic components involved in transmitter release, are key elements in determining synaptic efficacy. In this work, we show dynamic changes in the expression of VGCCs and Ca²⁺-dependent BK K⁺ channels coupled to ACh release at the MOC-OHC synapse and their shift in compartmentalization during postnatal maturation. These processes most likely set the short-term plasticity pattern and reliability of the MOC-OHC synapse on high-frequency activity.

Guanylyl Cyclase A/cGMP Signaling Slows Hidden, Age- and Acoustic Trauma-Induced Hearing Loss

In the inner ear, cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP) signaling has been described as facilitating otoprotection, which was previously observed through elevated cGMP levels achieved by phosphodiesterase 5 inhibition. However, to date, the upstream guanylyl cyclase (GC) subtype eliciting cGMP production is unknown. Here, we show that mice with a genetic disruption of the gene encoding the cGMP generator GC-A, the receptor for atrial and B-type natriuretic peptides, display a greater vulnerability of hair cells to hidden hearing loss and noise- and age-dependent hearing loss. This vulnerability was associated with GC-A expression in spiral ganglia and outer hair cells (OHCs) but not in inner hair cells (IHCs). GC-A knockout mice exhibited elevated hearing thresholds, most pronounced for the detection of high-frequency tones. Deficits in OHC input–output functions in high-frequency regions were already present in young GC-A-deficient mice, with no signs of an accelerated progression of age-related hearing loss or higher vulnerability to acoustic trauma. OHCs in these frequency regions in young GC-A knockout mice exhibited diminished levels of KCNQ4 expression, which is the dominant K⁺ channel in OHCs, and decreased activation of poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase-1, an enzyme involved in DNA repair. Further, GC-A knockout mice had IHC synapse impairments and reduced amplitudes of auditory brainstem responses that progressed with age and with acoustic trauma, in contrast to OHCs, when compared to GC-A wild-type littermates. We conclude that GC-A/cGMP-dependent signaling pathways have otoprotective functions and GC-A gene disruption differentially contributes to hair-cell damage in a healthy, aged, or injured system. Thus, augmentation of natriuretic peptide GC-A signaling likely has potential to overcome hidden and noise-induced hearing loss, as well as presbycusis.

Cooperativity of Kv7.4 channels confers ultrafast electromechanical sensitivity and emergent properties in cochlear outer hair cells

The mammalian cochlea relies on active electromotility of outer hair cells (OHCs) to resolve sound frequencies. OHCs use ionic channels and somatic electromotility to achieve the process. It is unclear, though, how the kinetics of voltage-gated ionic channels operate to overcome extrinsic viscous drag on OHCs at high frequency. Here, we report ultrafast electromechanical gating of clustered K_v7.4 in OHCs. Increases in kinetics and sensitivity resulting from cooperativity among clustered-K_v7.4 were revealed, using optogenetics strategies. Upon clustering, the half-activation voltage shifted negative, and the speed of activation increased relative to solitary channels. Clustering also rendered K_v7.4 channels mechanically sensitive, confirmed in consolidated K_v7.4 channels at the base of OHCs. K_v7.4 clusters provide OHCs with ultrafast electromechanical channel gating, varying in magnitude and speed along the cochlea axis. Ultrafast K_v7.4 gating provides OHCs with a feedback mechanism that enables the cochlea to overcome viscous drag and resolve sounds at auditory frequencies.

Distribution and Functional Characteristics of Voltage-Gated Sodium Channels in Immature Cochlear Hair Cells

Voltage-gated sodium channels (VGSCs) are transiently expressed in cochlear hair cells before hearing onset and play an indispensable role in shaping spontaneous activity. In this study, we showed that Na+ currents shaped the spontaneous action potentials in developing mouse inner hair cells (IHCs) by decreasing the time required for the membrane potential to reach the action-potential threshold. In immature IHCs, we identified 9 known VGSC subtypes (Nav1.1α-1.9α), among which Nav1.7α was the most highly expressed subtype and the main contributor to Na+ currents in developing hair cells. Electrophysiological recordings of two cochlea-specific Nav1.7 variants (CbmNav1.7a and CbmNav1.7b) revealed a novel loss-of-function mutation (C934R) at the extracellular linker between segments 5 and 6 of domain II. In addition, post-transcriptional modification events, such as alternative splicing and RNA editing, amended the gating properties and kinetic features of CbmNav1.7a(C934). These results provide molecular and functional characteristics of VGSCs in mammalian IHCs and their contributions to spontaneous physiological activity during cochlear maturation.

Hair cell maturation is differentially regulated along the tonotopic axis of the mammalian cochlea

Key points

Outer hair cells (OHCs) enhance the sensitivity and the frequency tuning of the mammalian cochlea.

