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Kersbergen CJ, Bergles DE. Priming central sound processing circuits through induction of spontaneous activity in the cochlea before hearing onset. Trends Neurosci 2024; 47:522-537. [PMID: 38782701 PMCID: PMC11236524 DOI: 10.1016/j.tins.2024.04.007] [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: 12/22/2023] [Revised: 04/02/2024] [Accepted: 04/26/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024]
Abstract
Sensory systems experience a period of intrinsically generated neural activity before maturation is complete and sensory transduction occurs. Here we review evidence describing the mechanisms and functions of this 'spontaneous' activity in the auditory system. Both ex vivo and in vivo studies indicate that this correlated activity is initiated by non-sensory supporting cells within the developing cochlea, which induce depolarization and burst firing of groups of nearby hair cells in the sensory epithelium, activity that is conveyed to auditory neurons that will later process similar sound features. This stereotyped neural burst firing promotes cellular maturation, synaptic refinement, acoustic sensitivity, and establishment of sound-responsive domains in the brain. While sensitive to perturbation, the developing auditory system exhibits remarkable homeostatic mechanisms to preserve periodic burst firing in deaf mice. Preservation of this early spontaneous activity in the context of deafness may enhance the efficacy of later interventions to restore hearing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Calvin J Kersbergen
- The Solomon H. Snyder Department of Neuroscience, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Dwight E Bergles
- The Solomon H. Snyder Department of Neuroscience, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA; Department of Biomedical Engineering, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA; Department of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA; Kavli Neuroscience Discovery Institute, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA.
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2
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Kersbergen CJ, Babola TA, Kanold PO, Bergles DE. Preservation of developmental spontaneous activity enables early auditory system maturation in deaf mice. PLoS Biol 2023; 21:e3002160. [PMID: 37368868 PMCID: PMC10298803 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pbio.3002160] [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] [Accepted: 05/11/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Intrinsically generated neural activity propagates through the developing auditory system to promote maturation and refinement of sound processing circuits prior to hearing onset. This early patterned activity is induced by non-sensory supporting cells in the organ of Corti, which are highly interconnected through gap junctions containing connexin 26 (Gjb2). Although loss of function mutations in Gjb2 impair cochlear development and are the most common cause of congenital deafness, it is not known if these variants disrupt spontaneous activity and the developmental trajectory of sound processing circuits in the brain. Here, we show in a new mouse model of Gjb2-mediated congenital deafness that cochlear supporting cells adjacent to inner hair cells (IHCs) unexpectedly retain intercellular coupling and the capacity to generate spontaneous activity, exhibiting only modest deficits prior to hearing onset. Supporting cells lacking Gjb2 elicited coordinated activation of IHCs, leading to coincident bursts of activity in central auditory neurons that will later process similar frequencies of sound. Despite alterations in the structure of the sensory epithelium, hair cells within the cochlea of Gjb2-deficient mice were intact and central auditory neurons could be activated within appropriate tonotopic domains by loud sounds at hearing onset, indicating that early maturation and refinement of auditory circuits was preserved. Only after cessation of spontaneous activity following hearing onset did progressive hair cell degeneration and enhanced auditory neuron excitability manifest. This preservation of cochlear spontaneous neural activity in the absence of connexin 26 may increase the effectiveness of early therapeutic interventions to restore hearing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Calvin J. Kersbergen
- The Solomon H. Snyder Department of Neuroscience, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Travis A. Babola
- The Solomon H. Snyder Department of Neuroscience, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Patrick O. Kanold
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Dwight E. Bergles
- The Solomon H. Snyder Department of Neuroscience, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America
- Department of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America
- Kavli Neuroscience Discovery Institute, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America
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3
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Ma Q, Zhang J, Qi W, Li Z, Jiang Y, Zhang M, He H, Su K, Shi H. Store-Operated Ca 2+ Channels Contribute to the Generation of Ca 2+ Waves in Interdental Cells in the Cochleae. ACS Chem Neurosci 2023; 14:1896-1904. [PMID: 37146126 DOI: 10.1021/acschemneuro.3c00161] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Cochlear calcium (Ca2+) waves are vital regulators of the cochlear development and establishment of hearing function. Inner supporting cells are believed to be the main region generating Ca2+ waves that work as internal stimuli to coordinate the development of hair cells and the mapping of neurons in the cochlea. However, Ca2+ waves in interdental cells (IDCs) that connect to inner supporting cells and spiral ganglion neurons are rarely observed and poorly understood. Herein, we reported the mechanism of IDC Ca2+ wave formation and propagation by developing a single-cell Ca2+ excitation technology, which can easily be accomplished using a two-photon microscope for simultaneous microscopy and femtosecond laser Ca2+ excitation in any target individual cell in fresh cochlear tissues. We demonstrated that the store-operated Ca2+ channels in IDCs are responsible for Ca2+ wave formation in these cells. The specific architecture of the IDCs determines the propagation of Ca2+ waves. Our results provide the mechanism of Ca2+ formation in IDCs and a controllable, precise, and noninvasive technology to excite local Ca2+ waves in the cochlea, with good potential for research on cochlear Ca2+ and hearing functions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiang Ma
