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Holt JR, Fettiplace R, Müller U. Sensory transduction in auditory hair cells-PIEZOs can't touch this. J Gen Physiol 2024; 156:e202413585. [PMID: 38727631 PMCID: PMC11090049 DOI: 10.1085/jgp.202413585] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/15/2024] Open
Abstract
In this Viewpoint, Holt, Fettiplace, and Müller weigh the evidence supporting a role for PIEZO and TMC channels in mechanosensory transduction in inner ear hair cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeffrey R. Holt
- Departments of Otolaryngology and Neurology, Boston Children’s Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Robert Fettiplace
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Ulrich Müller
- The Solomon H. Snyder Department of Neuroscience, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
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2
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Bizup B, Brutsaert S, Cunningham CL, Thathiah A, Tzounopoulos T. Cochlear zinc signaling dysregulation is associated with noise-induced hearing loss, and zinc chelation enhances cochlear recovery. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2024; 121:e2310561121. [PMID: 38354264 PMCID: PMC10895357 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2310561121] [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: 06/22/2023] [Accepted: 01/08/2024] [Indexed: 02/16/2024] Open
Abstract
Exposure to loud noise triggers sensory organ damage and degeneration that, in turn, leads to hearing loss. Despite the troublesome impact of noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL) in individuals and societies, treatment strategies that protect and restore hearing are few and insufficient. As such, identification and mechanistic understanding of the signaling pathways involved in NIHL are required. Biological zinc is mostly bound to proteins, where it plays major structural or catalytic roles; however, there is also a pool of unbound, mobile (labile) zinc. Labile zinc is mostly found in vesicles in secretory tissues, where it is released and plays a critical signaling role. In the brain, labile zinc fine-tunes neurotransmission and sensory processing. However, injury-induced dysregulation of labile zinc signaling contributes to neurodegeneration. Here, we tested whether zinc dysregulation occurs and contributes to NIHL in mice. We found that ZnT3, the vesicular zinc transporter responsible for loading zinc into vesicles, is expressed in cochlear hair cells and the spiral limbus, with labile zinc also present in the same areas. Soon after noise trauma, ZnT3 and zinc levels are significantly increased, and their subcellular localization is vastly altered. Disruption of zinc signaling, either via ZnT3 deletion or pharmacological zinc chelation, mitigated NIHL, as evidenced by enhanced auditory brainstem responses, distortion product otoacoustic emissions, and number of hair cell synapses. These data reveal that noise-induced zinc dysregulation is associated with cochlear dysfunction and recovery after NIHL, and point to zinc chelation as a potential treatment for mitigating NIHL.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brandon Bizup
- Pittsburgh Hearing Research Center, Department of Otolaryngology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15261
- Department of Neurobiology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15261
| | - Sofie Brutsaert
- Pittsburgh Hearing Research Center, Department of Otolaryngology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15261
| | - Christopher L Cunningham
- Pittsburgh Hearing Research Center, Department of Otolaryngology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15261
- Department of Neurobiology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15261
| | - Amantha Thathiah
- Department of Neurobiology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15261
| | - Thanos Tzounopoulos
- Pittsburgh Hearing Research Center, Department of Otolaryngology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15261
- Department of Neurobiology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15261
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Wang P, Miller KK, He E, Dhawan SS, Cunningham CL, Grillet N. LOXHD1 is indispensable for coupling auditory mechanosensitive channels to the site of force transmission. RESEARCH SQUARE 2024:rs.3.rs-3752492. [PMID: 38260480 PMCID: PMC10802736 DOI: 10.21203/rs.3.rs-3752492/v1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/24/2024]
Abstract
Hearing is initiated in hair cells by the mechanical activation of ion channels in the hair bundle. The hair bundle is formed by stereocilia organized into rows of increasing heights interconnected by tip links, which convey sound-induced forces to stereocilia tips. The auditory mechanosensitive channels are complexes containing at least four protein-subunits - TMC1/2, TMIE, CIB2, and LHFPL51-16 - and are located at the tips of shorter stereocilia at a yet-undetermined distance from the lower tip link insertion point17. While multiple auditory channel subunits appear to interact with the tip link, it remains unknown whether their combined interaction alone can resist the high-frequency mechanical stimulations owing to sound. Here we show that an unanticipated additional element, LOXHD1, is indispensable for maintaining the TMC1 pore-forming channel subunits coupled to the tip link. We demonstrate that LOXHD1 is a unique element of the auditory mechanotransduction complex that selectively affects the localization of TMC1, but not its close developmental paralogue TMC2. Taking advantage of our novel immunogold scanning electron microscopy method for submembranous epitopes (SUB-immunogold-SEM), we demonstrate that TMC1 normally concentrates within 100-nm of the tip link insertion point. In LOXHD1's absence, TMC1 is instead mislocalized away from this force transmission site. Supporting this finding, we found that LOXHD1 interacts selectively in vitro with TMC1 but not with TMC2 while also binding to channel subunits CIB2 and LHFPL5 and tip-link protein PCDH15. SUB-immunogold-SEM additionally demonstrates that LOXHD1 and TMC1 are physically connected to the lower tip-link complex in situ. Our results show that the TMC1-driven mature channels require LOXHD1 to stay coupled to the tip link and remain functional, but the TMC2-driven developmental channels do not. As both tip links and TMC1 remain present in hair bundles lacking LOXHD1, it opens the possibility to reconnect them and restore hearing for this form of genetic deafness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pei Wang
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Stanford University, 240 Pasteur Drive, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Katharine K. Miller
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Stanford University, 240 Pasteur Drive, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Enqi He
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Stanford University, 240 Pasteur Drive, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Siddhant S. Dhawan
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Stanford University, 240 Pasteur Drive, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Christopher L. Cunningham
- Pittsburgh Hearing Research Center, Department of Otolaryngology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA
| | - Nicolas Grillet
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Stanford University, 240 Pasteur Drive, Stanford, CA, USA
- Lead contact
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Xie Z, Ma XH, Bai QF, Tang J, Sun JH, Jiang F, Guo W, Wang CM, Yang R, Wen YC, Wang FY, Chen YX, Zhang H, He DZ, Kelley MW, Yang S, Zhang WJ. ZBTB20 is essential for cochlear maturation and hearing in mice. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2023; 120:e2220867120. [PMID: 37279265 PMCID: PMC10268240 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2220867120] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2022] [Accepted: 04/25/2023] [Indexed: 06/08/2023] Open
Abstract
The mammalian cochlear epithelium undergoes substantial remodeling and maturation before the onset of hearing. However, very little is known about the transcriptional network governing cochlear late-stage maturation and particularly the differentiation of its lateral nonsensory region. Here, we establish ZBTB20 as an essential transcription factor required for cochlear terminal differentiation and maturation and hearing. ZBTB20 is abundantly expressed in the developing and mature cochlear nonsensory epithelial cells, with transient expression in immature hair cells and spiral ganglion neurons. Otocyst-specific deletion of Zbtb20 causes profound deafness with reduced endolymph potential in mice. The subtypes of cochlear epithelial cells are normally generated, but their postnatal development is arrested in the absence of ZBTB20, as manifested by an immature appearance of the organ of Corti, malformation of tectorial membrane (TM), a flattened spiral prominence (SP), and a lack of identifiable Boettcher cells. Furthermore, these defects are related with a failure in the terminal differentiation of the nonsensory epithelium covering the outer border Claudius cells, outer sulcus root cells, and SP epithelial cells. Transcriptome analysis shows that ZBTB20 regulates genes encoding for TM proteins in the greater epithelial ridge, and those preferentially expressed in root cells and SP epithelium. Our results point to ZBTB20 as an essential regulator for postnatal cochlear maturation and particularly for the terminal differentiation of cochlear lateral nonsensory domain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhifang Xie
- Ministry of Education-Shanghai Key Laboratory of Children's Environmental Health, Institute of Early Life Health, Xinhua Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai200092, China
- Department of Pathophysiology, Naval Medical University, Shanghai200433, China
| | - Xian-Hua Ma
- Department of Pathophysiology, Naval Medical University, Shanghai200433, China
| | - Qiu-Fang Bai
- NHC Key Laboratory of Hormones and Development, Chu Hsien-I Memorial Hospital and Tianjin Institute of Endocrinology, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin300134, China
| | - Jie Tang
- Department of Physiology, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong510515, China
| | - Jian-He Sun
- Senior Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, National Clinical Research Center for Otolaryngologic Diseases, the Sixth Medical Center of PLA General Hospital, Beijing100141, China
| | - Fei Jiang
- Ministry of Education-Shanghai Key Laboratory of Children's Environmental Health, Institute of Early Life Health, Xinhua Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai200092, China
| | - Wei Guo
- Senior Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, National Clinical Research Center for Otolaryngologic Diseases, the Sixth Medical Center of PLA General Hospital, Beijing100141, China
| | - Chen-Ma Wang
- NHC Key Laboratory of Hormones and Development, Chu Hsien-I Memorial Hospital and Tianjin Institute of Endocrinology, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin300134, China
| | - Rui Yang
- Department of Pathophysiology, Naval Medical University, Shanghai200433, China
| | - Yin-Chuan Wen
- Department of Physiology, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong510515, China
| | - Fang-Yuan Wang
- Senior Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, National Clinical Research Center for Otolaryngologic Diseases, the Sixth Medical Center of PLA General Hospital, Beijing100141, China
| | - Yu-Xia Chen
- Department of Pathophysiology, Naval Medical University, Shanghai200433, China
| | - Hai Zhang
- Department of Pathophysiology, Naval Medical University, Shanghai200433, China
| | - David Z. He
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Creighton University School of Medicine, Omaha, NE68178
| | | | - Shiming Yang
- Senior Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, National Clinical Research Center for Otolaryngologic Diseases, the Sixth Medical Center of PLA General Hospital, Beijing100141, China
| | - Weiping J. Zhang
- Department of Pathophysiology, Naval Medical University, Shanghai200433, China
- NHC Key Laboratory of Hormones and Development, Chu Hsien-I Memorial Hospital and Tianjin Institute of Endocrinology, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin300134, China
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Krey JF, Chatterjee P, Halford J, Cunningham CL, Perrin BJ, Barr-Gillespie PG. Control of stereocilia length during development of hair bundles. PLoS Biol 2023; 21:e3001964. [PMID: 37011103 PMCID: PMC10101650 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pbio.3001964] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2022] [Revised: 04/13/2023] [Accepted: 03/14/2023] [Indexed: 04/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Assembly of the hair bundle, the sensory organelle of the inner ear, depends on differential growth of actin-based stereocilia. Separate rows of stereocilia, labeled 1 through 3 from tallest to shortest, lengthen or shorten during discrete time intervals during development. We used lattice structured illumination microscopy and surface rendering to measure dimensions of stereocilia from mouse apical inner hair cells during early postnatal development; these measurements revealed a sharp transition at postnatal day 8 between stage III (row 1 and 2 widening; row 2 shortening) and stage IV (final row 1 lengthening and widening). Tip proteins that determine row 1 lengthening did not accumulate simultaneously during stages III and IV; while the actin-bundling protein EPS8 peaked at the end of stage III, GNAI3 peaked several days later-in early stage IV-and GPSM2 peaked near the end of stage IV. To establish the contributions of key macromolecular assemblies to bundle structure, we examined mouse mutants that eliminated tip links (Cdh23v2J or Pcdh15av3J), transduction channels (TmieKO), or the row 1 tip complex (Myo15ash2). Cdh23v2J/v2J and Pcdh15av3J/av3J bundles had adjacent stereocilia in the same row that were not matched in length, revealing that a major role of these cadherins is to synchronize lengths of side-by-side stereocilia. Use of the tip-link mutants also allowed us to distinguish the role of transduction from effects of transduction proteins themselves. While levels of GNAI3 and GPSM2, which stimulate stereocilia elongation, were greatly attenuated at the tips of TmieKO/KO row 1 stereocilia, they accumulated normally in Cdh23v2J/v2J and Pcdh15av3J/av3J stereocilia. These results reinforced the suggestion that the transduction proteins themselves facilitate localization of proteins in the row 1 complex. By contrast, EPS8 concentrates at tips of all TmieKO/KO, Cdh23v2J/v2J, and Pcdh15av3J/av3J stereocilia, correlating with the less polarized distribution of stereocilia lengths in these bundles. These latter results indicated that in wild-type hair cells, the transduction complex prevents accumulation of EPS8 at the tips of shorter stereocilia, causing them to shrink (rows 2 and 3) or disappear (row 4 and microvilli). Reduced rhodamine-actin labeling at row 2 stereocilia tips of tip-link and transduction mutants suggests that transduction's role is to destabilize actin filaments there. These results suggest that regulation of stereocilia length occurs through EPS8 and that CDH23 and PCDH15 regulate stereocilia lengthening beyond their role in gating mechanotransduction channels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jocelyn F. Krey
- Oregon Hearing Research Center and Vollum Institute, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, Oregon, United States of America
| | - Paroma Chatterjee
- Oregon Hearing Research Center and Vollum Institute, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, Oregon, United States of America
| | - Julia Halford
- Oregon Hearing Research Center and Vollum Institute, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, Oregon, United States of America
| | - Christopher L. Cunningham
- Pittsburgh Hearing Research Center, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States of America
| | - Benjamin J. Perrin
- Department of Biology, Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis, Indianapolis, Indiana, United States of America
| | - Peter G. Barr-Gillespie
- Oregon Hearing Research Center and Vollum Institute, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, Oregon, United States of America
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Qiu X, Müller U. Sensing sound: Cellular specializations and molecular force sensors. Neuron 2022; 110:3667-3687. [PMID: 36223766 PMCID: PMC9671866 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuron.2022.09.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2022] [Revised: 08/03/2022] [Accepted: 09/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
Organisms of all phyla express mechanosensitive ion channels with a wide range of physiological functions. In recent years, several classes of mechanically gated ion channels have been identified. Some of these ion channels are intrinsically mechanosensitive. Others depend on accessory proteins to regulate their response to mechanical force. The mechanotransduction machinery of cochlear hair cells provides a particularly striking example of a complex force-sensing machine. This molecular ensemble is embedded into a specialized cellular compartment that is crucial for its function. Notably, mechanotransduction channels of cochlear hair cells are not only critical for auditory perception. They also shape their cellular environment and regulate the development of auditory circuitry. Here, we summarize recent discoveries that have shed light on the composition of the mechanotransduction machinery of cochlear hair cells and how this machinery contributes to the development and function of the auditory system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xufeng Qiu
- The Solomon H. Snyder Department of Neuroscience, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | - Ulrich Müller
- The Solomon H. Snyder Department of Neuroscience, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA.