Similar to the primary sensory receptor, the inner hair cells (IHCs), the mature functional characteristics of OHCs are acquired before hearing onset.

We found that OHCs, like IHCs, fire spontaneous Ca²⁺‐induced action potentials (APs) during immature stages of development, which are driven by Ca_V1.3 Ca²⁺ channels.

We also showed that the development of low‐ and high‐frequency hair cells is differentially regulated during pre‐hearing stages, with the former cells being more strongly dependent on experience‐independent Ca²⁺ action potential activity.

Abstract

Sound amplification within the mammalian cochlea depends upon specialized hair cells, the outer hair cells (OHCs), which possess both sensory and motile capabilities. In various altricial rodents, OHCs become functionally competent from around postnatal day 7 (P7), before the primary sensory inner hair cells (IHCs), which become competent at about the onset of hearing (P12). The mechanisms responsible for the maturation of OHCs and their synaptic specialization remain poorly understood. We report that spontaneous Ca²⁺ activity in the immature cochlea, which is generated by Ca_V1.3 Ca²⁺ channels, differentially regulates the maturation of hair cells along the cochlea. Under near‐physiological recording conditions we found that, similar to IHCs, immature OHCs elicited spontaneous Ca²⁺ action potentials (APs), but only during the first few postnatal days. Genetic ablation of these APs in vivo, using Ca_V1.3^−/− mice, prevented the normal developmental acquisition of mature‐like basolateral membrane currents in low‐frequency (apical) hair cells, such as I_K,n (carried by KCNQ4 channels), I_SK2 and I_ACh (α9α10nAChRs) in OHCs and I_K,n and I_K,f (BK channels) in IHCs. Electromotility and prestin expression in OHCs were normal in Ca_V1.3^−/− mice. The maturation of high‐frequency (basal) hair cells was also affected in Ca_V1.3^−/− mice, but to a much lesser extent than apical cells. However, a characteristic feature in Ca_V1.3^−/− mice was the reduced hair cell size irrespective of their cochlear location. We conclude that the development of low‐ and high‐frequency hair cells is differentially regulated during development, with apical cells being more strongly dependent on experience‐independent Ca²⁺ APs.

Outer hair cells (OHCs) enhance the sensitivity and the frequency tuning of the mammalian cochlea.

Similar to the primary sensory receptor, the inner hair cells (IHCs), the mature functional characteristics of OHCs are acquired before hearing onset.

We found that OHCs, like IHCs, fire spontaneous Ca²⁺‐induced action potentials (APs) during immature stages of development, which are driven by Ca_V1.3 Ca²⁺ channels.

We also showed that the development of low‐ and high‐frequency hair cells is differentially regulated during pre‐hearing stages, with the former cells being more strongly dependent on experience‐independent Ca²⁺ action potential activity.

Hair Cell Afferent Synapses: Function and Dysfunction

To provide a meaningful representation of the auditory landscape, mammalian cochlear hair cells are optimized to detect sounds over an incredibly broad range of frequencies and intensities with unparalleled accuracy. This ability is largely conferred by specialized ribbon synapses that continuously transmit acoustic information with high fidelity and sub-millisecond precision to the afferent dendrites of the spiral ganglion neurons. To achieve this extraordinary task, ribbon synapses employ a unique combination of molecules and mechanisms that are tailored to sounds of different frequencies. Here we review the current understanding of how the hair cell's presynaptic machinery and its postsynaptic afferent connections are formed, how they mature, and how their function is adapted for an accurate perception of sound.

Clarin-2 is essential for hearing by maintaining stereocilia integrity and function

Hearing relies on mechanically gated ion channels present in the actin-rich stereocilia bundles at the apical surface of cochlear hair cells. Our knowledge of the mechanisms underlying the formation and maintenance of the sound-receptive structure is limited. Utilizing a large-scale forward genetic screen in mice, genome mapping and gene complementation tests, we identified Clrn2 as a new deafness gene. The Clrn2clarinet/clarinet mice (p.Trp4* mutation) exhibit a progressive, early-onset hearing loss, with no overt retinal deficits. Utilizing data from the UK Biobank study, we could show that CLRN2 is involved in human non-syndromic progressive hearing loss. Our in-depth morphological, molecular and functional investigations establish that while it is not required for initial formation of cochlear sensory hair cell stereocilia bundles, clarin-2 is critical for maintaining normal bundle integrity and functioning. In the differentiating hair bundles, lack of clarin-2 leads to loss of mechano-electrical transduction, followed by selective progressive loss of the transducing stereocilia. Together, our findings demonstrate a key role for clarin-2 in mammalian hearing, providing insights into the interplay between mechano-electrical transduction and stereocilia maintenance.