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology Head & Neck Surgery, Shanghai Sixth People's Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200233, China
| | - Jianning Zhang
- Yueyang Hospital of Integrative Chinese & Western Medicine Affiliated to Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai 200437, China
| | - Weidong Qi
- Department of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Huashan Hospital Fudan University, Shanghai 200040, China
| | - Zhuangzhuang Li
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology Head & Neck Surgery, Shanghai Sixth People's Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200233, China
| | - Yumeng Jiang
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology Head & Neck Surgery, Shanghai Sixth People's Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200233, China
| | - Miao Zhang
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology Head & Neck Surgery, Shanghai Sixth People's Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200233, China
| | - Hao He
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology Head & Neck Surgery, Shanghai Sixth People's Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200233, China
- School of Biomedical Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200031, China
| | - Kaiming Su
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology Head & Neck Surgery, Shanghai Sixth People's Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200233, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Sleep Disordered Breathing, Shanghai 200233, China
| | - Haibo Shi
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology Head & Neck Surgery, Shanghai Sixth People's Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200233, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Sleep Disordered Breathing, Shanghai 200233, China
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Carlton AJ, Jeng J, Grandi FC, De Faveri F, Ceriani F, De Tomasi L, Underhill A, Johnson SL, Legan KP, Kros CJ, Richardson GP, Mustapha M, Marcotti W. A critical period of prehearing spontaneous Ca 2+ spiking is required for hair-bundle maintenance in inner hair cells. EMBO J 2023; 42:e112118. [PMID: 36594367 PMCID: PMC9929643 DOI: 10.15252/embj.2022112118] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2022] [Revised: 11/22/2022] [Accepted: 11/28/2022] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Sensory-independent Ca2+ spiking regulates the development of mammalian sensory systems. In the immature cochlea, inner hair cells (IHCs) fire spontaneous Ca2+ action potentials (APs) that are generated either intrinsically or by intercellular Ca2+ waves in the nonsensory cells. The extent to which either or both of these Ca2+ signalling mechansims are required for IHC maturation is unknown. We find that intrinsic Ca2+ APs in IHCs, but not those elicited by Ca2+ waves, regulate the maturation and maintenance of the stereociliary hair bundles. Using a mouse model in which the potassium channel Kir2.1 is reversibly overexpressed in IHCs (Kir2.1-OE), we find that IHC membrane hyperpolarization prevents IHCs from generating intrinsic Ca2+ APs but not APs induced by Ca2+ waves. Absence of intrinsic Ca2+ APs leads to the loss of mechanoelectrical transduction in IHCs prior to hearing onset due to progressive loss or fusion of stereocilia. RNA-sequencing data show that pathways involved in morphogenesis, actin filament-based processes, and Rho-GTPase signaling are upregulated in Kir2.1-OE mice. By manipulating in vivo expression of Kir2.1 channels, we identify a "critical time period" during which intrinsic Ca2+ APs in IHCs regulate hair-bundle function.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Jing‐Yi Jeng
- School of BiosciencesUniversity of SheffieldSheffieldUK
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Stuart L Johnson
- School of BiosciencesUniversity of SheffieldSheffieldUK
- Neuroscience InstituteUniversity of SheffieldSheffieldUK
| | - Kevin P Legan
- School of Life SciencesUniversity of Sussex, FalmerBrightonUK
| | - Corné J Kros
- School of Life SciencesUniversity of Sussex, FalmerBrightonUK
| | | | - Mirna Mustapha
- School of BiosciencesUniversity of SheffieldSheffieldUK
- Neuroscience InstituteUniversity of SheffieldSheffieldUK
| | - Walter Marcotti
- School of BiosciencesUniversity of SheffieldSheffieldUK
- Neuroscience InstituteUniversity of SheffieldSheffieldUK
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5
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Genetic insights, disease mechanisms, and biological therapeutics for Waardenburg syndrome. Gene Ther 2022; 29:479-497. [PMID: 33633356 DOI: 10.1038/s41434-021-00240-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2020] [Revised: 01/18/2021] [Accepted: 02/03/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Waardenburg syndrome (WS), also known as auditory-pigmentary syndrome, is the most common cause of syndromic hearing loss (HL), which accounts for approximately 2-5% of all patients with congenital hearing loss. WS is classified into four subtypes depending on the clinical phenotypes. Currently, pathogenic mutations of PAX3, MITF, SOX10, EDN3, EDNRB or SNAI2 are associated with different subtypes of WS. Although supportive techniques like hearing aids, cochlear implants, or other assistive listening devices can alleviate the HL symptom, there is no cure for WS to date. Recently major progress has been achieved in preclinical studies of genetic HL in animal models, including gene delivery and stem cell replacement therapies. This review focuses on the current understandings of pathogenic mechanisms and potential biological therapeutic approaches for HL in WS, providing strategies and directions for implementing WS biological therapies, as well as possible problems to be faced, in the future.