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Selective binding and transport of protocadherin 15 isoforms by stereocilia unconventional myosins in a heterologous expression system. Sci Rep 2022; 12:13764. [PMID: 35962067 PMCID: PMC9374675 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-17757-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2022] [Accepted: 07/30/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
During hair cell development, the mechanoelectrical transduction (MET) apparatus is assembled at the stereocilia tips, where it coexists with the stereocilia actin regulatory machinery. While the myosin-based tipward transport of actin regulatory proteins is well studied, isoform complexity and built-in redundancies in the MET apparatus have limited our understanding of how MET components are transported. We used a heterologous expression system to elucidate the myosin selective transport of isoforms of protocadherin 15 (PCDH15), the protein that mechanically gates the MET apparatus. We show that MYO7A selectively transports the CD3 isoform while MYO3A and MYO3B transports the CD2 isoform. Furthermore, MYO15A showed an insignificant role in the transport of PCDH15, and none of the myosins tested transport PCDH15-CD1. Our data suggest an important role for MYO3A, MYO3B, and MYO7A in the MET apparatus formation and highlight the intricate nature of MET and actin regulation during development and functional maturation of the stereocilia bundle.
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Abstract
It is well established that humans and other mammals are minimally regenerative compared with organisms such as zebrafish, salamander or amphibians. In recent years, however, the identification of regenerative potential in neonatal mouse tissues that normally heal poorly in adults has transformed our understanding of regenerative capacity in mammals. In this Review, we survey the mammalian tissues for which regenerative or improved neonatal healing has been established, including the heart, cochlear hair cells, the brain and spinal cord, and dense connective tissues. We also highlight common and/or tissue-specific mechanisms of neonatal regeneration, which involve cells, signaling pathways, extracellular matrix, immune cells and other factors. The identification of such common features across neonatal tissues may direct therapeutic strategies that will be broadly applicable to multiple adult tissues.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Alice H. Huang
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Columbia University, New York, NY 10032, USA
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Mechanotransduction in mammalian sensory hair cells. Mol Cell Neurosci 2022; 120:103706. [PMID: 35218890 PMCID: PMC9177625 DOI: 10.1016/j.mcn.2022.103706] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2021] [Revised: 02/14/2022] [Accepted: 02/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
In the inner ear, the auditory and vestibular systems detect and translate sensory information regarding sound and balance. The sensory cells that transform mechanical input into an electrical signal in these systems are called hair cells. A specialized organelle on the apical surface of the hair cells called the hair bundle detects the mechanical signals. Displacement of the hair bundle causes mechanotransduction channels to open. The morphology and organization of the hair bundle, as well as the properties and characteristics of the mechanotransduction process, differ between the different hair cell types in the auditory and vestibular systems. These differences likely contribute to maximizing the transduction of specific signals in each system. This review will discuss the molecules essential for mechanotransduction and the properties of the mechanotransduction process, focusing our attention on recent data and differences between the auditory and vestibular systems.
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Miller KK, Atkinson P, Mendoza KR, Ó Maoiléidigh D, Grillet N. Dimensions of a Living Cochlear Hair Bundle. Front Cell Dev Biol 2021; 9:742529. [PMID: 34900993 PMCID: PMC8657763 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2021.742529] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2021] [Accepted: 10/13/2021] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
The hair bundle is the mechanosensory organelle of hair cells that detects mechanical stimuli caused by sounds, head motions, and fluid flows. Each hair bundle is an assembly of cellular-protrusions called stereocilia, which differ in height to form a staircase. Stereocilia have different heights, widths, and separations in different species, sensory organs, positions within an organ, hair-cell types, and even within a single hair bundle. The dimensions of the stereociliary assembly dictate how the hair bundle responds to stimuli. These hair-bundle properties have been measured previously only to a limited degree. In particular, mammalian data are either incomplete, lack control for age or position within an organ, or have artifacts owing to fixation or dehydration. Here, we provide a complete set of measurements for postnatal day (P) 11 C57BL/6J mouse apical inner hair cells (IHCs) obtained from living tissue, tissue mildly-fixed for fluorescent imaging, or tissue strongly fixed and dehydrated for scanning electronic microscopy (SEM). We found that hair bundles mildly-fixed for fluorescence had the same dimensions as living hair bundles, whereas SEM-prepared hair bundles shrank uniformly in stereociliary heights, widths, and separations. By determining the shrinkage factors, we imputed live dimensions from SEM that were too small to observe optically. Accordingly, we created the first complete blueprint of a living IHC hair bundle. We show that SEM-prepared measurements strongly affect calculations of a bundle’s mechanical properties – overestimating stereociliary deflection stiffness and underestimating the fluid coupling between stereocilia. The methods of measurement, the data, and the consequences we describe illustrate the high levels of accuracy and precision required to understand hair-bundle mechanotransduction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katharine K Miller
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, School of Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, United States
| | - Patrick Atkinson
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, School of Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, United States
| | - Kyssia Ruth Mendoza
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, School of Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, United States
| | - Dáibhid Ó Maoiléidigh
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, School of Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, United States
| | - Nicolas Grillet
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, School of Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, United States
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Liu S, Wang S, Zou L, Xiong W. Mechanisms in cochlear hair cell mechano-electrical transduction for acquisition of sound frequency and intensity. Cell Mol Life Sci 2021; 78:5083-5094. [PMID: 33871677 PMCID: PMC11072359 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-021-03840-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2020] [Revised: 03/30/2021] [Accepted: 04/09/2021] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
Sound signals are acquired and digitized in the cochlea by the hair cells that further transmit the coded information to the central auditory pathways. Any defect in hair cell function may induce problems in the auditory system and hearing-based brain function. In the past 2 decades, our understanding of auditory transduction has been substantially deepened because of advances in molecular, structural, and functional studies. Results from these experiments can be perfectly embedded in the previously established profile from anatomical, histological, genetic, and biophysical research. This review aims to summarize the progress on the molecular and cellular mechanisms of the mechano-electrical transduction (MET) channel in the cochlear hair cells, which is involved in the acquisition of sound frequency and intensity-the two major parameters of an acoustic cue. We also discuss recent studies on TMC1, the molecule likely to form the MET channel pore.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuang Liu
- School of Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, 1 Qinghuayuan, Beijing, 100084, China
- IDG/McGovern Institute for Brain Research at Tsinghua University, Tsinghua University, 1 Qinghuayuan, Beijing, 100084, China
| | - Shufeng Wang
- School of Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, 1 Qinghuayuan, Beijing, 100084, China
- IDG/McGovern Institute for Brain Research at Tsinghua University, Tsinghua University, 1 Qinghuayuan, Beijing, 100084, China
| | - Linzhi Zou
- School of Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, 1 Qinghuayuan, Beijing, 100084, China
- IDG/McGovern Institute for Brain Research at Tsinghua University, Tsinghua University, 1 Qinghuayuan, Beijing, 100084, China
| | - Wei Xiong
- School of Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, 1 Qinghuayuan, Beijing, 100084, China.
- IDG/McGovern Institute for Brain Research at Tsinghua University, Tsinghua University, 1 Qinghuayuan, Beijing, 100084, China.