Early functional alterations in membrane properties and neuronal degeneration are hallmarks of progressive hearing loss in NOD mice

Presbycusis or age-related hearing loss (ARHL) is the most common sensory deficit in the human population. A substantial component of the etiology stems from pathological changes in sensory and non-sensory cells in the cochlea. Using a non-obese diabetic (NOD) mouse model, we have characterized changes in both hair cells and spiral ganglion neurons that may be relevant for early signs of age-related hearing loss (ARHL). We demonstrate that hair cell loss is preceded by, or in parallel with altered primary auditory neuron functions, and latent neurite retraction at the hair cell-auditory neuron synapse. The results were observed first in afferent inner hair cell synapse of type I neurites, followed by type II neuronal cell-body degeneration. Reduced membrane excitability and loss of postsynaptic densities were some of the inaugural events before any outward manifestation of hair bundle disarray and hair cell loss. We have identified profound alterations in type I neuronal membrane properties, including a reduction in membrane input resistance, prolonged action potential latency, and a decrease in membrane excitability. The resting membrane potential of aging type I neurons in the NOD, ARHL model, was significantly hyperpolarized, and analyses of the underlying membrane conductance showed a significant increase in K⁺ currents. We propose that attempts to alleviate some forms of ARHL should include early targeted primary latent neural degeneration for effective positive outcomes.

ORC-13661 protects sensory hair cells from aminoglycoside and cisplatin ototoxicity

Aminoglycoside (AG) antibiotics are widely used to prevent life-threatening infections, and cisplatin is used in the treatment of various cancers, but both are ototoxic and result in loss of sensory hair cells from the inner ear. ORC-13661 is a new drug that was derived from PROTO-1, a compound first identified as protective in a large-scale screen utilizing hair cells in the lateral line organs of zebrafish larvae. Here, we demonstrate, in zebrafish larvae and in mouse cochlear cultures, that ORC-13661 provides robust protection of hair cells against both ototoxins, the AGs and cisplatin. ORC-13661 also prevents both hearing loss in a dose-dependent manner in rats treated with amikacin and the loading of neomycin-Texas Red into lateral line hair cells. In addition, patch-clamp recordings in mouse cochlear cultures reveal that ORC-13661 is a high-affinity permeant blocker of the mechanoelectrical transducer (MET) channel in outer hair cells, suggesting that it may reduce the toxicity of AGs by directly competing for entry at the level of the MET channel and of cisplatin by a MET-dependent mechanism. ORC-13661 is therefore a promising and versatile protectant that reversibly blocks the hair cell MET channel and operates across multiple species and toxins.

Candidate drug ORC-13661 robustly protects against ototoxicity by aminoglycoside antibiotics and cisplatin by reversibly blocking mechanotransduction of sensory hair cells.

Gata3 is required for the functional maturation of inner hair cells and their innervation in the mouse cochlea

KEY POINTS

The physiological maturation of auditory hair cells and their innervation requires precise temporal and spatial control of cell differentiation. The transcription factor gata3 is essential for the earliest stages of auditory system development and for survival and synaptogenesis in auditory sensory afferent neurons. We show that during postnatal development in the mouse inner ear gata3 is required for the biophysical maturation, growth and innervation of inner hair cells; in contrast, it is required only for the survival of outer hair cells. Loss of gata3 in inner hair cells causes progressive hearing loss and accounts for at least some of the deafness associated with the human hypoparathyroidism, deafness and renal anomaly (HDR) syndrome. The results show that gata3 is critical for later stages of mammalian auditory system development where it plays distinct, complementary roles in the coordinated maturation of sensory hair cells and their innervation.

ABSTRACT

The zinc finger transcription factor gata3 regulates inner ear development from the formation of the embryonic otic placode. Throughout development, gata3 is expressed dynamically in all the major cochlear cell types. Its role in afferent formation is well established but its possible involvement in hair cell maturation remains unknown. Here, we find that in heterozygous gata3 null mice (gata3+/- ) outer hair cells (OHCs) differentiate normally but their numbers are significantly lower. In contrast, inner hair cells (IHCs) survive normally but they fail to acquire adult basolateral membrane currents, retain pre-hearing current and efferent innervation profiles and have fewer ribbon synapses. Targeted deletion of gata3 driven by otoferlin-cre recombinase (gata3fl/fl otof-cre+/- ) in IHCs does not affect OHCs or the number of IHC afferent synapses but it leads to a failure in IHC maturation comparable to that observed in gata3+/- mice. Auditory brainstem responses in gata3fl/fl otof-cre+/- mice reveal progressive hearing loss that becomes profound by 6-7 months, whilst distortion product otoacoustic emissions are no different to control animals up to this age. Our results, alongside existing data, indicate that gata3 has specific, complementary functions in different cell types during inner ear development and that its continued expression in the sensory epithelium orchestrates critical aspects of physiological development and neural connectivity. Furthermore, our work indicates that hearing loss in human hypoparathyroidism, deafness and renal anomaly (HDR) syndrome arises from functional deficits in IHCs as well as loss of function from OHCs and both afferent and efferent neurons.