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Analysis of Bone Mineral Density and Bithermal Caloric Test Results in Unilateral Idiopathic Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo Patients. Otol Neurotol 2022; 43:e780-e786. [PMID: 35763493 DOI: 10.1097/mao.0000000000003565] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV) is the most frequently diagnosed type of peripheral vestibular vertigo. Studies have reported a possible association between BPPV and osteoporosis; however, there is still a lack of evidence. This study aimed to investigate the characteristics of bone mineral density (BMD) and bithermal caloric test results in patients with unilateral posterior canal idiopathic benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (pc-iBPPV). METHODS BMD was measured in 65pc-iBPPV menopausal female patients and 65 healthy controls using dual-energy xray absorptiometry and then compared the T-score of BMD between the two groups. The bithermal caloric test was also performed with video nystagmography and the relationship between canal paresis, directional preponderance, T-score, and recurrence were analyzed. RESULTS Lower T-scores were observed in pc-iBPPV patients compared with the normal subjects. Among 65 pc-iBPPV patients, free recurrence was observed in 38 (58.5%), single recurrence was noted in 14 (21.5%), and multiple recurrences were seen in 13 (20%) patients. The proportion of positive T-score and CP value increased with the pc-BPPV recurrence frequency. Statistically, a significant difference was found only in T-score, indicating that recurrence was raised with a decrement of T-score. The proportion of positive CP values tended to increase as BMD decreased. CONCLUSION The decrement of BMD might be one of the pathogeneses in patients with unilateral pc-iBPPV and associated with multiple recurrences. Moreover, positive CP value cannot be regarded as a predictive factor for recurrence; however, there is a clear association between CP and BMD.
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Zhang Q, Kindt KS. Using Light-Sheet Microscopy to Study Spontaneous Activity in the Developing Lateral-Line System. Front Cell Dev Biol 2022; 10:819612. [PMID: 35592245 PMCID: PMC9112283 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2022.819612] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2021] [Accepted: 01/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Hair cells are the sensory receptors in the auditory and vestibular systems of all vertebrates, and in the lateral-line system of aquatic vertebrates. The purpose of this work is to explore the zebrafish lateral-line system as a model to study and understand spontaneous activity in vivo. Our work applies genetically encoded calcium indicators along with light-sheet fluorescence microscopy to visualize spontaneous calcium activity in the developing lateral-line system. Consistent with our previous work, we show that spontaneous calcium activity is present in developing lateral-line hair cells. We now show that supporting cells that surround hair cells, and cholinergic efferent terminals that directly contact hair cells are also spontaneously active. Using two-color functional imaging we demonstrate that spontaneous activity in hair cells does not correlate with activity in either supporting cells or cholinergic terminals. We find that during lateral-line development, hair cells autonomously generate spontaneous events. Using localized calcium indicators, we show that within hair cells, spontaneous calcium activity occurs in two distinct domains—the mechanosensory bundle and the presynapse. Further, spontaneous activity in the mechanosensory bundle ultimately drives spontaneous calcium influx at the presynapse. Comprehensively, our results indicate that in developing lateral-line hair cells, autonomously generated spontaneous activity originates with spontaneous mechanosensory events.
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Sun L, Gao D, Chen J, Hou S, Li Y, Huang Y, Mammano F, Chen J, Yang J. Failure Of Hearing Acquisition in Mice With Reduced Expression of Connexin 26 Correlates With the Abnormal Phasing of Apoptosis Relative to Autophagy and Defective ATP-Dependent Ca2+ Signaling in Kölliker’s Organ. Front Cell Neurosci 2022; 16:816079. [PMID: 35308122 PMCID: PMC8928193 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2022.816079] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2021] [Accepted: 02/03/2022] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Mutations in the GJB2 gene that encodes connexin 26 (Cx26) are the predominant cause of prelingual hereditary deafness, and the most frequently encountered variants cause complete loss of protein function. To investigate how Cx26 deficiency induces deafness, we examined the levels of apoptosis and autophagy in Gjb2loxP/loxP; ROSA26CreER mice injected with tamoxifen on the day of birth. After weaning, these mice exhibited severe hearing impairment and reduced Cx26 expression in the cochlear duct. Terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick end labeling (TUNEL) positive cells were observed in apical, middle, and basal turns of Kölliker’s organ at postnatal (P) day 1 (P1), associated with increased expression levels of cleaved caspase 3, but decreased levels of autophagy-related proteins LC3-II, P62, and Beclin1. In Kölliker’s organ cells with decreased Cx26 expression, we also found significantly reduced levels of intracellular ATP and hampered Ca2+ responses evoked by extracellular ATP application. These results offer novel insight into the mechanisms that prevent hearing acquisition in mouse models of non-syndromic hearing impairment due to Cx26 loss of function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lianhua Sun
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Xinhua Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
- Ear Institute, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Translational Medicine on Ear and Nose Diseases, Shanghai, China
| | - Dekun Gao
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Xinhua Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
- Ear Institute, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Translational Medicine on Ear and Nose Diseases, Shanghai, China
| | - Junmin Chen
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Xinhua Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
- Ear Institute, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Translational Medicine on Ear and Nose Diseases, Shanghai, China
| | - Shule Hou
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Xinhua Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
- Ear Institute, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Translational Medicine on Ear and Nose Diseases, Shanghai, China
| | - Yue Li
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Xinhua Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
- Ear Institute, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Translational Medicine on Ear and Nose Diseases, Shanghai, China
| | - Yuyu Huang
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Xinhua Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
- Ear Institute, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Translational Medicine on Ear and Nose Diseases, Shanghai, China
| | - Fabio Mammano
- Department of Physics and Astronomy “G. Galilei”, University of Padua, Padua, Italy
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Italian National Research Council, Monterotondo, Italy