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12
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Farhadi M, Razmara E, Balali M, Hajabbas Farshchi Y, Falah M. How Transmembrane Inner Ear (TMIE) plays role in the auditory system: A mystery to us. J Cell Mol Med 2021; 25:5869-5883. [PMID: 33987950 PMCID: PMC8256367 DOI: 10.1111/jcmm.16610] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2021] [Accepted: 04/26/2021] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Different cellular mechanisms contribute to the hearing sense, so it is obvious that any disruption in such processes leads to hearing impairment that greatly influences the global economy and quality of life of the patients and their relatives. In the past two decades, transmembrane inner ear (TMIE) protein has received a great deal of research interest because its impairments cause hereditary deafness in humans. This evolutionarily conserved membrane protein contributes to a fundamental complex that plays role in the maintenance and function of the sensory hair cells. Although the critical roles of the TMIE in mechanoelectrical transduction or hearing procedures have been discussed, there are little to no review papers summarizing the roles of the TMIE in the auditory system. In order to fill this gap, herein, we discuss the important roles of this protein in the auditory system including its role in mechanotransduction, olivocochlear synapse, morphology and different signalling pathways; we also review the genotype-phenotype correlation that can per se show the possible roles of this protein in the auditory system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammad Farhadi
- ENT and Head and Neck Research Center and DepartmentThe Five Senses Health InstituteHazrat Rasoul Akram HospitalIran University of Medical SciencesTehranIran
| | - Ehsan Razmara
- Australian Regenerative Medicine InstituteMonash UniversityClaytonVICAustralia
| | - Maryam Balali
- ENT and Head and Neck Research Center and DepartmentThe Five Senses Health InstituteHazrat Rasoul Akram HospitalIran University of Medical SciencesTehranIran
| | - Yeganeh Hajabbas Farshchi
- Department of Cellular and Molecular BiologyTehran Medical SciencesIslamic Azad UniversityTehranIran
| | - Masoumeh Falah
- ENT and Head and Neck Research Center and DepartmentThe Five Senses Health InstituteHazrat Rasoul Akram HospitalIran University of Medical SciencesTehranIran
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McGrath J, Tung CY, Liao X, Belyantseva IA, Roy P, Chakraborty O, Li J, Berbari NF, Faaborg-Andersen CC, Barzik M, Bird JE, Zhao B, Balakrishnan L, Friedman TB, Perrin BJ. Actin at stereocilia tips is regulated by mechanotransduction and ADF/cofilin. Curr Biol 2021; 31:1141-1153.e7. [PMID: 33400922 PMCID: PMC8793668 DOI: 10.1016/j.cub.2020.12.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2020] [Revised: 10/21/2020] [Accepted: 12/07/2020] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Stereocilia on auditory sensory cells are actin-based protrusions that mechanotransduce sound into an electrical signal. These stereocilia are arranged into a bundle with three rows of increasing length to form a staircase-like morphology that is required for hearing. Stereocilia in the shorter rows, but not the tallest row, are mechanotransducing because they have force-sensitive channels localized at their tips. The onset of mechanotransduction during mouse postnatal development refines stereocilia length and width. However, it is unclear how actin is differentially regulated between stereocilia in the tallest row of the bundle and the shorter, mechanotransducing rows. Here, we show actin turnover is increased at the tips of mechanotransducing stereocilia during bundle maturation. Correspondingly, from birth to postnatal day 6, these stereocilia had increasing amounts of available actin barbed ends, where monomers can be added or lost readily, as compared with the non-mechanotransducing stereocilia in the tallest row. The increase in available barbed ends depended on both mechanotransduction and MYO15 or EPS8, which are required for the normal specification and elongation of the tallest row of stereocilia. We also found that loss of the F-actin-severing proteins ADF and cofilin-1 decreased barbed end availability at stereocilia tips. These proteins enriched at mechanotransducing stereocilia tips, and their localization was perturbed by the loss of mechanotransduction, MYO15, or EPS8. Finally, stereocilia lengths and widths were dysregulated in Adf and Cfl1 mutants. Together, these data show that actin is remodeled, likely by a severing mechanism, in response to mechanotransduction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jamis McGrath
- Department of Biology, Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis, 723 West Michigan Street, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA
| | - Chun-Yu Tung
- Department of Biology, Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis, 723 West Michigan Street, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA
| | - Xiayi Liao
- Department of Biology, Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis, 723 West Michigan Street, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA
| | - Inna A Belyantseva
- Laboratory of Molecular Genetics, National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders, NIH, 35A Convent Drive, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Pallabi Roy
- Department of Biology, Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis, 723 West Michigan Street, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA
| | - Oisorjo Chakraborty
- Department of Biology, Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis, 723 West Michigan Street, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA
| | - Jinan Li
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Indiana University School of Medicine, 1160 West Michigan Street, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA
| | - Nicolas F Berbari
- Department of Biology, Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis, 723 West Michigan Street, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA
| | - Christian C Faaborg-Andersen
- Laboratory of Molecular Genetics, National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders, NIH, 35A Convent Drive, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Melanie Barzik
- Section on Sensory Cell Biology, National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders, NIH, 35A Convent Drive, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Jonathan E Bird
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, University of Florida, 1200 Newell Drive, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA
| | - Bo Zhao
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Indiana University School of Medicine, 1160 West Michigan Street, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA
| | - Lata Balakrishnan
- Department of Biology, Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis, 723 West Michigan Street, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA
| | - Thomas B Friedman
- Laboratory of Molecular Genetics, National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders, NIH, 35A Convent Drive, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Benjamin J Perrin
- Department of Biology, Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis, 723 West Michigan Street, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA.
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14
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Caprara GA, Mecca AA, Peng AW. Decades-old model of slow adaptation in sensory hair cells is not supported in mammals. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2020; 6:eabb4922. [PMID: 32851178 PMCID: PMC7428330 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.abb4922] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2020] [Accepted: 07/01/2020] [Indexed: 05/31/2023]
Abstract
Hair cells detect sound and motion through a mechano-electric transduction (MET) process mediated by tip links connecting shorter stereocilia to adjacent taller stereocilia. Adaptation is a key feature of MET that regulates a cell's dynamic range and frequency selectivity. A decades-old hypothesis proposes that slow adaptation requires myosin motors to modulate the tip-link position on taller stereocilia. This "motor model" depended on data suggesting that the receptor current decay had a time course similar to that of hair-bundle creep (a continued movement in the direction of a step-like force stimulus). Using cochlear and vestibular hair cells of mice, rats, and gerbils, we assessed how modulating adaptation affected hair-bundle creep. Our results are consistent with slow adaptation requiring myosin motors. However, the hair-bundle creep and slow adaptation were uncorrelated, challenging a critical piece of evidence upholding the motor model. Considering these data, we propose a revised model of hair cell adaptation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giusy A. Caprara
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO 80045, USA
| | - Andrew A. Mecca
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO 80045, USA
- Neuroscience Graduate Program, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO 80045, USA
| | - Anthony W. Peng
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO 80045, USA
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15
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Markowitz AL, Kalluri R. Gradients in the biophysical properties of neonatal auditory neurons align with synaptic contact position and the intensity coding map of inner hair cells. eLife 2020; 9:e55378. [PMID: 32639234 PMCID: PMC7343388 DOI: 10.7554/elife.55378] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2020] [Accepted: 06/24/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Sound intensity is encoded by auditory neuron subgroups that differ in thresholds and spontaneous rates. Whether variations in neuronal biophysics contributes to this functional diversity is unknown. Because intensity thresholds correlate with synaptic position on sensory hair cells, we combined patch clamping with fiber labeling in semi-intact cochlear preparations in neonatal rats from both sexes. The biophysical properties of auditory neurons vary in a striking spatial gradient with synaptic position. Neurons with high thresholds to injected currents contact hair cells at synaptic positions where neurons with high thresholds to sound-intensity are found in vivo. Alignment between in vitro and in vivo thresholds suggests that biophysical variability contributes to intensity coding. Biophysical gradients were evident at all ages examined, indicating that cell diversity emerges in early post-natal development and persists even after continued maturation. This stability enabled a remarkably successful model for predicting synaptic position based solely on biophysical properties.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexander L Markowitz
- Neuroscience Graduate Program, University of Southern CaliforniaLos AngelesUnited States
- Department of Otolaryngology, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern CaliforniaLos AngelesUnited States
| | - Radha Kalluri
- Neuroscience Graduate Program, University of Southern CaliforniaLos AngelesUnited States
- Department of Otolaryngology, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern CaliforniaLos AngelesUnited States
- Zilkha Neurogenetic Institute, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern CaliforniaLos AngelesUnited States
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16
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Functional Postnatal Maturation of the Medial Olivocochlear Efferent-Outer Hair Cell Synapse. J Neurosci 2020; 40:4842-4857. [PMID: 32430293 DOI: 10.1523/jneurosci.2409-19.2020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2019] [Revised: 04/19/2020] [Accepted: 05/11/2020] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
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.
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17
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Mechanotransduction-Dependent Control of Stereocilia Dimensions and Row Identity in Inner Hair Cells. Curr Biol 2020; 30:442-454.e7. [PMID: 31902726 DOI: 10.1016/j.cub.2019.11.076] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2019] [Revised: 11/08/2019] [Accepted: 11/26/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Actin-rich structures, like stereocilia and microvilli, are assembled with precise control of length, diameter, and relative spacing. By quantifying actin-core dimensions of stereocilia from phalloidin-labeled mouse cochleas, we demonstrated that inner hair cell stereocilia developed in specific stages, where a widening phase is sandwiched between two lengthening phases. Moreover, widening of the second-tallest stereocilia rank (row 2) occurred simultaneously with the appearance of mechanotransduction. Correspondingly, Tmc1KO/KO;Tmc2KO/KO or TmieKO/KO hair cells, which lack transduction, have significantly altered stereocilia lengths and diameters, including a narrowed row 2. EPS8 and the short splice isoform of MYO15A, identity markers for mature row 1 (the tallest row), lost their row exclusivity in transduction mutants. GNAI3, another member of the mature row 1 complex, accumulated at mutant row 1 tips at considerably lower levels than in wild-type bundles. Alterations in stereocilia dimensions and in EPS8 distribution seen in transduction mutants were mimicked by block of transduction channels of cochlear explants in culture. In addition, proteins normally concentrated at mature row 2 tips were also distributed differently in transduction mutants; the heterodimeric capping protein subunit CAPZB and its partner TWF2 never concentrated at row 2 tips like they do in wild-type bundles. The altered distribution of marker proteins in transduction mutants was accompanied by increased variability in stereocilia length. Transduction channels thus specify and maintain row identity, control addition of new actin filaments to increase stereocilia diameter, and coordinate stereocilia height within rows.
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18
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Goldring AC, Beurg M, Fettiplace R. The contribution of TMC1 to adaptation of mechanoelectrical transduction channels in cochlear outer hair cells. J Physiol 2019; 597:5949-5961. [PMID: 31633194 PMCID: PMC6910908 DOI: 10.1113/jp278799] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2019] [Accepted: 10/17/2019] [Indexed: 01/23/2023] Open
Abstract
KEY POINTS Hair cell mechanoelectrical transducer channels are opened by deflections of the hair bundle about a resting position set by incompletely understood adaptation mechanisms. We used three characteristics to define adaptation in hair cell mutants of transmembrane channel-like proteins, TMC1 and TMC2, which are considered to be channel constituents. The results obtained demonstrate that the three characteristics are not equivalent, and raise doubts about simple models in which intracellular Ca2+ regulates adaptation. Adaptation is faster and more effective in TMC1-containing than in TMC2-containing transducer channels. This result ties adaptation to the channel complex, and suggests that TMC1 is a better isoform for use in cochlear hair cells. We describe a TMC1 point mutation, D569N, that reduces the resting open probability and Ca2+ permeability of the transducer channels, comprising properties that may contribute to the deafness phenotype. ABSTRACT Recordings of mechanoelectrical transducer (MET) currents in cochlear hair cells were made in mice with mutations of transmembrane channel-like (TMC) protein to examine the effects on fast transducer adaptation. Adaptation was faster and more complete in Tmc2-/- than in Tmc1-/- , although this disparity was not explained by differences in Ca2+ permeability or Ca2+ influx between the two isoforms, with TMC2 having the larger permeability. We made a mouse mutation, Tmc1 p.D569N, homologous to a human DFNA36 deafness mutation, which also had MET channels with lower Ca2+ -permeability but showed better fast adaptation than wild-type Tmc1+/+ channels. Consistent with the more effective adaptation in Tmc1 p.D569N, the resting probability of MET channel opening was smaller. The three TMC variants studied have comparable single-channel conductances, although the lack of correlation between channel Ca2+ permeability and adaptation opposes the hypothesis that adaptation is controlled simply by Ca2+ influx through the channels. During the first postnatal week of mouse development, the MET currents amplitude grew, and transducer adaptation became faster and more effective. We attribute changes in adaptation partly to a developmental switch from TMC2- to TMC1- containing channels and partly to an increase in channel expression. More complete and faster adaptation, coupled with larger MET currents, may account for the sole use of TMC1 in the adult cochlear hair cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adam C Goldring
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Maryline Beurg
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Robert Fettiplace
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, WI, USA
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19
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Liu S, Wang S, Zou L, Li J, Song C, Chen J, Hu Q, Liu L, Huang P, Xiong W. TMC1 is an essential component of a leak channel that modulates tonotopy and excitability of auditory hair cells in mice. eLife 2019; 8:47441. [PMID: 31661074 PMCID: PMC6853638 DOI: 10.7554/elife.47441] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2019] [Accepted: 10/24/2019] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Hearing sensation relies on the mechano-electrical transducer (MET) channel of cochlear hair cells, in which transmembrane channel-like 1 (TMC1) and transmembrane channel-like 2 (TMC2) have been proposed to be the pore-forming subunits in mammals. TMCs were also found to regulate biological processes other than MET in invertebrates, ranging from sensations to motor function. However, whether TMCs have a non-MET role remains elusive in mammals. Here, we report that in mouse hair cells, TMC1, but not TMC2, provides a background leak conductance, with properties distinct from those of the MET channels. By cysteine substitutions in TMC1, we characterized four amino acids that are required for the leak conductance. The leak conductance is graded in a frequency-dependent manner along the length of the cochlea and is indispensable for action potential firing. Taken together, our results show that TMC1 confers a background leak conductance in cochlear hair cells, which may be critical for the acquisition of sound-frequency and -intensity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuang Liu
- School of Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China.,IDG/McGovern Institute for Brain Research at Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
| | - Shufeng Wang
- School of Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China.,IDG/McGovern Institute for Brain Research at Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
| | - Linzhi Zou
- School of Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China.,IDG/McGovern Institute for Brain Research at Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
| | - Jie Li
- School of Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China.,IDG/McGovern Institute for Brain Research at Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
| | - Chenmeng Song
- School of Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China.,IDG/McGovern Institute for Brain Research at Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
| | - Jiaofeng Chen
- School of Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China.,IDG/McGovern Institute for Brain Research at Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
| | - Qun Hu
- School of Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China.,IDG/McGovern Institute for Brain Research at Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
| | - Lian Liu
- School of Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China.,IDG/McGovern Institute for Brain Research at Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
| | - Pingbo Huang
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Hong Kong, China.,State Key Laboratory of Molecular Neuroscience, Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Hong Kong, China.,Division of Life Science, Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Hong Kong, China
| | - Wei Xiong
- School of Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China.,IDG/McGovern Institute for Brain Research at Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
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20
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The Development of Cooperative Channels Explains the Maturation of Hair Cell's Mechanotransduction. Biophys J 2019; 117:1536-1548. [PMID: 31585704 PMCID: PMC6817549 DOI: 10.1016/j.bpj.2019.08.042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2019] [Revised: 08/20/2019] [Accepted: 08/28/2019] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Hearing relies on the conversion of mechanical stimuli into electrical signals. In vertebrates, this process of mechanoelectrical transduction (MET) is performed by specialized receptors of the inner ear, the hair cells. Each hair cell is crowned by a hair bundle, a cluster of microvilli that pivot in response to sound vibrations, causing the opening and closing of mechanosensitive ion channels. Mechanical forces are projected onto the channels by molecular springs called tip links. Each tip link is thought to connect to a small number of MET channels that gate cooperatively and operate as a single transduction unit. Pushing the hair bundle in the excitatory direction opens the channels, after which they rapidly reclose in a process called fast adaptation. It has been experimentally observed that the hair cell’s biophysical properties mature gradually during postnatal development: the maximal transduction current increases, sensitivity sharpens, transduction occurs at smaller hair-bundle displacements, and adaptation becomes faster. Similar observations have been reported during tip-link regeneration after acoustic damage. Moreover, when measured at intermediate developmental stages, the kinetics of fast adaptation varies in a given cell, depending on the magnitude of the imposed displacement. The mechanisms underlying these seemingly disparate observations have so far remained elusive. Here, we show that these phenomena can all be explained by the progressive addition of MET channels of constant properties, which populate the hair bundle first as isolated entities and then progressively as clusters of more sensitive, cooperative MET channels. As the proposed mechanism relies on the difference in biophysical properties between isolated and clustered channels, this work highlights the importance of cooperative interactions between mechanosensitive ion channels for hearing.