Coordinated calcium signalling in cochlear sensory and non-sensory cells refines afferent innervation of outer hair cells

Outer hair cells (OHCs) are highly specialized sensory cells conferring the fine‐tuning and high sensitivity of the mammalian cochlea to acoustic stimuli. Here, by genetically manipulating spontaneous Ca²⁺ signalling in mice in vivo, through a period of early postnatal development, we find that the refinement of OHC afferent innervation is regulated by complementary spontaneous Ca²⁺ signals originating in OHCs and non‐sensory cells. OHCs fire spontaneous Ca²⁺ action potentials during a narrow period of neonatal development. Simultaneously, waves of Ca²⁺ activity in the non‐sensory cells of the greater epithelial ridge cause, via ATP‐induced activation of P2X₃ receptors, the increase and synchronization of the Ca²⁺ activity in nearby OHCs. This synchronization is required for the refinement of their immature afferent innervation. In the absence of connexin channels, Ca²⁺ waves are impaired, leading to a reduction in the number of ribbon synapses and afferent fibres on OHCs. We propose that the correct maturation of the afferent connectivity of OHCs requires experience‐independent Ca²⁺ signals from sensory and non‐sensory cells.

Helios is a key transcriptional regulator of outer hair cell maturation

The sensory cells that are responsible for hearing include the cochlear inner hair cells (IHCs) and outer hair cells (OHCs), with the OHCs being necessary for sound sensitivity and tuning¹. Both cell types are thought to arise from common progenitors; however, our understanding of the factors that control the fate of IHCs and OHCs remains limited. Here we identify Ikzf2 (which encodes Helios) as an essential transcription factor in mice that is required for OHC functional maturation and hearing. Helios is expressed in postnatal mouse OHCs, and in the cello mouse model a point mutation in Ikzf2 causes early-onset sensorineural hearing loss. Ikzf2^cello/cello OHCs have greatly reduced prestin-dependent electromotile activity, a hallmark of OHC functional maturation, and show reduced levels of crucial OHC-expressed genes such as Slc26a5 (which encodes prestin) and Ocm. Moreover, we show that ectopic expression of Ikzf2 in IHCs: induces the expression of OHC-specific genes; reduces the expression of canonical IHC genes; and confers electromotility to IHCs, demonstrating that Ikzf2 can partially shift the IHC transcriptome towards an OHC-like identity.

Generating inner ear organoids containing putative cochlear hair cells from human pluripotent stem cells

In view of the prevalence of sensorineural hearing defects in an ageing population, the development of protocols to generate cochlear hair cells and their associated sensory neurons as tools to further our understanding of inner ear development are highly desirable. We report herein a robust protocol for the generation of both vestibular and cochlear hair cells from human pluripotent stem cells which represents an advance over currently available methods that have been reported to generate vestibular hair cells only. Generating otic organoids from human pluripotent stem cells using a three-dimensional culture system, we show formation of both types of sensory hair cells bearing stereociliary bundles with active mechano-sensory ion channels. These cells share many morphological characteristics with their in vivo counterparts during embryonic development of the cochlear and vestibular organs and moreover demonstrate electrophysiological activity detected through single-cell patch clamping. Collectively these data represent an advance in our ability to generate cells of an otic lineage and will be useful for building models of the sensory regions of the cochlea and vestibule.

GC-B Deficient Mice With Axon Bifurcation Loss Exhibit Compromised Auditory Processing