- *Correspondence: Jun Yang Jianyong Chen Fabio Mammano
| | - Jianyong Chen
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Xinhua Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
- Ear Institute, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Translational Medicine on Ear and Nose Diseases, Shanghai, China
- *Correspondence: Jun Yang Jianyong Chen Fabio Mammano
| | - Jun Yang
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Xinhua Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
- Ear Institute, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Translational Medicine on Ear and Nose Diseases, Shanghai, China
- *Correspondence: Jun Yang Jianyong Chen Fabio Mammano
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Vogl C, Neef J, Wichmann C. Methods for multiscale structural and functional analysis of the mammalian cochlea. Mol Cell Neurosci 2022; 120:103720. [DOI: 10.1016/j.mcn.2022.103720] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2021] [Revised: 02/13/2022] [Accepted: 03/08/2022] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
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10
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Maul A, Huebner AK, Strenzke N, Moser T, Rübsamen R, Jovanovic S, Hübner CA. The Cl--channel TMEM16A is involved in the generation of cochlear Ca2+ waves and promotes the refinement of auditory brainstem networks in mice. eLife 2022; 11:72251. [PMID: 35129434 PMCID: PMC8871368 DOI: 10.7554/elife.72251] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2021] [Accepted: 02/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Before hearing onset (postnatal day 12 in mice), inner hair cells (IHCs) spontaneously fire action potentials, thereby driving pre-sensory activity in the ascending auditory pathway. The rate of IHC action potential bursts is modulated by inner supporting cells (ISCs) of Kölliker’s organ through the activity of the Ca2+-activated Cl--channel TMEM16A (ANO1). Here, we show that conditional deletion of Ano1 (Tmem16a) in mice disrupts Ca2+ waves within Kölliker’s organ, reduces the burst-firing activity and the frequency selectivity of auditory brainstem neurons in the medial nucleus of the trapezoid body (MNTB), and also impairs the functional refinement of MNTB projections to the lateral superior olive. These results reveal the importance of the activity of Kölliker’s organ for the refinement of central auditory connectivity. In addition, our study suggests the involvement of TMEM16A in the propagation of Ca2+ waves, which may also apply to other tissues expressing TMEM16A.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alena Maul
- Neuroscience Department, Max Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine
| | | | - Nicola Strenzke
- Institute for Auditory Neuroscience, Department of Otolaryngology, University of Göttingen
| | - Tobias Moser
- Institute for Auditory Neuroscience, Department of Otolaryngology, University of Göttingen
| | - Rudolf Rübsamen
- Faculty of Bioscience, Pharmacy and Psychology, University of Leipzig
| | - Saša Jovanovic
- Faculty of Bioscience, Pharmacy and Psychology, University of Leipzig
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Levic S. SK Current, Expressed During the Development and Regeneration of Chick Hair Cells, Contributes to the Patterning of Spontaneous Action Potentials. Front Cell Neurosci 2022; 15:766264. [PMID: 35069114 PMCID: PMC8770932 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2021.766264] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2021] [Accepted: 11/29/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Chick hair cells display calcium (Ca2+)-sensitive spontaneous action potentials during development and regeneration. The role of this activity is unclear but thought to be involved in establishing proper synaptic connections and tonotopic maps, both of which are instrumental to normal hearing. Using an electrophysiological approach, this work investigated the functional expression of Ca2+-sensitive potassium [IK(Ca)] currents and their role in spontaneous electrical activity in the developing and regenerating hair cells (HCs) in the chick basilar papilla. The main IK(Ca) in developing and regenerating chick HCs is an SK current, based on its sensitivity to apamin. Analysis of the functional expression of SK current showed that most dramatic changes occurred between E8 and E16. Specifically, there is a developmental downregulation of the SK current after E16. The SK current gating was very sensitive to the availability of intracellular Ca2+ but showed very little sensitivity to T-type voltage-gated Ca2+ channels, which are one of the hallmarks of developing and regenerating hair cells. Additionally, apamin reduced the frequency of spontaneous electrical activity in HCs, suggesting that SK current participates in patterning the spontaneous electrical activity of HCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Snezana Levic
- Center for Neuroscience, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA, United States
- Sensory Neuroscience Research Group, School of Pharmacy and Biomolecular Sciences, University of Brighton, Brighton, United Kingdom
- Brighton and Sussex Medical School, University of Sussex, Brighton, United Kingdom
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12
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Rabbitt RD, Holman HA. ATP and ACh Evoked Calcium Transients in the Neonatal Mouse Cochlear and Vestibular Sensory Epithelia. Front Neurosci 2021; 15:710076. [PMID: 34566562 PMCID: PMC8455828 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2021.710076] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2021] [Accepted: 08/18/2021] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Hair cells in the mammalian inner ear sensory epithelia are surrounded by supporting cells which are essential for function of cochlear and vestibular systems. In mice, support cells exhibit spontaneous intracellular Ca2+ transients in both auditory and vestibular organs during the first postnatal week before the onset of hearing. We recorded long lasting (>200 ms) Ca2+ transients in cochlear and vestibular support cells in neonatal mice using the genetic calcium indicator GCaMP5. Both cochlear and vestibular support cells exhibited spontaneous intracellular Ca2+ transients (GCaMP5 ΔF/F), in some cases propagating as waves from the apical (endolymph facing) to the basolateral surface with a speed of ∼25 μm per second, consistent with inositol trisphosphate dependent calcium induced calcium release (CICR). Acetylcholine evoked Ca2+ transients were observed in both inner border cells in the cochlea and vestibular support cells, with a larger change in GCaMP5 fluorescence in the vestibular support cells. Adenosine triphosphate evoked robust Ca2+ transients predominantly in the cochlear support cells that included Hensen’s cells, Deiters’ cells, inner hair cells, inner phalangeal cells and inner border cells. A Ca2+ event initiated in one inner border cells propagated in some instances longitudinally to neighboring inner border cells with an intercellular speed of ∼2 μm per second, and decayed after propagating along ∼3 cells. Similar intercellular propagation was not observed in the radial direction from inner border cell to inner sulcus cells, and was not observed between adjacent vestibular support cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Richard D Rabbitt