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21
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Wang T, Niwa M, Sayyid ZN, Hosseini DK, Pham N, Jones SM, Ricci AJ, Cheng AG. Uncoordinated maturation of developing and regenerating postnatal mammalian vestibular hair cells. PLoS Biol 2019; 17:e3000326. [PMID: 31260439 PMCID: PMC6602158 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pbio.3000326] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2018] [Accepted: 05/30/2019] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Sensory hair cells are mechanoreceptors required for hearing and balance functions. From embryonic development, hair cells acquire apical stereociliary bundles for mechanosensation, basolateral ion channels that shape receptor potential, and synaptic contacts for conveying information centrally. These key maturation steps are sequential and presumed coupled; however, whether hair cells emerging postnatally mature similarly is unknown. Here, we show that in vivo postnatally generated and regenerated hair cells in the utricle, a vestibular organ detecting linear acceleration, acquired some mature somatic features but hair bundles appeared nonfunctional and short. The utricle consists of two hair cell subtypes with distinct morphological, electrophysiological and synaptic features. In both the undamaged and damaged utricle, fate-mapping and electrophysiology experiments showed that Plp1+ supporting cells took on type II hair cell properties based on molecular markers, basolateral conductances and synaptic properties yet stereociliary bundles were absent, or small and nonfunctional. By contrast, Lgr5+ supporting cells regenerated hair cells with type I and II properties, representing a distinct hair cell precursor subtype. Lastly, direct physiological measurements showed that utricular function abolished by damage was partially regained during regeneration. Together, our data reveal a previously unrecognized aberrant maturation program for hair cells generated and regenerated postnatally and may have broad implications for inner ear regenerative therapies. During development, sensory hair cells undergo a series of critical maturation steps that are sequential and presumed coupled, but whether regenerated hair cells mature similarly is unknown. This study shows that regenerated vestibular hair cells acquired some mature somatic features, but the apical bundles remained immature.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tian Wang
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California, United States of America
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Mamiko Niwa
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California, United States of America
| | - Zahra N. Sayyid
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California, United States of America
| | - Davood K. Hosseini
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California, United States of America
| | - Nicole Pham
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California, United States of America
| | - Sherri M. Jones
- Department of Special Education and Communication Disorders, College of Education and Human Sciences, University of Nebraska, Lincoln, Nebraska, United States of America
| | - Anthony J. Ricci
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California, United States of America
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Physiology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California, United States of America
- * E-mail: (AGC); (AJR)
| | - Alan G. Cheng
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California, United States of America
- * E-mail: (AGC); (AJR)
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22
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Cunningham CL, Müller U. Molecular Structure of the Hair Cell Mechanoelectrical Transduction Complex. Cold Spring Harb Perspect Med 2019; 9:cshperspect.a033167. [PMID: 30082452 DOI: 10.1101/cshperspect.a033167] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Cochlear hair cells employ mechanically gated ion channels located in stereocilia that open in response to sound wave-induced motion of the basilar membrane, converting mechanical stimulation to graded changes in hair cell membrane potential. Membrane potential changes in hair cells cause neurotransmitter release from hair cells that initiate electrical signals in the nerve terminals of afferent fibers from spiral ganglion neurons. These signals are then propagated within the central nervous system (CNS) to mediate the sensation of hearing. Recent studies show that the mechanoelectrical transduction (MET) machinery of hair cells is formed by an ensemble of proteins. Candidate components forming the MET channel have been identified, but none alone fulfills all criteria necessary to define them as pore-forming subunits of the MET channel. We will review here recent findings on the identification and function of proteins that are components of the MET machinery in hair cells and consider remaining open questions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christopher L Cunningham
- The Solomon Snyder Department of Neuroscience, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland 21205
| | - Ulrich Müller
- The Solomon Snyder Department of Neuroscience, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland 21205
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23
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Tobin M, Chaiyasitdhi A, Michel V, Michalski N, Martin P. Stiffness and tension gradients of the hair cell's tip-link complex in the mammalian cochlea. eLife 2019; 8:e43473. [PMID: 30932811 PMCID: PMC6464607 DOI: 10.7554/elife.43473] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2018] [Accepted: 03/27/2019] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Sound analysis by the cochlea relies on frequency tuning of mechanosensory hair cells along a tonotopic axis. To clarify the underlying biophysical mechanism, we have investigated the micromechanical properties of the hair cell's mechanoreceptive hair bundle within the apical half of the rat cochlea. We studied both inner and outer hair cells, which send nervous signals to the brain and amplify cochlear vibrations, respectively. We find that tonotopy is associated with gradients of stiffness and resting mechanical tension, with steeper gradients for outer hair cells, emphasizing the division of labor between the two hair-cell types. We demonstrate that tension in the tip links that convey force to the mechano-electrical transduction channels increases at reduced Ca2+. Finally, we reveal gradients in stiffness and tension at the level of a single tip link. We conclude that mechanical gradients of the tip-link complex may help specify the characteristic frequency of the hair cell.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mélanie Tobin
- Laboratoire Physico-Chimie CurieInstitut Curie, PSL Research University, CNRS UMR168ParisFrance
- Sorbonne UniversitéParisFrance
| | - Atitheb Chaiyasitdhi
- Laboratoire Physico-Chimie CurieInstitut Curie, PSL Research University, CNRS UMR168ParisFrance
- Sorbonne UniversitéParisFrance
| | - Vincent Michel
- Sorbonne UniversitéParisFrance
- Laboratoire de Génétique et Physiologie de l’AuditionInstitut PasteurParisFrance
- UMRS 1120, Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale (INSERM)ParisFrance
| | - Nicolas Michalski
- Sorbonne UniversitéParisFrance
- Laboratoire de Génétique et Physiologie de l’AuditionInstitut PasteurParisFrance
- UMRS 1120, Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale (INSERM)ParisFrance
| | - Pascal Martin
- Laboratoire Physico-Chimie CurieInstitut Curie, PSL Research University, CNRS UMR168ParisFrance
- Sorbonne UniversitéParisFrance
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24
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Pickett SB, Raible DW. Water Waves to Sound Waves: Using Zebrafish to Explore Hair Cell Biology. J Assoc Res Otolaryngol 2019; 20:1-19. [PMID: 30635804 DOI: 10.1007/s10162-018-00711-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2018] [Accepted: 12/19/2018] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Although perhaps best known for their use in developmental studies, over the last couple of decades, zebrafish have become increasingly popular model organisms for investigating auditory system function and disease. Like mammals, zebrafish possess inner ear mechanosensory hair cells required for hearing, as well as superficial hair cells of the lateral line sensory system, which mediate detection of directional water flow. Complementing mammalian studies, zebrafish have been used to gain significant insights into many facets of hair cell biology, including mechanotransduction and synaptic physiology as well as mechanisms of both hereditary and acquired hair cell dysfunction. Here, we provide an overview of this literature, highlighting some of the particular advantages of using zebrafish to investigate hearing and hearing loss.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah B Pickett
- Department of Biological Structure, University of Washington, Health Sciences Building H-501, 1959 NE Pacific Street, Box 357420, Seattle, WA, 98195-7420, USA
- Graduate Program in Neuroscience, University of Washington, 1959 NE Pacific Street, Box 357270, Seattle, WA, 98195-7270, USA
| | - David W Raible
- Department of Biological Structure, University of Washington, Health Sciences Building H-501, 1959 NE Pacific Street, Box 357420, Seattle, WA, 98195-7420, USA.
- Graduate Program in Neuroscience, University of Washington, 1959 NE Pacific Street, Box 357270, Seattle, WA, 98195-7270, USA.
- Virginia Merrill Bloedel Hearing Research Center, University of Washington, 1701 NE Columbia Rd, Box 357923, Seattle, WA, 98195-7923, USA.
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Vélez-Ortega AC, Frolenkov GI. Building and repairing the stereocilia cytoskeleton in mammalian auditory hair cells. Hear Res 2019; 376:47-57. [PMID: 30638948 DOI: 10.1016/j.heares.2018.12.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2018] [Revised: 12/19/2018] [Accepted: 12/28/2018] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Abstract
Despite all recent achievements in identification of the molecules that are essential for the structure and mechanosensory function of stereocilia bundles in the auditory hair cells of mammalian species, we still have only a rudimentary understanding of the mechanisms of stereocilia formation, maintenance, and repair. Important molecular differences distinguishing mammalian auditory hair cells from hair cells of other types and species have been recently revealed. In addition, we are beginning to solve the puzzle of the apparent life-long stability of the stereocilia bundles in these cells. New data link the stability of the cytoskeleton in the mammalian auditory stereocilia with the normal activity of mechanotransduction channels. These data suggest new ideas on how a terminally-differentiated non-regenerating hair cell in the mammalian cochlea may repair and tune its stereocilia bundle throughout the life span of the organism.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Catalina Vélez-Ortega
- Department of Physiology, University of Kentucky, 800 Rose St., Lexington, KY, 40536-0298, USA.
| | - Gregory I Frolenkov
- Department of Physiology, University of Kentucky, 800 Rose St., Lexington, KY, 40536-0298, USA.