Sensory axon T-like branching (bifurcation) in neurons from dorsal root ganglia and cranial sensory ganglia depends on the molecular signaling cascade involving the secreted factor C-type natriuretic peptide, the natriuretic peptide receptor guanylyl cyclase B (GC-B; also known as Npr2) and cGMP-dependent protein kinase I (cGKI, also known as PKGI). The bifurcation of cranial nerves is suggested to be important for information processing by second-order neurons in the hindbrain or spinal cord. Indeed, mice with a spontaneous GC-B loss of function mutation (Npr2^cn/cn ) display an impaired bifurcation of auditory nerve (AN) fibers. However, these mice did not show any obvious sign of impaired basal hearing. Here, we demonstrate that mice with a targeted inactivation of the GC-B gene (Npr2 ^lacZ/lacZ , GC-B KO mice) show an elevation of audiometric thresholds. In the inner ear, the cochlear hair cells in GC-B KO mice were nevertheless similar to those from wild type mice, justified by the typical expression of functionally relevant marker proteins. However, efferent cholinergic feedback to inner and outer hair cells was reduced in GC-B KO mice, linked to very likely reduced rapid efferent feedback. Sound-evoked AN responses of GC-B KO mice were elevated, a feature that is known to occur when the efferent axo-dendritic feedback on AN is compromised. Furthermore, late sound-evoked brainstem responses were significantly delayed in GC-B KO mice. This delay in sound response was accompanied by a weaker sensitivity of the auditory steady state response to amplitude-modulated sound stimuli. Finally, the acoustic startle response (ASR) - one of the fastest auditory responses - and the prepulse inhibition of the ASR indicated significant changes in temporal precision of auditory processing. These findings suggest that GC-B-controlled axon bifurcation of spiral ganglion neurons is important for proper activation of second-order neurons in the hindbrain and is a prerequisite for proper temporal auditory processing likely by establishing accurate efferent top-down control circuits. These data hypothesize that the bifurcation pattern of cranial nerves is important to shape spatial and temporal information processing for sensory feedback control.

Kv7 channels are upregulated during striatal neuron development and promote maturation of human iPSC-derived neurons

Kv7 channels determine the resting membrane potential of neurons and regulate their excitability. Even though dysfunction of Kv7 channels has been linked to several debilitating childhood neuronal disorders, the ontogeny of the constituent genes, which encode Kv7 channels (KNCQ), and expression of their subunits have been largely unexplored. Here, we show that developmentally regulated expression of specific KCNQ mRNA and Kv7 channel subunits in mouse and human striatum is crucial to the functional maturation of mouse striatal neurons and human-induced pluripotent stem cell-derived neurons. This demonstrates their pivotal role in normal development and maturation, the knowledge of which can now be harnessed to synchronise and accelerate neuronal differentiation of stem cell-derived neurons, enhancing their utility for disease modelling and drug discovery.

Identification of ion-channel modulators that protect against aminoglycoside-induced hair cell death

Aminoglycoside antibiotics are used to treat life-threatening bacterial infections but can cause deafness due to hair cell death in the inner ear. Compounds have been described that protect zebrafish lateral line hair cells from aminoglycosides, but few are effective in the cochlea. As the aminoglycosides interact with several ion channels, including the mechanoelectrical transducer (MET) channels by which they can enter hair cells, we screened 160 ion-channel modulators, seeking compounds that protect cochlear outer hair cells (OHCs) from aminoglycoside-induced death in vitro. Using zebrafish, 72 compounds were identified that either reduced loading of the MET-channel blocker FM 1-43FX, decreased Texas red-conjugated neomycin labeling, or reduced neomycin-induced hair cell death. After testing these 72 compounds, and 6 structurally similar compounds that failed in zebrafish, 13 were found that protected against gentamicin-induced death of OHCs in mouse cochlear cultures, 6 of which are permeant blockers of the hair cell MET channel. None of these compounds abrogated aminoglycoside antibacterial efficacy. By selecting those without adverse effects at high concentrations, 5 emerged as leads for developing pharmaceutical otoprotectants to alleviate an increasing clinical problem.

TMC2 Modifies Permeation Properties of the Mechanoelectrical Transducer Channel in Early Postnatal Mouse Cochlear Outer Hair Cells

The ability of cochlear hair cells to convert sound into receptor potentials relies on the mechanoelectrical transducer (MET) channels present in their stereociliary bundles. There is strong evidence implying that transmembrane channel-like protein (TMC) 1 contributes to the pore-forming subunit of the mature MET channel, yet its expression is delayed (~>P5 in apical outer hair cells, OHCs) compared to the onset of mechanotransduction (~P1). Instead, the temporal expression of TMC2 coincides with this onset, indicating that it could be part of the immature MET channel. We investigated MET channel properties from OHCs of homo- and heterozygous Tmc2 knockout mice. In the presence of TMC2, the MET channel blocker dihydrostreptomycin (DHS) had a lower affinity for the channel, when the aminoglycoside was applied extracellularly or intracellularly, with the latter effect being more pronounced. In Tmc2 knockout mice OHCs were protected from aminoglycoside ototoxicity during the first postnatal week, most likely due to their small MET current and the lower saturation level for aminoglycoside entry into the individual MET channels. DHS entry through the MET channels of Tmc2 knockout OHCs was lower during the first than in the second postnatal week, suggestive of a developmental change in the channel pore properties independent of TMC2. However, the ability of TMC2 to modify the MET channel properties strongly suggests it contributes to the pore-forming subunit of the neonatal channel. Nevertheless, we found that TMC2, different from TMC1, is not necessary for OHC development. While TMC2 is required for mechanotransduction in mature vestibular hair cells, its expression in the immature cochlea may be an evolutionary remnant.