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, United States.,Graduate Program in Neuroscience, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, United States.,Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, United States
| | - Holly A Holman
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, United States
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13
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Martini FJ, Guillamón-Vivancos T, Moreno-Juan V, Valdeolmillos M, López-Bendito G. Spontaneous activity in developing thalamic and cortical sensory networks. Neuron 2021; 109:2519-2534. [PMID: 34293296 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuron.2021.06.026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 62] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2020] [Revised: 05/05/2021] [Accepted: 06/23/2021] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Developing sensory circuits exhibit different patterns of spontaneous activity, patterns that are related to the construction and refinement of functional networks. During the development of different sensory modalities, spontaneous activity originates in the immature peripheral sensory structures and in the higher-order central structures, such as the thalamus and cortex. Certainly, the perinatal thalamus exhibits spontaneous calcium waves, a pattern of activity that is fundamental for the formation of sensory maps and for circuit plasticity. Here, we review our current understanding of the maturation of early (including embryonic) patterns of spontaneous activity and their influence on the assembly of thalamic and cortical sensory networks. Overall, the data currently available suggest similarities between the developmental trajectory of brain activity in experimental models and humans, which in the future may help to improve the early diagnosis of developmental disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francisco J Martini
- Instituto de Neurociencias de Alicante, Universidad Miguel Hernández-Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (UMH-CSIC), Sant Joan d'Alacant, Spain.
| | - Teresa Guillamón-Vivancos
- Instituto de Neurociencias de Alicante, Universidad Miguel Hernández-Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (UMH-CSIC), Sant Joan d'Alacant, Spain
| | - Verónica Moreno-Juan
- Instituto de Neurociencias de Alicante, Universidad Miguel Hernández-Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (UMH-CSIC), Sant Joan d'Alacant, Spain
| | - Miguel Valdeolmillos
- Instituto de Neurociencias de Alicante, Universidad Miguel Hernández-Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (UMH-CSIC), Sant Joan d'Alacant, Spain
| | - Guillermina López-Bendito
- Instituto de Neurociencias de Alicante, Universidad Miguel Hernández-Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (UMH-CSIC), Sant Joan d'Alacant, Spain.
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Holmgren M, Sheets L. Using the Zebrafish Lateral Line to Understand the Roles of Mitochondria in Sensorineural Hearing Loss. Front Cell Dev Biol 2021; 8:628712. [PMID: 33614633 PMCID: PMC7892962 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2020.628712] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2020] [Accepted: 12/23/2020] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Hair cells are the mechanosensory receptors of the inner ear and can be damaged by noise, aging, and ototoxic drugs. This damage often results in permanent sensorineural hearing loss. Hair cells have high energy demands and rely on mitochondria to produce ATP as well as contribute to intracellular calcium homeostasis. In addition to generating ATP, mitochondria produce reactive oxygen species, which can lead to oxidative stress, and regulate cell death pathways. Zebrafish lateral-line hair cells are structurally and functionally analogous to cochlear hair cells but are optically and pharmacologically accessible within an intact specimen, making the zebrafish a good model in which to study hair-cell mitochondrial activity. Moreover, the ease of genetic manipulation of zebrafish embryos allows for the study of mutations implicated in human deafness, as well as the generation of transgenic models to visualize mitochondrial calcium transients and mitochondrial activity in live organisms. Studies of the zebrafish lateral line have shown that variations in mitochondrial activity can predict hair-cell susceptibility to damage by aminoglycosides or noise exposure. In addition, antioxidants have been shown to protect against noise trauma and ototoxic drug–induced hair-cell death. In this review, we discuss the tools and findings of recent investigations into zebrafish hair-cell mitochondria and their involvement in cellular processes, both under homeostatic conditions and in response to noise or ototoxic drugs. The zebrafish lateral line is a valuable model in which to study the roles of mitochondria in hair-cell pathologies and to develop therapeutic strategies to prevent sensorineural hearing loss in humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melanie Holmgren
- Department of Otolaryngology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, United States
| | - Lavinia Sheets
- Department of Otolaryngology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, United States.,Department of Developmental Biology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, United States
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15
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Jovanovic S, Milenkovic I. Purinergic Modulation of Activity in the Developing Auditory Pathway. Neurosci Bull 2020; 36:1285-1298. [PMID: 33040238 DOI: 10.1007/s12264-020-00586-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2020] [Accepted: 09/10/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Purinergic P2 receptors, activated by endogenous ATP, are prominently expressed on neuronal and non-neuronal cells during development of the auditory periphery and central auditory neurons. In the mature cochlea, extracellular ATP contributes to ion homeostasis, and has a protective function against noise exposure. Here, we focus on the modulation of activity by extracellular ATP during early postnatal development of the lower auditory pathway. In mammals, spontaneous patterned activity is conveyed along afferent auditory pathways before the onset of acoustically evoked signal processing. During this critical developmental period, inner hair cells fire bursts of action potentials that are believed to provide a developmental code for synaptic maturation and refinement of auditory circuits, thereby establishing a precise tonotopic organization. Endogenous ATP-release triggers such patterned activity by raising the extracellular K+ concentration and contributes to firing by increasing the excitability of auditory nerve fibers, spiral ganglion neurons, and specific neuron types within the auditory brainstem, through the activation of diverse P2 receptors. We review recent studies that provide new models on the contribution of purinergic signaling to early development of the afferent auditory pathway. Further, we discuss potential future directions of purinergic research in the auditory system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sasa Jovanovic
- School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Carl von Ossietzky University Oldenburg, 26129, Oldenburg, Germany
| | - Ivan Milenkovic
- School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Carl von Ossietzky University Oldenburg, 26129, Oldenburg, Germany.