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26
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Bai H, Wang X, Gao X, Bing J, Wang W, Zhang X, Xi C, Jiang L, Zhang X, Han Z, Zeng S, Xu J. Study of the Mechanisms by Which Aminoglycoside Damage Is Prevented in Chick Embryonic Hair Cells. J Assoc Res Otolaryngol 2018; 20:21-35. [PMID: 30341698 DOI: 10.1007/s10162-018-00700-4] [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: 05/16/2018] [Accepted: 09/21/2018] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
A major side effect of aminoglycoside antibiotics is mammalian hair cell death. It is thus intriguing that embryonic chick hair cells treated with aminoglycosides at embryonic day (E) 12 are insensitive to ototoxicity. To exclude some unknown factors in vivo that might be involved in preventing aminoglycoside damage to embryonic hair cells, we first cultured chick embryonic basilar papilla (BP) with an aminoglycoside antibiotic in vitro. The results indicated that the hair cells were almost intact at E12 and E14 and were only moderately damaged in most parts of the BP at E16 and E18. Generally, hair cells residing in the approximate and abneural regions were more susceptible to streptomycin damage. After incubation with gentamicin-conjugated Texas Red (GTTR), which is typically used to trace the entry route of aminoglycosides, GTTR fluorescence was not remarkable in hair cells at E12, was weak at E14, but was relatively strong in the proximal part of BP at E18. This result indicates that the amounts of GTTR that entered the hair cells are related to the degrees of aminoglycoside damage. The study further showed that the fluorescence intensity of GTTR decreased to a low level at E14 to E18 after disruption of mechanotransduction machinery, suggesting that the aminoglycoside entry into hair cells was mainly through mechanotransduction channels. In addition, most of the entered GTTR was not found to be colocalized with mitochondria even at E18. This finding provides another reason to explain why embryonic chick hair cells are insensitive to aminoglycoside damage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huanju Bai
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Gene Resource and Molecular Development, Beijing Normal University, Beijing, 100875, China
| | - Xi Wang
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, The General Hospital of the PLA Rocket Force, Beijing, 100088, China
| | - Xue Gao
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, The General Hospital of the PLA Rocket Force, Beijing, 100088, China
| | - Jie Bing
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Gene Resource and Molecular Development, Beijing Normal University, Beijing, 100875, China
| | - Weiqian Wang
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, The General Hospital of the PLA Rocket Force, Beijing, 100088, China
| | - Xuebo Zhang
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory for Ecology of Tropical Islands, College of Life Sciences, Hainan Normal University, Haikou, 571158, China
| | - Chao Xi
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Gene Resource and Molecular Development, Beijing Normal University, Beijing, 100875, China
| | - Lingling Jiang
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Gene Resource and Molecular Development, Beijing Normal University, Beijing, 100875, China
| | - Xinwen Zhang
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory for Ecology of Tropical Islands, College of Life Sciences, Hainan Normal University, Haikou, 571158, China
| | - Zhongming Han
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, The General Hospital of the PLA Rocket Force, Beijing, 100088, China
| | - Shaoju Zeng
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Gene Resource and Molecular Development, Beijing Normal University, Beijing, 100875, China.
| | - Jincao Xu
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, The General Hospital of the PLA Rocket Force, Beijing, 100088, China.
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27
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Variable number of TMC1-dependent mechanotransducer channels underlie tonotopic conductance gradients in the cochlea. Nat Commun 2018; 9:2185. [PMID: 29872055 PMCID: PMC5988745 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-018-04589-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2017] [Accepted: 04/16/2018] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Functional mechanoelectrical transduction (MET) channels of cochlear hair cells require the presence of transmembrane channel-like protein isoforms TMC1 or TMC2. We show that TMCs are required for normal stereociliary bundle development and distinctively influence channel properties. TMC1-dependent channels have larger single-channel conductance and in outer hair cells (OHCs) support a tonotopic apex-to-base conductance gradient. Each MET channel complex exhibits multiple conductance states in ~50 pS increments, basal MET channels having more large-conductance levels. Using mice expressing fluorescently tagged TMCs, we show a three-fold increase in number of TMC1 molecules per stereocilium tip from cochlear apex to base, mirroring the channel conductance gradient in OHCs. Single-molecule photobleaching indicates the number of TMC1 molecules per MET complex changes from ~8 at the apex to ~20 at base. The results suggest there are varying numbers of channels per MET complex, each requiring multiple TMC1 molecules, and together operating in a coordinated or cooperative manner. Mechanoelectrical transduction channel (MET) current found in stereocilia of hair cells matures over the first postnatal week. Here the authors look at the contribution of transmembrane channel-like protein 1 and 2 (TMC1 and TMC2) to MET current during development of tonotopic gradients.
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28
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Resistance to neomycin ototoxicity in the extreme basal (hook) region of the mouse cochlea. Histochem Cell Biol 2018; 150:281-289. [PMID: 29862415 DOI: 10.1007/s00418-018-1683-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/26/2018] [Indexed: 10/14/2022]
Abstract
Aminoglycoside ototoxicity results in permanent loss of the sensory hair cells in the mammalian cochlea. It usually begins at the basal turn causing high-frequency hearing loss. Here we describe previously unreported resistance of hair cells to neomycin ototoxicity in the extreme basal (hook) region of the developing cochlea of the C57BL/6 mouse. Organ of Corti explants from mice at postnatal day 3 were incubated (37 °C, 5% CO2) in normal culture medium for 19.5 h prior to and after exposure to neomycin (1 mM, 3 h). To study neomycin uptake in the hair cells, cochlear explants were incubated with Neomycin Texas-red (NTR) conjugate. As expected, exposure to neomycin significantly reduced the survival of inner (IHC) and outer hair cells (OHC). IHC survival rate was high in the apical segment and low in the basal segment. OHC were well preserved in the apical and hook regions, with substantial OHC loss in the basal segment. The NTR uptake study demonstrated that the high survival rate in the extreme basal turn OHC was associated with low NTR uptake. Treatment with a calcium chelator (BAPTA), which disrupts the opening of mechanoelectrical (MET) transduction channels, abolished or reduced NTR uptake in the hair cells throughout the cochlea. This confirmed the essential role of MET channels in neomycin uptake and implied that the transduction channels could be impaired in the hook region of the developing mouse cochlea, possibly as a result of the cadherin 23 mutation responsible for the progressive deafness in C57BL/6 mice.
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29
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Chang A, Li C, Huang J, Pan W, Tian Y, Tang J. Auditory Brainstem Response and Outer Hair Cell Whole-cell Patch Clamp Recording in Postnatal Rats. J Vis Exp 2018:56678. [PMID: 29889186 PMCID: PMC6101379 DOI: 10.3791/56678] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/31/2022] Open
Abstract
The outer hair cell is one of the two types of sensory hair cells in the mammalian cochlea. They alter their cell length with the receptor potential to amplify the weak vibration of low-level sound signal. The morphology and electrophysiological property of outer hair cells (OHCs) develop in early postnatal ages. The maturation of outer hair cell may contribute to the development of the auditory system. However, the process of OHCs development is not well studied. This is partly because of the difficulty to measure their function by an electrophysiological approach. With the purpose of developing a simple method to address the above issue, here we describe a step-by-step protocol to study the function of OHCs in acutely dissociated cochlea from postnatal rats. With this method, we can evaluate the cochlear response to pure tone stimuli and examine the expression level and function of the motor protein prestin in OHCs. This method can also be used to investigate the inner hair cells (IHCs).
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Affiliation(s)
- Aoshuang Chang
- Department of Physiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University; School of Basic Medical Sciences, Guizhou Medical University
| | - Cuixian Li
- Department of Physiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University
| | - Jianfeng Huang
- Department of Physiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University; Department of Laboratory Medicines, Guangzhou General Hospital of Guangzhou Military Region, Southern Medical University
| | - Wenlu Pan
- Department of Physiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University
| | - Yinghong Tian
- Experiment Teaching Center, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University
| | - Jie Tang
- Department of Physiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University;
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30
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Specific Influences of Early Acoustic Environments on Cochlear Hair Cells in Postnatal Mice. Neural Plast 2018; 2018:5616930. [PMID: 29849558 PMCID: PMC5926484 DOI: 10.1155/2018/5616930] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2018] [Revised: 03/05/2018] [Accepted: 03/21/2018] [Indexed: 01/24/2023] Open
Abstract
The auditory function develops and matures after birth in many mammalian species. After hearing onset, environmental sounds exert profound and long-term effects on auditory functions. However, the effects of the acoustic environment on the functional development of the peripheral auditory system, especially the cochlear sensory hair cells, are still unclear. In the present study, we exposed mouse pups to frequency-enriched acoustic environments in postnatal days 0–14. The results indicated that the acoustic environment significantly decreased the threshold of the auditory brainstem response in a frequency-specific manner. Compared with controls, no difference was found in the number and alignment of inner and outer hair cells or in the length of hair bundles after acoustic overstimulation. The expression and function of prestin, the motor protein of outer hair cells (OHCs), were specifically increased in OHCs activated by acoustic stimulation at postnatal days 7–11. We analyzed the postnatal maturation of ribbon synapses in the hair cell areas. After acoustic stimulation, the number of ribbon synapses was closer to the mature stage than to the controls. Taken together, these data indicate that early acoustic exposure could promote the functional maturation of cochlear hair cells and the development of hearing.
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31
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Qiu X, Müller U. Mechanically Gated Ion Channels in Mammalian Hair Cells. Front Cell Neurosci 2018; 12:100. [PMID: 29755320 PMCID: PMC5932396 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2018.00100] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2018] [Accepted: 03/26/2018] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Hair cells in the inner ear convert mechanical stimuli provided by sound waves and head movements into electrical signal. Several mechanically evoked ionic currents with different properties have been recorded in hair cells. The search for the proteins that form the underlying ion channels is still in progress. The mechanoelectrical transduction (MET) channel near the tips of stereociliary in hair cells, which is responsible for sensory transduction, has been studied most extensively. Several components of the sensory mechanotransduction machinery in stereocilia have been identified, including the multi-transmembrane proteins tetraspan membrane protein in hair cell stereocilia (TMHS)/LHFPL5, transmembrane inner ear (TMIE) and transmembrane channel-like proteins 1 and 2 (TMC1/2). However, there remains considerable uncertainty regarding the molecules that form the channel pore. In addition to the sensory MET channel, hair cells express the mechanically gated ion channel PIEZO2, which is localized near the base of stereocilia and not essential for sensory transduction. The function of PIEZO2 in hair cells is not entirely clear but it might have a role in damage sensing and repair processes. Additional stretch-activated channels of unknown molecular identity and function have been found to localize at the basolateral membrane of hair cells. Here, we review current knowledge regarding the different mechanically gated ion channels in hair cells and discuss open questions concerning their molecular composition and function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xufeng Qiu
- Solomon H. Snyder Department of Neuroscience, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Ulrich Müller
- Solomon H. Snyder Department of Neuroscience, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States
- Department of Cell Biology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States
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32
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Li Y, Jia S, Liu H, Tateya T, Guo W, Yang S, Beisel KW, He DZZ. Characterization of Hair Cell-Like Cells Converted From Supporting Cells After Notch Inhibition in Cultures of the Organ of Corti From Neonatal Gerbils. Front Cell Neurosci 2018; 12:73. [PMID: 29662441 PMCID: PMC5890164 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2018.00073] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2017] [Accepted: 03/02/2018] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
The senses of hearing and balance depend upon hair cells, the sensory receptors of the inner ear. Hair cells transduce mechanical stimuli into electrical activity. Loss of hair cells as a result of aging or exposure to noise and ototoxic drugs is the major cause of noncongenital hearing and balance deficits. In the ear of non-mammals, lost hair cells can spontaneously be replaced by production of new hair cells from conversion of supporting cells. Although supporting cells in adult mammals have lost that capability, neonatal supporting cells are able to convert to hair cells after inhibition of Notch signaling. We questioned whether Notch inhibition is sufficient to convert supporting cells to functional hair cells using electrophysiology and electron microscopy. We showed that pharmacological inhibition of the canonical Notch pathway in the cultured organ of Corti prepared from neonatal gerbils induced stereocilia formation in supporting cells (defined as hair cell-like cells or HCLCs) and supernumerary stereocilia in hair cells. The newly emerged stereocilia bundles of HCLCs were functional, i.e., able to respond to mechanical stimulation with mechanotransduction (MET) current. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) showed that HCLCs converted from pillar cells maintained the pillar cell shape and that subsurface cisternae, normally observed underneath the cytoskeleton in outer hair cells (OHCs), was not present in Deiters’ cells-derived HCLCs. Voltage-clamp recordings showed that whole-cell currents from Deiters’ cells-derived HCLCs retained the same kinetics and magnitude seen in normal Deiters’ cells and that nonlinear capacitance (NLC), an electrical hallmark of OHC electromotility, was not detected from any HCLCs measured. Taken together, these results suggest that while Notch inhibition is sufficient for promoting stereocilia bundle formation, it is insufficient to convert neonatal supporting cells to mature hair cells. The fact that Notch inhibition led to stereocilia formation in supporting cells and supernumerary stereocilia in existing hair cells appears to suggest that Notch signaling may regulate stereocilia formation and stability during development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi Li