Hair Cell Transduction, Tuning, and Synaptic Transmission in the Mammalian Cochlea

Sound pressure fluctuations striking the ear are conveyed to the cochlea, where they vibrate the basilar membrane on which sit hair cells, the mechanoreceptors of the inner ear. Recordings of hair cell electrical responses have shown that they transduce sound via submicrometer deflections of their hair bundles, which are arrays of interconnected stereocilia containing the mechanoelectrical transducer (MET) channels. MET channels are activated by tension in extracellular tip links bridging adjacent stereocilia, and they can respond within microseconds to nanometer displacements of the bundle, facilitated by multiple processes of Ca2+-dependent adaptation. Studies of mouse mutants have produced much detail about the molecular organization of the stereocilia, the tip links and their attachment sites, and the MET channels localized to the lower end of each tip link. The mammalian cochlea contains two categories of hair cells. Inner hair cells relay acoustic information via multiple ribbon synapses that transmit rapidly without rundown. Outer hair cells are important for amplifying sound-evoked vibrations. The amplification mechanism primarily involves contractions of the outer hair cells, which are driven by changes in membrane potential and mediated by prestin, a motor protein in the outer hair cell lateral membrane. Different sound frequencies are separated along the cochlea, with each hair cell being tuned to a narrow frequency range; amplification sharpens the frequency resolution and augments sensitivity 100-fold around the cell's characteristic frequency. Genetic mutations and environmental factors such as acoustic overstimulation cause hearing loss through irreversible damage to the hair cells or degeneration of inner hair cell synapses. © 2017 American Physiological Society. Compr Physiol 7:1197-1227, 2017.

d-Tubocurarine and Berbamine: Alkaloids That Are Permeant Blockers of the Hair Cell's Mechano-Electrical Transducer Channel and Protect from Aminoglycoside Toxicity

Aminoglycoside antibiotics are widely used for the treatment of life-threatening bacterial infections, but cause permanent hearing loss in a substantial proportion of treated patients. The sensory hair cells of the inner ear are damaged following entry of these antibiotics via the mechano-electrical transducer (MET) channels located at the tips of the hair cell's stereocilia. d-Tubocurarine (dTC) is a MET channel blocker that reduces the loading of gentamicin-Texas Red (GTTR) into rat cochlear hair cells and protects them from gentamicin treatment. Berbamine is a structurally related alkaloid that reduces GTTR labeling of zebrafish lateral-line hair cells and protects them from aminoglycoside-induced cell death. Both compounds are thought to reduce aminoglycoside entry into hair cells through the MET channels. Here we show that dTC (≥6.25 μM) or berbamine (≥1.55 μM) protect zebrafish hair cells in vivo from neomycin (6.25 μM, 1 h). Protection of zebrafish hair cells against gentamicin (10 μM, 6 h) was provided by ≥25 μM dTC or ≥12.5 μM berbamine. Hair cells in mouse cochlear cultures are protected from longer-term exposure to gentamicin (5 μM, 48 h) by 20 μM berbamine or 25 μM dTC. Berbamine is, however, highly toxic to mouse cochlear hair cells at higher concentrations (≥30 μM) whilst dTC is not. The absence of toxicity in the zebrafish assays prompts caution in extrapolating results from zebrafish neuromasts to mammalian cochlear hair cells. MET current recordings from mouse outer hair cells (OHCs) show that both compounds are permeant open-channel blockers, rapidly and reversibly blocking the MET channel with half-blocking concentrations of 2.2 μM (dTC) and 2.8 μM (berbamine) in the presence of 1.3 mM Ca²⁺ at −104 mV. Berbamine, but not dTC, also blocks the hair cell's basolateral K⁺ current, I_K,neo, and modeling studies indicate that berbamine permeates the MET channel more readily than dTC. These studies reveal key properties of MET-channel blockers required for the future design of successful otoprotectants.