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16
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Hair cell α9α10 nicotinic acetylcholine receptor functional expression regulated by ligand binding and deafness gene products. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2020; 117:24534-24544. [PMID: 32929005 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2013762117] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Auditory hair cells receive olivocochlear efferent innervation, which refines tonotopic mapping, improves sound discrimination, and mitigates acoustic trauma. The olivocochlear synapse involves α9α10 nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs), which assemble in hair cells only coincident with cholinergic innervation and do not express in recombinant mammalian cell lines. Here, genome-wide screening determined that assembly and surface expression of α9α10 require ligand binding. Ion channel function additionally demands an auxiliary subunit, which can be transmembrane inner ear (TMIE) or TMEM132e. Both of these single-pass transmembrane proteins are enriched in hair cells and underlie nonsyndromic human deafness. Inner hair cells from TMIE mutant mice show altered postsynaptic α9α10 function and retain α9α10-mediated transmission beyond the second postnatal week associated with abnormally persistent cholinergic innervation. Collectively, this study provides a mechanism to link cholinergic input with α9α10 assembly, identifies unexpected functions for human deafness genes TMIE/TMEM132e, and enables drug discovery for this elusive nAChR implicated in prevalent auditory disorders.
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17
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Mazzarda F, D'Elia A, Massari R, De Ninno A, Bertani FR, Businaro L, Ziraldo G, Zorzi V, Nardin C, Peres C, Chiani F, Tettey-Matey A, Raspa M, Scavizzi F, Soluri A, Salvatore AM, Yang J, Mammano F. Organ-on-chip model shows that ATP release through connexin hemichannels drives spontaneous Ca 2+ signaling in non-sensory cells of the greater epithelial ridge in the developing cochlea. LAB ON A CHIP 2020; 20:3011-3023. [PMID: 32700707 DOI: 10.1039/d0lc00427h] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Prior work supports the hypothesis that ATP release through connexin hemichannels drives spontaneous Ca2+ signaling in non-sensory cells of the greater epithelial ridge (GER) in the developing cochlea; however, direct proof is lacking. To address this issue, we plated cochlear organotypic cultures (COCs) and whole cell-based biosensors with nM ATP sensitivity (ATP-WCBs) at the bottom and top of an ad hoc designed transparent microfluidic chamber, respectively. By performing dual multiphoton Ca2+ imaging, we monitored the propagation of intercellular Ca2+ waves in the GER of COCs and ATP-dependent Ca2+ responses in overlying ATP-WCBs. Ca2+ signals in both COCs and ATP-WCBs were inhibited by supplementing the extracellular medium with ATP diphosphohydrolase (apyrase). Spontaneous Ca2+ signals were strongly depressed in the presence of Gjb6-/- COCs, in which connexin 30 (Cx30) is absent and connexin 26 (Cx26) is strongly downregulated. In contrast, spontaneous Ca2+ signals were not affected by replacement of Panx1-/- with Panx1+/+ COCs in the microfluidic chamber. Similar results were obtained by estimating ATP release from COCs using a classical luciferin-luciferase bioluminescence assay. Therefore, connexin hemichannels and not pannexin 1 channels mediate the release of ATP that is responsible for Ca2+ wave propagation in the developing mouse cochlea. The technological advances presented here have the potential to shed light on a plethora of unrelated open issues that involve paracrine signaling in physiology and pathology and cannot be addressed with standard methods.
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Affiliation(s)
- Flavia Mazzarda
- CNR Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Monterotondo, Rome, Italy. and Department of Science, Università degli Studi di Roma3, Rome, Italy
| | - Annunziata D'Elia
- CNR Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Monterotondo, Rome, Italy. and Department of Science, Università degli Studi di Roma3, Rome, Italy
| | - Roberto Massari
- CNR Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Monterotondo, Rome, Italy.
| | - Adele De Ninno
- CNR Institute for Photonics and Nanotechnology, Rome, Italy.
| | | | - Luca Businaro
- CNR Institute for Photonics and Nanotechnology, Rome, Italy.
| | - Gaia Ziraldo
- CNR Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Monterotondo, Rome, Italy. and Institute of Otorhinolaryngology, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy
| | - Veronica Zorzi
- CNR Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Monterotondo, Rome, Italy. and Institute of Otorhinolaryngology, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy
| | - Chiara Nardin
- CNR Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Monterotondo, Rome, Italy.
| | - Chiara Peres
- CNR Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Monterotondo, Rome, Italy.
| | - Francesco Chiani
- CNR Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Monterotondo, Rome, Italy.
| | | | - Marcello Raspa
- CNR Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Monterotondo, Rome, Italy.
| | | | - Alessandro Soluri
- CNR Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Monterotondo, Rome, Italy.
| | | | - Jun Yang
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Xinhua Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China. and Shanghai Key Laboratory of Translational Medicine on Ear and Nose diseases, Shanghai, China
| | - Fabio Mammano
- CNR Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Monterotondo, Rome, Italy. and Department of Physics and Astronomy "G. Galilei", University of Padova, Padua, Italy.