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Beijing Tongren Hospital, Beijing Capital Medical University, Beijing, China.,Department of Biomedical Sciences, Creighton University School of Medicine, Omaha, NE, United States
| | - Shuping Jia
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Creighton University School of Medicine, Omaha, NE, United States
| | - Huizhan Liu
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Creighton University School of Medicine, Omaha, NE, United States
| | - Tomoko Tateya
- Institute for Virus Research, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Weiwei Guo
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Shiming Yang
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Kirk W Beisel
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Creighton University School of Medicine, Omaha, NE, United States
| | - David Z Z He
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Creighton University School of Medicine, Omaha, NE, United States
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33
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Ponnath A, Depreux FF, Jodelka FM, Rigo F, Farris HE, Hastings ML, Lentz JJ. Rescue of Outer Hair Cells with Antisense Oligonucleotides in Usher Mice Is Dependent on Age of Treatment. J Assoc Res Otolaryngol 2018; 19:1-16. [PMID: 29027038 PMCID: PMC5783922 DOI: 10.1007/s10162-017-0640-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2017] [Accepted: 09/04/2017] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
The absence of functional outer hair cells is a component of several forms of hereditary hearing impairment, including Usher syndrome, the most common cause of concurrent hearing and vision loss. Antisense oligonucleotide (ASO) treatment of mice with the human Usher mutation, Ush1c c.216G>A, corrects gene expression and significantly improves hearing, as measured by auditory-evoked brainstem responses (ABRs), as well as inner and outer hair cell (IHC and OHC) bundle morphology. However, it is not clear whether the improvement in hearing achieved by ASO treatment involves the functional rescue of outer hair cells. Here, we show that Ush1c c.216AA mice lack OHC function as evidenced by the absence of distortion product otoacoustic emissions (DPOAEs) in response to low-, mid-, and high-frequency tone pairs. This OHC deficit is rescued by treatment with an ASO that corrects expression of Ush1c c.216G>A. Interestingly, although rescue of inner hairs cells, as measured by ABR, is achieved by ASO treatment as late as 7 days after birth, rescue of outer hair cells, measured by DPOAE, requires treatment before post-natal day 5. These results suggest that ASO-mediated rescue of both IHC and OHC function is age dependent and that the treatment window is different for the different cell types. The timing of treatment for congenital hearing disorders is of critical importance for the development of drugs such ASO-29 for hearing rescue.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abhilash Ponnath
- Neuroscience Center of Excellence, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, 2020 Gravier Street, 8th Floor, New Orleans, LA, 70112, USA
| | - Frederic F Depreux
- Department of Cell Biology and Anatomy, Chicago Medical School, Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science, 3333 Green Bay Rd, North Chicago, IL, 60064, USA
| | - Francine M Jodelka
- Department of Cell Biology and Anatomy, Chicago Medical School, Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science, 3333 Green Bay Rd, North Chicago, IL, 60064, USA
| | - Frank Rigo
- Ionis Pharmaceuticals, 2855 Gazelle Court, Carlsbad, CA, 92010, USA
| | - Hamilton E Farris
- Neuroscience Center of Excellence, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, 2020 Gravier Street, 8th Floor, New Orleans, LA, 70112, USA
- Department of Cell Biology and Anatomy, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, 1901 Perdido Street, New Orleans, LA, 70112, USA
- Department of Otolaryngology and Biocommunications, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, 533 Bolivar Street, New Orleans, LA, 70112, USA
| | - Michelle L Hastings
- Department of Cell Biology and Anatomy, Chicago Medical School, Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science, 3333 Green Bay Rd, North Chicago, IL, 60064, USA.
| | - Jennifer J Lentz
- Neuroscience Center of Excellence, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, 2020 Gravier Street, 8th Floor, New Orleans, LA, 70112, USA.
- Department of Otolaryngology and Biocommunications, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, 533 Bolivar Street, New Orleans, LA, 70112, USA.
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Beurg M, Fettiplace R. PIEZO2 as the anomalous mechanotransducer channel in auditory hair cells. J Physiol 2017; 595:7039-7048. [PMID: 28983916 PMCID: PMC5709317 DOI: 10.1113/jp274996] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2017] [Accepted: 09/01/2017] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Throughout postnatal maturation of the mouse inner ear, cochlear hair cells display at least two types of mechanically gated ion channel: normal mechanotransducer (MT) channels at the tips of the stereocilia, activated by tension in interciliary tip links, and anomalous mechanosensitive (MS) channels on the top surface of the cells. The anomalous MS channels are responsible for the reverse‐polarity current that appears in mutants in which normal transduction is lost. They are also seen in wild‐type hair cells around birth, appearing 2 days earlier than normal MT channels, and being down‐regulated with the emergence of the normal channels. We review the evidence that the normal and anomalous channels are distinct channel types, which includes differences in localization, susceptibility to pharmacological agents, single‐channel conductance and Ca2+ permeability. The dichotomy is reinforced by the observation that the anomalous current is absent in cochlear cells of Piezo2‐null mice, even though the normal MT current persists. The anomalous current is suppressed by high intracellular Ca2+, suggesting that influx of the divalent ion via more Ca2+‐permeable normal MT channels inhibits the anomalous channels, thus explaining the temporal relationship between the two. Piezo2‐null mice have largely normal hearing, exhibiting up to 20 dB elevation in threshold in the acoustic brainstem response, so raising questions about the significance of PIEZO2 in the cochlea. Since the anomalous current declines with postnatal age, PIEZO2 may contribute to hair cell development, but it does not underlie the normal MT current. Its role in the development of hearing is not understood.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maryline Beurg
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, WI, 53706, USA
| | - Robert Fettiplace
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, WI, 53706, USA
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35
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Mahendrasingam S, Fettiplace R, Alagramam KN, Cross E, Furness DN. Spatiotemporal changes in the distribution of LHFPL5 in mice cochlear hair bundles during development and in the absence of PCDH15. PLoS One 2017; 12:e0185285. [PMID: 29069081 PMCID: PMC5656302 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0185285] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2017] [Accepted: 09/08/2017] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Mechanosensory transduction by vertebrate hair cells depends on a protein complex at the tips of shorter stereocilia associated with mechanoelectrical transduction channels activated by tip links in the hair bundle. In mammalian hair cells, this complex includes transmembrane channel-like protein subunit 1 (TMC1), lipoma HMGIC fusion partner-like 5 protein (LHFPL5) and protocadherin 15 (PCDH15), a lower-end component of the tip link. TMC1 interacts with LHFPL5 and PCDH15 but how the complex develops to maturity, and the relationships between these proteins, remains uncertain. Here we evaluate the spatiotemporal development of LHFPL5 distributions in mouse cochlear hair bundles by immunofluorescence and immunogold transmission electron microscopy, from postnatal day 0 (P0) through P21 in wild type and PCDH15-deficient mice. At P0, hair bundles contain many short microvilli-like processes which we term unranked stereocilia, and a subset of lengthening rows, adjacent to a kinocilium. LHFPL5 is distributed throughout the bundle, including on stereocilia tips and the kinocilium. At P3, 4-to-6 rows of ranked stereocilia are evident, total LHFPL5 expression peaks, and LHFPL5 is localised to ranked stereocilia tips of all rows and to lower shaft/ankle links. By P12, the bundle has a mature pattern with 3 ranked rows but virtually no unranked stereocilia or kinocilium; LHFPL5 expression has declined and become restricted to the tips of shorter stereocilia. Throughout development from P0, expression of LHFPL5 is greater overall on apical than basal bundles, but there is, on average, an equal amount of labelling per labelled tip. In P3 mice lacking PCDH15, LHFPL5 labelling is not at the tips but is primarily on unranked stereocilia and lower lateral links. These data show that LHFPL5 is already present in the MET apparatus at P0 but requires PCDH15 at P3 to remain there. Shaft/ankle link localisation suggests it interacts with link proteins other than PCDH15.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Robert Fettiplace
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, Wisconsin, WI, United States of America
| | - Kumar N. Alagramam
- Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, University Hospital Cleveland Medical Center, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio, OH, United States of America
| | - Ellen Cross
- School of Life Sciences, Keele University, Keele, Staffordshire, United Kingdom
| | - David N. Furness
- School of Life Sciences, Keele University, Keele, Staffordshire, United Kingdom
- * E-mail:
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Phosphoinositol-4,5-Bisphosphate Regulates Auditory Hair-Cell Mechanotransduction-Channel Pore Properties and Fast Adaptation. J Neurosci 2017; 37:11632-11646. [PMID: 29066559 DOI: 10.1523/jneurosci.1351-17.2017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2017] [Revised: 10/05/2017] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Membrane proteins, such as ion channels, interact dynamically with their lipid environment. Phosphoinositol-4,5-bisphosphate (PIP2) can directly or indirectly modify ion-channel properties. In auditory sensory hair cells of rats (Sprague Dawley) of either sex, PIP2 localizes within stereocilia, near stereocilia tips. Modulating the amount of free PIP2 in inner hair-cell stereocilia resulted in the following: (1) the loss of a fast component of mechanoelectric-transduction current adaptation, (2) an increase in the number of channels open at the hair bundle's resting position, (3) a reduction of single-channel conductance, (4) a change in ion selectivity, and (5) a reduction in calcium pore blocking effects. These changes occur without altering hair-bundle compliance or the number of functional stereocilia within a given hair bundle. Although the specific molecular mechanism for PIP2 action remains to be uncovered, data support a hypothesis for PIP2 directly regulating channel conformation to alter calcium permeation and single-channel conductance.SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT How forces are relayed to the auditory mechanoelectrical transduction (MET) channel remains unknown. However, researchers have surmised that lipids might be involved. Previous work on bullfrog hair cells showed an effect of phosphoinositol-4,5-bisphosphate (PIP2) depletion on MET current amplitude and adaptation, leading to the postulation of the existence of an underlying myosin-based adaptation mechanism. We find similar results in rat cochlea hair cells but extend these data to include single-channel analysis, hair-bundle mechanics, and channel-permeation properties. These additional data attribute PIP2 effects to actions on MET-channel properties and not motor interactions. Further findings support PIP2's role in modulating a fast, myosin-independent, and Ca2+-independent adaptation process, validating fast adaptation's biological origin. Together this shows PIP2's pivotal role in auditory MET, likely as a direct channel modulator.
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Abstract
Our ears are remarkable sensory organs, providing the important senses of balance and hearing. The complex structure of the inner ear, or 'labyrinth', along with the assorted neuroepithelia, have evolved to detect head movements and sounds with impressive sensitivity. The rub is that the inner ear is highly vulnerable to genetic lesions and environmental insults. According to National Institute of Health estimates, hearing loss is one of the most commonly inherited or acquired sensorineural diseases. To understand the causes of deafness and balance disorders, it is imperative to understand the underlying biology of the inner ear, especially the inner workings of the sensory receptors. These receptors, which are termed hair cells, are particularly susceptible to genetic mutations - more than two dozen genes are associated with defects in this cell type in humans. Over the past decade, a substantial amount of progress has been made in working out the molecular basis of hair-cell function using vertebrate animal models. Given the transparency of the inner ear and the genetic tools that are available, zebrafish have become an increasingly popular animal model for the study of deafness and vestibular dysfunction. Mutagenesis screens for larval defects in hearing and balance have been fruitful in finding key components, many of which have been implicated in human deafness. This review will focus on the genes that are required for hair-cell function in zebrafish, with a particular emphasis on mechanotransduction. In addition, the generation of new tools available for the characterization of zebrafish hair-cell mutants will be discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Teresa Nicolson
- Oregon Hearing Research Center and the Vollum Institute, Oregon Health and Science University, 3181 SW Sam Jackson Park Road, Portland, OR 97239, Tel: 503-494-3693,
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Molecular Identity of the Mechanotransduction Channel in Hair Cells: Not Quiet There Yet. J Neurosci 2017; 36:10927-10934. [PMID: 27798175 DOI: 10.1523/jneurosci.1149-16.2016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2016] [Accepted: 05/23/2016] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Hair cells in the mammalian cochlea are specialized mechanosensory cells that convert sound-induced vibrations into electrochemical signals. The molecular composition of the mechanotransduction channel underlying auditory perception has been difficult to define. The study of genes that are linked to inherited forms of deafness has recently provided tantalizing clues. Current findings indicate that the mechanotransduction channel in hair cells is a complex molecular machine. Four different proteins (TMHS/LHFPL5, TMIE, TMC1, and TMC2) have so far been linked to the transduction channel, but which proteins contribute to the channel pore still needs to be determined. Current evidence also suggests that the channel complex may contain additional, yet to be identified components.