Inhibition of K+ outward currents by linopirdine in the cochlear outer hair cells of circling mice within the first postnatal week

Inhibition of K⁺ outward currents by linopirdine in the outer hair cells (OHCs) of circling mice (homozygous (cir/cir) mice), an animal model for human deafness (DFNB6 type), was investigated using a whole cell patch clamp technique. Littermate heterozygous (+/cir) and ICR mice of the same age (postnatal day (P) 0 –P6) were used as controls. Voltage steps from –100 mV to 40 mV elicited small inward currents (–100 mV~–70 mV) and slow rising K⁺ outward currents (–60 mV ~40 mV) which activated near –50 mV in all OHCs tested. Linopirdine, a known blocker of K⁺ currents activated at negative potentials (I_K,n), did cause inhibition at varying degree (severe, moderate, mild) in K⁺ outward currents of heterozygous (+/cir) or homozygous (cir/cir) mice OHCs in the concentration range between 1 and 100 µM, while it was apparent only in one ICR mice OHC out of nine OHCs at 100 µM. Although the half inhibition concentrations in heterozygous (+/cir) or homozygous (cir/cir) mice OHCs were close to those reported in I_K,n, biophysical and pharmacological properties of K⁺ outward currents, such as the activation close to –50 mV, small inward currents evoked by hyperpolarizing steps and TEA sensitivity, were not in line with I_K,n reported in other tissues. Our results show that the delayed rectifier type K⁺ outward currents, which are not similar to I_K,n with respect to biophysical and pharmacological properties, are inhibited by linopirdine in the developing (P0~P6) homozygous (cir/cir) or heterozygous (+/cir) mice OHCs.

Optogenetic Control of Mouse Outer Hair Cells

Normal hearing in mammals depends on sound amplification by outer hair cells (OHCs) presumably by their somatic motility and force production. However, the role of OHC force production in cochlear amplification and frequency tuning are not yet fully understood. Currently, available OHC manipulation techniques for physiological or clinical studies are limited by their invasive nature, lack of precision, and poor temporal-spatial resolution. To overcome these limitations, we explored an optogenetic approach based on channelrhodopsin 2 (ChR-2), a direct light-activated nonselective cation channel originally discovered in Chlamydomonas reinhardtii. Three approaches were compared: 1) adeno-associated virus-mediated in utero transfer of the ChR-2 gene into the developing murine otocyst, 2) expression of ChR-2(H134R) in an auditory cell line (HEI-OC1), and 3) expression of ChR-2 in the OHCs of a mouse line carrying a ChR-2 conditional allele. Whole cell recording showed that blue light (470 nm) elicited the typical nonselective cation current of ChR-2 with reversal potential around zero in both mouse OHCs and HEI-OC1 cells and generated depolarization in both cell types. In addition, pulsed light stimulation (10 Hz) elicited a 1:1 repetitive depolarization and ChR-2 currents in mouse OHCs and HEI-OC1 cells, respectively. The time constant of depolarization in OHCs, 1.45 ms, is 10 times faster than HEI-OC1 cells, which allowed light stimulation up to rates of 10/s to elicit corresponding membrane potential changes. Our study demonstrates that ChR-2 can successfully be expressed in mouse OHCs and HEI-OC1 cells and that these present a typical light-sensitive current and depolarization. However, the amount of ChR-2 current induced in our in vivo experiments was insufficient to result in measurable cochlear effects.

In vivo physiological recording from the lateral line of juvenile zebrafish

KEY POINTS

Zebrafish provide a unique opportunity to investigate in vivo sensory transduction in mature hair cells. We have developed a method for studying the biophysical properties of mature hair cells from the lateral line of juvenile zebrafish. The method involves application of the anaesthetic benzocaine and intubation to maintain ventilation and oxygenation through the gills. The same approach could be used for in vivo functional studies in other sensory and non-sensory systems from juvenile and adult zebrafish.

ABSTRACT

Hair cells are sensory receptors responsible for transducing auditory and vestibular information into electrical signals, which are then transmitted with remarkable precision to afferent neurons. The zebrafish lateral line is emerging as an excellent in vivo model for genetic and physiological analysis of hair cells and neurons. However, research has been limited to larval stages because zebrafish become protected from the time of independent feeding under European law (from 5.2 days post-fertilization (dpf) at 28.5°C). In larval zebrafish, the functional properties of most of hair cells, as well as those of other excitable cells, are still immature. We have developed an experimental protocol to record electrophysiological properties from hair cells of the lateral line in juvenile zebrafish. We found that the anaesthetic benzocaine at 50 mg l(-1) was an effective and safe anaesthetic to use on juvenile zebrafish. Concentrations up to 300 mg l(-1) did not affect the electrical properties or synaptic vesicle release of juvenile hair cells, unlike the commonly used anaesthetic MS-222, which reduces the size of basolateral membrane K(+) currents. Additionally, we implemented a method to maintain gill movement, and as such respiration and blood oxygenation, via the intubation of > 21 dpf zebrafish. The combination of benzocaine and intubation provides an experimental platform to investigate the physiology of mature hair cells from live zebrafish. More generally, this method would allow functional studies involving live imaging and electrophysiology from juvenile and adult zebrafish.