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18
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Schade-Mann T, Münkner S, Eckrich T, Engel J. Calcium signaling in interdental cells during the critical developmental period of the mouse cochlea. Hear Res 2020; 389:107913. [PMID: 32120242 DOI: 10.1016/j.heares.2020.107913] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2019] [Revised: 02/04/2020] [Accepted: 02/07/2020] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
The tectorial membrane (TM), a complex acellular structure that covers part of the organ of Corti and excites outer hair cells, is required for normal hearing. It consists of collagen fibrils and various glycoproteins, which are synthesized in embryonic and postnatal development by different cochlear cell types including the interdental cells (IDCs). At its modiolar side, the TM is fixed to the apical surfaces of IDCs, which form the covering epithelium of the spiral limbus. We performed confocal membrane imaging and Ca2+ imaging in IDCs of the developing mouse cochlea from birth to postnatal day 18 (P18). Using the fluorescent membrane markers FM 4-64 and CellMask™ Deep Red on explanted whole-mount cochlear epithelium, we identified the morphology of IDCs at different z-levels of the spiral limbus. Ca2+ imaging of Fluo-8 AM-loaded cochlear epithelia revealed spontaneous intracellular Ca2+ transients in IDCs at P0/1, P4/5, and P18. Their relative frequency was lowest on P0/1, increased by a factor of 12.5 on P4/5 and decreased to twice the initial value on P18. At all three ages, stimulation of IDCs with the trinucleotides ATP and UTP at 1 and 10 μM elicited Ca2+ transients of varying amplitude and shape. Before the onset of hearing, IDCs responded with robust Ca2+ oscillations. At P18, after the onset of hearing, ATP stimulation either caused Ca2+ oscillations or an initial Ca2+ peak followed by a plateau while the UTP response was unchanged from that at pre-hearing stage. Parameters of spontaneous and nucleotide-evoked Ca2+ transients such as amplitude, decay time and duration were markedly reduced during cochlear development, whereas the kinetics of the Ca2+ rise did not show relevant changes. Whether low-frequency spontaneous Ca2+ transients are necessary for the formation and maintenance of the tectorial membrane e.g. by regulating gene transcription needs to be elucidated in further studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thore Schade-Mann
- Dept. of Biophysics & CIPMM, Hearing Research, Saarland University, Homburg, Germany; Department of Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Tübingen University Medical Centre, Germany
| | - Stefan Münkner
- Dept. of Biophysics & CIPMM, Hearing Research, Saarland University, Homburg, Germany
| | - Tobias Eckrich
- Dept. of Biophysics & CIPMM, Hearing Research, Saarland University, Homburg, Germany
| | - Jutta Engel
- Dept. of Biophysics & CIPMM, Hearing Research, Saarland University, Homburg, Germany.
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19
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Babola TA, Kersbergen CJ, Wang HC, Bergles DE. Purinergic signaling in cochlear supporting cells reduces hair cell excitability by increasing the extracellular space. eLife 2020; 9:e52160. [PMID: 31913121 PMCID: PMC7015667 DOI: 10.7554/elife.52160] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2019] [Accepted: 01/07/2020] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Neurons in developing sensory pathways exhibit spontaneous bursts of electrical activity that are critical for survival, maturation and circuit refinement. In the auditory system, intrinsically generated activity arises within the cochlea, but the molecular mechanisms that initiate this activity remain poorly understood. We show that burst firing of mouse inner hair cells prior to hearing onset requires P2RY1 autoreceptors expressed by inner supporting cells. P2RY1 activation triggers K+ efflux and depolarization of hair cells, as well as osmotic shrinkage of supporting cells that dramatically increased the extracellular space and speed of K+ redistribution. Pharmacological inhibition or genetic disruption of P2RY1 suppressed neuronal burst firing by reducing K+ release, but unexpectedly enhanced their tonic firing, as water resorption by supporting cells reduced the extracellular space, leading to K+ accumulation. These studies indicate that purinergic signaling in supporting cells regulates hair cell excitability by controlling the volume of the extracellular space.
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Affiliation(s)
- Travis A Babola
- The Solomon Snyder Department of NeuroscienceJohns Hopkins UniversityBaltimoreUnited States
| | - Calvin J Kersbergen
- The Solomon Snyder Department of NeuroscienceJohns Hopkins UniversityBaltimoreUnited States
| | - Han Chin Wang
- The Solomon Snyder Department of NeuroscienceJohns Hopkins UniversityBaltimoreUnited States
| | - Dwight E Bergles
- The Solomon Snyder Department of NeuroscienceJohns Hopkins UniversityBaltimoreUnited States
- Department of Otolaryngology Head and Neck SurgeryJohns Hopkins UniversityBaltimoreUnited States
- Kavli Neuroscience Discovery InstituteJohns Hopkins UniversityBaltimoreUnited States
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20
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Jeng JY, Ceriani F, Hendry A, Johnson SL, Yen P, Simmons DD, Kros CJ, Marcotti W. Hair cell maturation is differentially regulated along the tonotopic axis of the mammalian cochlea. J Physiol 2019; 598:151-170. [PMID: 31661723 PMCID: PMC6972525 DOI: 10.1113/jp279012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2019] [Accepted: 10/24/2019] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Key points Outer hair cells (OHCs) enhance the sensitivity and the frequency tuning of the mammalian cochlea. Similar to the primary sensory receptor, the inner hair cells (IHCs), the mature functional characteristics of OHCs are acquired before hearing onset. We found that OHCs, like IHCs, fire spontaneous Ca2+‐induced action potentials (APs) during immature stages of development, which are driven by CaV1.3 Ca2+ channels. We also showed that the development of low‐ and high‐frequency hair cells is differentially regulated during pre‐hearing stages, with the former cells being more strongly dependent on experience‐independent Ca2+ action potential activity.