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Cunningham CL, Wu Z, Jafari A, Zhao B, Schrode K, Harkins-Perry S, Lauer A, Müller U. The murine catecholamine methyltransferase mTOMT is essential for mechanotransduction by cochlear hair cells. eLife 2017; 6. [PMID: 28504928 PMCID: PMC5462538 DOI: 10.7554/elife.24318] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2016] [Accepted: 05/14/2017] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Hair cells of the cochlea are mechanosensors for the perception of sound. Mutations in the LRTOMT gene, which encodes a protein with homology to the catecholamine methyltransferase COMT that is linked to schizophrenia, cause deafness. Here, we show that Tomt/Comt2, the murine ortholog of LRTOMT, has an unexpected function in the regulation of mechanotransduction by hair cells. The role of mTOMT in hair cells is independent of mTOMT methyltransferase function and mCOMT cannot substitute for mTOMT function. Instead, mTOMT binds to putative components of the mechanotransduction channel in hair cells and is essential for the transport of some of these components into the mechanically sensitive stereocilia of hair cells. Our studies thus suggest functional diversification between mCOMT and mTOMT, where mTOMT is critical for the assembly of the mechanotransduction machinery of hair cells. Defects in this process are likely mechanistically linked to deafness caused by mutations in LRTOMT/Tomt. DOI:http://dx.doi.org/10.7554/eLife.24318.001
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Affiliation(s)
- Christopher L Cunningham
- The Solomon Snyder Department of Neuroscience, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, United States
| | - Zizhen Wu
- The Solomon Snyder Department of Neuroscience, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, United States
| | - Aria Jafari
- Department of Surgery, University of California, San Diego, San Diego, United States
| | - Bo Zhao
- Department of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, United States
| | - Kat Schrode
- Department of Otolaryngology, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, United States
| | - Sarah Harkins-Perry
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, United States
| | - Amanda Lauer
- Department of Otolaryngology, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, United States
| | - Ulrich Müller
- The Solomon Snyder Department of Neuroscience, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, United States
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Perny M, Solyga M, Grandgirard D, Roccio M, Leib SL, Senn P. Streptococcus pneumoniae-induced ototoxicity in organ of Corti explant cultures. Hear Res 2017; 350:100-109. [PMID: 28460251 DOI: 10.1016/j.heares.2017.04.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2016] [Revised: 04/11/2017] [Accepted: 04/23/2017] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Hearing loss remains the most common long-term complication of pneumococcal meningitis (PM) reported in up to 30% of survivors. Streptococcus pneumoniae have been shown to possess different ototoxic properties. Here we present a novel ex vivo experimental setup to examine in detail the pattern of hair cell loss upon exposure to different S. pneumoniae strains, therefore recapitulating pathogen derived aspects of PM-induced hearing loss. Our results show a higher susceptibility towards S. pneumoniae-induced cochlear damage for outer hair cells (OHC) compared to inner hair cells (IHC), which is consistent with in vivo data. S. pneumoniae-induced hair cell loss was both time and dose-dependent. Moreover, we have found significant differences in the level of cell damage between tissue from the basal and the apical turns. This shows that the higher vulnerability of hair cells located at high frequency regions observed in vivo cannot be explained solely by the spatial organisation and bacterial infiltration from the basal portion of the cochlea. Using a wild type D39 strain and a mutant defective for the pneumolysin (PLY) gene, we also have shown that the toxin PLY is an important factor involved in ototoxic damages. The obtained results indicate that PLY can cause both IHC and OHC loss. Finally, we are reporting here for the first time a higher vulnerability of HC located at the basal and middle cochlear region to pneumolysin-induced damage. The detailed description of the susceptibility of hair cells to Streptococcus pneumoniae provided in this report can in the future determine the choice and the development of novel otoprotective therapies during pneumococcal meningitis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael Perny
- Neuroinfection Laboratory, Institute for Infectious Diseases, University of Bern, Switzerland; Inner Ear Research Laboratory, Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head& Neck Surgery, Inselspital Bern and Department of Clinical Research, University of Bern, Switzerland; Cluster for Regenerative Neuroscience, Department of Clinical Research, University of Bern, Switzerland
| | - Magdalena Solyga
- Inner Ear Research Laboratory, Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head& Neck Surgery, Inselspital Bern and Department of Clinical Research, University of Bern, Switzerland; Cluster for Regenerative Neuroscience, Department of Clinical Research, University of Bern, Switzerland
| | - Denis Grandgirard
- Neuroinfection Laboratory, Institute for Infectious Diseases, University of Bern, Switzerland; Cluster for Regenerative Neuroscience, Department of Clinical Research, University of Bern, Switzerland
| | - Marta Roccio
- Inner Ear Research Laboratory, Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head& Neck Surgery, Inselspital Bern and Department of Clinical Research, University of Bern, Switzerland; Cluster for Regenerative Neuroscience, Department of Clinical Research, University of Bern, Switzerland
| | - Stephen L Leib
- Neuroinfection Laboratory, Institute for Infectious Diseases, University of Bern, Switzerland; Cluster for Regenerative Neuroscience, Department of Clinical Research, University of Bern, Switzerland.
| | - Pascal Senn
- Inner Ear Research Laboratory, Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head& Neck Surgery, Inselspital Bern and Department of Clinical Research, University of Bern, Switzerland; Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head & Neck Surgery, University Hospital Geneva (HUG), Genève, Switzerland; Cluster for Regenerative Neuroscience, Department of Clinical Research, University of Bern, Switzerland.
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Spatial Gradients in the Size of Inner Hair Cell Ribbons Emerge Before the Onset of Hearing in Rats. J Assoc Res Otolaryngol 2017; 18:399-413. [PMID: 28361374 DOI: 10.1007/s10162-017-0620-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2016] [Accepted: 03/02/2017] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
The size and locations of pre-synaptic ribbons and glutamate receptors within and around inner hair cells are correlated with auditory afferent response features such as the spontaneous discharge rate (SR), threshold, and dynamic range of sound intensity representation (the so-called SR-groups). To test if the development of these spatial gradients requires experience with sound intensity, we quantified the size and spatial distribution of synaptic ribbons from the inner hair cells of neonatal rats before and after the onset of hearing (from post-natal day (P) 3 to P33). To quantify ribbon size, we used high resolution fluorescence confocal microscopy and 3-D reconstructions of immunolabeled ribbons. The size, density, and spatial distribution of ribbons changed during development. At P3, ribbons were densely clustered near the basal/modiolar face of the hair cell where low SR-groups preferentially contact adult hair cells. By P12, the disparity in ribbon count was less striking and ribbons were equally likely to occupy both faces. At all ages before P12, ribbons were larger on the modiolar face than on the pillar face. These differences initially grew larger with age but collapsed around the onset of hearing. Between P12 and P33, the spatial gradients remained small and began to re-emerge around P33. Even by P12, we did not find spatial gradients in the size of the post-synaptic glutamate receptors as is found on afferent terminals contacting adult inner hair cells. These results suggest that spatial gradients in ribbon size develop in the absence of sensory experience.
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Vélez-Ortega AC, Freeman MJ, Indzhykulian AA, Grossheim JM, Frolenkov GI. Mechanotransduction current is essential for stability of the transducing stereocilia in mammalian auditory hair cells. eLife 2017; 6. [PMID: 28350294 PMCID: PMC5407859 DOI: 10.7554/elife.24661] [Citation(s) in RCA: 65] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/24/2016] [Accepted: 03/27/2017] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Mechanotransducer channels at the tips of sensory stereocilia of inner ear hair cells are gated by the tension of 'tip links' interconnecting stereocilia. To ensure maximal sensitivity, tip links are tensioned at rest, resulting in a continuous influx of Ca2+ into the cell. Here, we show that this constitutive Ca2+ influx, usually considered as potentially deleterious for hair cells, is in fact essential for stereocilia stability. In the auditory hair cells of young postnatal mice and rats, a reduction in mechanotransducer current, via pharmacological channel blockers or disruption of tip links, leads to stereocilia shape changes and shortening. These effects occur only in stereocilia that harbor mechanotransducer channels, recover upon blocker washout or tip link regeneration and can be replicated by manipulations of extracellular Ca2+ or intracellular Ca2+ buffering. Thus, our data provide the first experimental evidence for the dynamic control of stereocilia morphology by the mechanotransduction current. DOI:http://dx.doi.org/10.7554/eLife.24661.001 Our sense of hearing depends on cells known as hair cells that line the inner ear. Each hair cell has tiny projections called stereocilia, which are arranged in a bundle with rows of increasing height like a staircase and are connected to each other by tiny filaments called tip-links. When sound waves hit the stereocilia, the tension on the tip-links increases, which opens “mechanotransduction” channels on the shorter stereocilia that allow calcium ions to flow into the cells. To ensure that the ears can detect even the softest sounds, the tip-links always have a small amount of tension which allows a small, but continuous flow of calcium ions into the cell. Scientists generally consider this continuous flow of calcium ions as a potentially harmful byproduct of sensitive hearing. Vélez-Ortega et al. isolated inner ear tissues from young mice and rats and exposed them to drugs that either block the flow of calcium ions through the mechanotransduction channels or break the tip-links on stereocilia. Surprisingly, these drugs made profound changes in the shape of individual stereocilia and the staircase architecture of the stereocilia bundle. When the drugs were rinsed out of the hair cells, the stereocilia went back to their normal shape. Sequestering of free calcium ions inside the hair cells had a similar effect on the shape of stereocilia. These findings show that the flow of calcium ions into the sterocilia via mechanotransduction channels controls the exquisite staircase-like architecture of the stereocilia bundle. More research is needed to identify which structural proteins cause the stereocilia shape changes and to work out exactly how calcium ions are involved. DOI:http://dx.doi.org/10.7554/eLife.24661.002
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Affiliation(s)
- A Catalina Vélez-Ortega
- Department of Physiology, College of Medicine, University of Kentucky, Lexington, United States
| | - Mary J Freeman
- Department of Physiology, College of Medicine, University of Kentucky, Lexington, United States
| | - Artur A Indzhykulian
- Department of Physiology, College of Medicine, University of Kentucky, Lexington, United States
| | - Jonathan M Grossheim
- Department of Physiology, College of Medicine, University of Kentucky, Lexington, United States
| | - Gregory I Frolenkov
- Department of Physiology, College of Medicine, University of Kentucky, Lexington, United States
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Synchronized Progression of Prestin Expression and Auditory Brainstem Response during Postnatal Development in Rats. Neural Plast 2016; 2016:4545826. [PMID: 28097024 PMCID: PMC5210174 DOI: 10.1155/2016/4545826] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2016] [Revised: 11/08/2016] [Accepted: 11/30/2016] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Prestin is the motor protein expressed in the cochlear outer hair cells (OHCs) of mammalian inner ear. The electromotility of OHCs driven by prestin is responsible for the cochlear amplification which is required for normal hearing in adult animals. Postnatal expression of prestin and activity of OHCs may contribute to the maturation of hearing in rodents. However, the temporal and spatial expression of prestin in cochlea during the development is not well characterized. In the present study, we examined the expression and function of prestin from the OHCs in apical, middle, and basal turns of the cochleae of postnatal rats. Prestin first appeared at postnatal day 6 (P6) for basal turn, P7 in middle turn, and P9 for apical turn of cochlea. The expression level increased progressively over the next few days and by P14 reached the mature level for all three segments. By comparison with the time course of the development of auditory brainstem response for different frequencies, our data reveal that prestin expression synchronized with the hearing development. The present study suggests that the onset time of hearing may require the expression of prestin and is determined by the mature function of OHCs.