The acquisition of mechano-electrical transducer current adaptation in auditory hair cells requires myosin VI

KEY POINTS

The transduction of sound into electrical signals occurs at the hair bundles atop sensory hair cells in the cochlea, by means of mechanosensitive ion channels, the mechano-electrical transducer (MET) channels. The MET currents decline during steady stimuli; this is termed adaptation and ensures they always work within the most sensitive part of their operating range, responding best to rapidly changing (sound) stimuli. In this study we used a mouse model (Snell's waltzer) for hereditary deafness in humans that has a mutation in the gene encoding an unconventional myosin, myosin VI, which is present in the hair bundles. We found that in the absence of myosin VI the MET current fails to acquire its characteristic adaptation as the hair bundles develop. We propose that myosin VI supports the acquisition of adaptation by removing key molecules from the hair bundle that serve a temporary, developmental role.

ABSTRACT

Mutations in Myo6, the gene encoding the (F-actin) minus end-directed unconventional myosin, myosin VI, cause hereditary deafness in mice (Snell's waltzer) and humans. In the sensory hair cells of the cochlea, myosin VI is expressed in the cell bodies and along the stereocilia that project from the cells' apical surface. It is required for maintaining the structural integrity of the mechanosensitive hair bundles formed by the stereocilia. In this study we investigate whether myosin VI contributes to mechano-electrical transduction. We report that Ca(2+) -dependent adaptation of the mechano-electrical transducer (MET) current, which serves to keep the transduction apparatus operating within its most sensitive range, is absent in outer and inner hair cells from homozygous Snell's waltzer mutant mice, which fail to express myosin VI. The operating range of the MET channels is also abnormal in the mutants, resulting in the absence of a resting MET current. We found that cadherin 23, a component of the hair bundle's transient lateral links, fails to be downregulated along the length of the stereocilia in maturing Myo6 mutant mice. MET currents of heterozygous littermates appear normal. We propose that myosin VI, by removing key molecules from developing hair bundles, is required for the development of the MET apparatus and its Ca(2+) -dependent adaptation.

Tmc1 Point Mutation Affects Ca2+ Sensitivity and Block by Dihydrostreptomycin of the Mechanoelectrical Transducer Current of Mouse Outer Hair Cells

The transduction of sound into electrical signals depends on mechanically sensitive ion channels in the stereociliary bundle. The molecular composition of this mechanoelectrical transducer (MET) channel is not yet known. Transmembrane channel-like protein isoforms 1 (TMC1) and 2 (TMC2) have been proposed to form part of the MET channel, although their exact roles are still unclear. Using Beethoven (Tmc1(Bth/Bth)) mice, which have an M412K point mutation in TMC1 that adds a positive charge, we found that Ca(2+) permeability and conductance of the MET channel of outer hair cells (OHCs) were reduced. Tmc1(Bth/Bth) OHCs were also less sensitive to block by the permeant MET channel blocker dihydrostreptomycin, whether applied extracellularly or intracellularly. These findings suggest that the amino acid that is mutated in Bth is situated at or near the negatively charged binding site for dihydrostreptomycin within the permeation pore of the channel. We also found that the Ca(2+) dependence of the operating range of the MET channel was altered by the M412K mutation. Depolarization did not increase the resting open probability of the MET current of Tmc1(Bth/Bth) OHCs, whereas raising the intracellular concentration of the Ca(2+) chelator BAPTA caused smaller increases in resting open probability in Bth mutant OHCs than in wild-type control cells. We propose that these observations can be explained by the reduced Ca(2+) permeability of the mutated MET channel indirectly causing the Ca(2+) sensor for adaptation, at or near the intracellular face of the MET channel, to become more sensitive to Ca(2+) influx as a compensatory mechanism.

SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT

In the auditory system, the hair cells convert sound-induced mechanical movement of the hair bundles atop these cells into electrical signals through the opening of mechanically gated ion channels at the tips of the bundles. Although the nature of these mechanoelectrical transducer (MET) channels is still unclear, recent studies implicate transmembrane channel-like protein isoform 1 (TMC1) channels in the mammalian cochlea. Using a mutant mouse model (Beethoven) for progressive hearing loss in humans (DFNA36), which harbors a point mutation in the Tmc1 gene, we show that this mutation affects the MET channel pore, reducing its Ca(2+) permeability and its affinity for the permeant blocker dihydrostreptomycin. A number of phenomena that we ascribe to Ca(2+)-dependent adaptation appear stronger, in compensation for the reduced Ca(2+) entry.