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44
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Mechanosensory hair cells express two molecularly distinct mechanotransduction channels. Nat Neurosci 2016; 20:24-33. [PMID: 27893727 PMCID: PMC5191906 DOI: 10.1038/nn.4449] [Citation(s) in RCA: 81] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2016] [Accepted: 10/27/2016] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Auditory hair cells contain mechanotransduction channels that rapidly open in response to sound-induced vibrations. Surprisingly, we report here that auditory hair cells contain two molecularly distinct mechanotransduction channels. One ion channel is activated by sound and is responsible for sensory transduction. This sensory transduction channel is expressed in hair-cell stereocilia and previous studies show that its activity is affected by mutations in the genes encoding the transmembrane proteins TMHS/LHFPL5, TMIE and TMC1/2. We show here that the second ion channel is expressed at the apical surface of hair cells and contains the Piezo2 protein. The activity of the Piezo2-dependent channel is controlled by the intracellular Ca2+ concentration and can be recorded following disruption of the sensory transduction machinery or more generally by disruption of the sensory epithelium. We thus conclude that hair cells express two molecularly and functionally distinct mechanotransduction channels with different subcellular distribution.
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45
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Adaptation Independent Modulation of Auditory Hair Cell Mechanotransduction Channel Open Probability Implicates a Role for the Lipid Bilayer. J Neurosci 2016; 36:2945-56. [PMID: 26961949 DOI: 10.1523/jneurosci.3011-15.2016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
The auditory system is able to detect movement down to atomic dimensions. This sensitivity comes in part from mechanisms associated with gating of hair cell mechanoelectric transduction (MET) channels. MET channels, located at the tops of stereocilia, are poised to detect tension induced by hair bundle deflection. Hair bundle deflection generates a force by pulling on tip-link proteins connecting adjacent stereocilia. The resting open probability (P(open)) of MET channels determines the linearity and sensitivity to mechanical stimulation. Classically, P(open) is regulated by a calcium-sensitive adaptation mechanism in which lowering extracellular calcium or depolarization increases P(open). Recent data demonstrated that the fast component of adaptation is independent of both calcium and voltage, thus requiring an alternative explanation for the sensitivity of P(open) to calcium and voltage. Using rat auditory hair cells, we characterize a mechanism, separate from fast adaptation, whereby divalent ions interacting with the local lipid environment modulate resting P(open). The specificity of this effect for different divalent ions suggests binding sites that are not an EF-hand or calmodulin model. GsMTx4, a lipid-mediated modifier of cationic stretch-activated channels, eliminated the voltage and divalent sensitivity with minimal effects on adaptation. We hypothesize that the dual mechanisms (lipid modulation and adaptation) extend the dynamic range of the system while maintaining adaptation kinetics at their maximal rates.
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46
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Marcotti W, Corns LF, Goodyear RJ, Rzadzinska AK, Avraham KB, Steel KP, Richardson GP, Kros CJ. The acquisition of mechano-electrical transducer current adaptation in auditory hair cells requires myosin VI. J Physiol 2016; 594:3667-81. [PMID: 27111754 PMCID: PMC4929313 DOI: 10.1113/jp272220] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2016] [Accepted: 04/08/2016] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
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.
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Affiliation(s)
- Walter Marcotti
- Sussex Neuroscience, School of Life Sciences, University of Sussex, Falmer, Brighton, BN1 9QG, UK.,Department of Biomedical Science, Addison Building, University of Sheffield, Western Bank, Sheffield, S10 2TN, UK
| | - Laura F Corns
- Department of Biomedical Science, Addison Building, University of Sheffield, Western Bank, Sheffield, S10 2TN, UK
| | - Richard J Goodyear
- Sussex Neuroscience, School of Life Sciences, University of Sussex, Falmer, Brighton, BN1 9QG, UK
| | | | - Karen B Avraham
- Department of Human Molecular Genetics and Biochemistry, Sackler Faculty of Medicine and Sagol School of Neuroscience, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, 6997801, Israel
| | - Karen P Steel
- Wellcome Trust Sanger Institute, Genome Campus, Hinxton, Cambridge, CB10 1SA, UK.,Wolfson Centre for Age-Related Diseases, King's College London, Guy's Campus, London, SE1 1UL, UK
| | - Guy P Richardson
- Sussex Neuroscience, School of Life Sciences, University of Sussex, Falmer, Brighton, BN1 9QG, UK
| | - Corné J Kros
- Sussex Neuroscience, School of Life Sciences, University of Sussex, Falmer, Brighton, BN1 9QG, UK.,Department of Otorhinolaryngology, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, 9700 RB, Groningen, The Netherlands
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Functional development of mechanosensitive hair cells in stem cell-derived organoids parallels native vestibular hair cells. Nat Commun 2016; 7:11508. [PMID: 27215798 PMCID: PMC4890183 DOI: 10.1038/ncomms11508] [Citation(s) in RCA: 66] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2015] [Accepted: 04/05/2016] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Inner ear sensory epithelia contain mechanosensitive hair cells that transmit information to the brain through innervation with bipolar neurons. Mammalian hair cells do not regenerate and are limited in number. Here we investigate the potential to generate mechanosensitive hair cells from mouse embryonic stem cells in a three-dimensional (3D) culture system. The system faithfully recapitulates mouse inner ear induction followed by self-guided development into organoids that morphologically resemble inner ear vestibular organs. We find that organoid hair cells acquire mechanosensitivity equivalent to functionally mature hair cells in postnatal mice. The organoid hair cells also progress through a similar dynamic developmental pattern of ion channel expression, reminiscent of two subtypes of native vestibular hair cells. We conclude that our 3D culture system can generate large numbers of fully functional sensory cells which could be used to investigate mechanisms of inner ear development and disease as well as regenerative mechanisms for inner ear repair. Sensory hair cells from the mammalian inner ear do not regenerate. Here, the authors induce direct hair cell formation from mouse embryonic stem cells using a three-dimensional culture system and observe differentiation of Type I and Type II vestibular hair cells and establishment of synapses with neurons.
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48
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Development and localization of reverse-polarity mechanotransducer channels in cochlear hair cells. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2016; 113:6767-72. [PMID: 27162344 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1601067113] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Cochlear hair cells normally detect positive deflections of their hair bundles, rotating toward their tallest edge, which opens mechanotransducer (MT) channels by increased tension in interciliary tip links. After tip-link destruction, the normal polarity of MT current is replaced by a mechanically sensitive current evoked by negative bundle deflections. The "reverse-polarity" current was investigated in cochlear hair cells after tip-link destruction with BAPTA, in transmembrane channel-like protein isoforms 1/2 (Tmc1:Tmc2) double mutants, and during perinatal development. This current is a natural adjunct of embryonic development, present in all wild-type hair cells but declining after birth with emergence of the normal-polarity current. Evidence indicated the reverse-polarity current seen developmentally was a manifestation of the same ion channel as that evident under abnormal conditions in Tmc mutants or after tip-link destruction. In all cases, sinusoidal fluid-jet stimuli from different orientations suggested the underlying channels were opened not directly by deflections of the hair bundle but by deformation of the apical plasma membrane. Cell-attached patch recording on the hair-cell apical membrane revealed, after BAPTA treatment or during perinatal development, 90-pS stretch-activated cation channels that could be blocked by Ca(2+) and by FM1-43. High-speed Ca(2+) imaging, using swept-field confocal microscopy, showed the Ca(2+) influx through the reverse-polarity channels was not localized to the hair bundle, but distributed across the apical plasma membrane. These reverse-polarity channels, which we propose to be renamed "unconventional" mechanically sensitive channels, have some properties similar to the normal MT channels, but the relationship between the two types is still not well defined.
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49
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Tissue mechanics govern the rapidly adapting and symmetrical response to touch. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2015; 112:E6955-63. [PMID: 26627717 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1514138112] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Interactions with the physical world are deeply rooted in our sense of touch and depend on ensembles of somatosensory neurons that invade and innervate the skin. Somatosensory neurons convert the mechanical energy delivered in each touch into excitatory membrane currents carried by mechanoelectrical transduction (MeT) channels. Pacinian corpuscles in mammals and touch receptor neurons (TRNs) in Caenorhabditis elegans nematodes are embedded in distinctive specialized accessory structures, have low thresholds for activation, and adapt rapidly to the application and removal of mechanical loads. Recently, many of the protein partners that form native MeT channels in these and other somatosensory neurons have been identified. However, the biophysical mechanism of symmetric responses to the onset and offset of mechanical stimulation has eluded understanding for decades. Moreover, it is not known whether applied force or the resulting indentation activate MeT channels. Here, we introduce a system for simultaneously recording membrane current, applied force, and the resulting indentation in living C. elegans (Feedback-controlled Application of mechanical Loads Combined with in vivo Neurophysiology, FALCON) and use it, together with modeling, to study these questions. We show that current amplitude increases with indentation, not force, and that fast stimuli evoke larger currents than slower stimuli producing the same or smaller indentation. A model linking body indentation to MeT channel activation through an embedded viscoelastic element reproduces the experimental findings, predicts that the TRNs function as a band-pass mechanical filter, and provides a general mechanism for symmetrical and rapidly adapting MeT channel activation relevant to somatosensory neurons across phyla and submodalities.
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Zou J, Mathur PD, Zheng T, Wang Y, Almishaal A, Park AH, Yang J. Individual USH2 proteins make distinct contributions to the ankle link complex during development of the mouse cochlear stereociliary bundle. Hum Mol Genet 2015; 24:6944-57. [PMID: 26401052 DOI: 10.1093/hmg/ddv398] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2015] [Accepted: 09/21/2015] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Usher syndrome (USH) is the leading cause of inherited deaf-blindness, with type 2 (USH2) being the most common clinical form. Studies suggest that proteins encoded by USH2 causative genes assemble into the ankle link complex (ALC) at the hair cell stereociliary bundle; however, little is known about the in vivo assembly and function of this complex. Using various USH2 mutant mice, we showed by immunofluorescence that USH2 proteins play different roles in cochlear ALC assembly, with G protein-coupled receptor 98 being the most important protein. Complex assembly likely occurs at the stereociliary bundle but not along the protein transport route in the cell body. Stereociliary morphological defects in USH2 mutant mice suggest roles for the ALC in regulating inner hair cell stereociliary growth and differentiation as well as outer hair cell stereociliary rigidity and organization during development. These roles are unique from the bundle cohesion role of Usher syndrome type 1 protein complexes. Loss of individual USH2 gene expressions leads to variable morphological and functional consequences, correlating with the severity of ALC disruption. This finding suggests a potential genotype-phenotype correlation in USH2 patients. In summary, this study provides novel insights into the molecular mechanism underlying cochlear stereociliary bundle development and hearing loss pathogenesis of various USH2 subtypes. Our thorough phenotypical characterization of USH2 mouse models is essential for future use of these animal models in therapeutic development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Junhuang Zou
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Moran Eye Center, University of Utah, 65 Mario Capecchi Drive, Salt Lake City, UT 84132, USA
| | - Pranav D Mathur
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Moran Eye Center, University of Utah, 65 Mario Capecchi Drive, Salt Lake City, UT 84132, USA, Department of Neurobiology and Anatomy, University of Utah, 20 North 1900 East, Salt Lake City, UT 84132, USA
| | - Tihua Zheng
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Moran Eye Center, University of Utah, 65 Mario Capecchi Drive, Salt Lake City, UT 84132, USA
| | - Yong Wang
- Division of Otolaryngology, Department of Surgery, University of Utah, 30 North 1900 East, Salt Lake City, UT 84132, USA and
| | - Ali Almishaal
- Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders, University of Utah, 390 South 1530 East, Salt Lake City, UT 84112, USA
| | - Albert H Park
- Division of Otolaryngology, Department of Surgery, University of Utah, 30 North 1900 East, Salt Lake City, UT 84132, USA and
| | - Jun Yang
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Moran Eye Center, University of Utah, 65 Mario Capecchi Drive, Salt Lake City, UT 84132, USA, Department of Neurobiology and Anatomy, University of Utah, 20 North 1900 East, Salt Lake City, UT 84132, USA, Division of Otolaryngology, Department of Surgery, University of Utah, 30 North 1900 East, Salt Lake City, UT 84132, USA and
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