Abstract Sound amplification within the mammalian cochlea depends upon specialized hair cells, the outer hair cells (OHCs), which possess both sensory and motile capabilities. In various altricial rodents, OHCs become functionally competent from around postnatal day 7 (P7), before the primary sensory inner hair cells (IHCs), which become competent at about the onset of hearing (P12). The mechanisms responsible for the maturation of OHCs and their synaptic specialization remain poorly understood. We report that spontaneous Ca2+ activity in the immature cochlea, which is generated by CaV1.3 Ca2+ channels, differentially regulates the maturation of hair cells along the cochlea. Under near‐physiological recording conditions we found that, similar to IHCs, immature OHCs elicited spontaneous Ca2+ action potentials (APs), but only during the first few postnatal days. Genetic ablation of these APs in vivo, using CaV1.3−/− mice, prevented the normal developmental acquisition of mature‐like basolateral membrane currents in low‐frequency (apical) hair cells, such as IK,n (carried by KCNQ4 channels), ISK2 and IACh (α9α10nAChRs) in OHCs and IK,n and IK,f (BK channels) in IHCs. Electromotility and prestin expression in OHCs were normal in CaV1.3−/− mice. The maturation of high‐frequency (basal) hair cells was also affected in CaV1.3−/− mice, but to a much lesser extent than apical cells. However, a characteristic feature in CaV1.3−/− mice was the reduced hair cell size irrespective of their cochlear location. We conclude that the development of low‐ and high‐frequency hair cells is differentially regulated during development, with apical cells being more strongly dependent on experience‐independent Ca2+ APs. Outer hair cells (OHCs) enhance the sensitivity and the frequency tuning of the mammalian cochlea. Similar to the primary sensory receptor, the inner hair cells (IHCs), the mature functional characteristics of OHCs are acquired before hearing onset. We found that OHCs, like IHCs, fire spontaneous Ca2+‐induced action potentials (APs) during immature stages of development, which are driven by CaV1.3 Ca2+ channels. We also showed that the development of low‐ and high‐frequency hair cells is differentially regulated during pre‐hearing stages, with the former cells being more strongly dependent on experience‐independent Ca2+ action potential activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing-Yi Jeng
- Department of Biomedical Science, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, S10 2TN, UK
| | - Federico Ceriani
- Department of Biomedical Science, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, S10 2TN, UK
| | - Aenea Hendry
- Department of Biomedical Science, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, S10 2TN, UK
| | - Stuart L Johnson
- Department of Biomedical Science, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, S10 2TN, UK
| | - Piece Yen
- Department of Biomedical Science, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, S10 2TN, UK
| | | | - Corné J Kros
- School of Life Sciences, University of Sussex, Falmer, Brighton, BN1 9QG, UK
| | - Walter Marcotti
- Department of Biomedical Science, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, S10 2TN, UK
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21
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Müller NIC, Sonntag M, Maraslioglu A, Hirtz JJ, Friauf E. Topographic map refinement and synaptic strengthening of a sound localization circuit require spontaneous peripheral activity. J Physiol 2019; 597:5469-5493. [PMID: 31529505 DOI: 10.1113/jp277757] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2019] [Accepted: 09/13/2019] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
KEY POINTS Loss of the calcium sensor otoferlin disrupts neurotransmission from inner hair cells. Central auditory nuclei are functionally denervated in otoferlin knockout mice (Otof KOs) via gene ablation confined to the periphery. We employed juvenile and young adult Otof KO mice (postnatal days (P)10-12 and P27-49) as a model for lacking spontaneous activity and deafness, respectively. We studied the impact of peripheral activity on synaptic refinement in the sound localization circuit from the medial nucleus of the trapezoid body (MNTB) to the lateral superior olive (LSO). MNTB in vivo recordings demonstrated drastically reduced spontaneous spiking and deafness in Otof KOs. Juvenile KOs showed impaired synapse elimination and strengthening, manifested by broader MNTB-LSO inputs, imprecise MNTB-LSO topography and weaker MNTB-LSO fibres. The impairments persisted into young adulthood. Further functional refinement after hearing onset was undetected in young adult wild-types. Collectively, activity deprivation confined to peripheral protein loss impairs functional MNTB-LSO refinement during a critical prehearing period. ABSTRACT Circuit refinement is critical for the developing sound localization pathways in the auditory brainstem. In prehearing mice (hearing onset around postnatal day (P)12), spontaneous activity propagates from the periphery to central auditory nuclei. At the glycinergic projection from the medial nucleus of the trapezoid body (MNTB) to the lateral superior olive (LSO) of neonatal mice, super-numerous MNTB fibres innervate a given LSO neuron. Between P4 and P9, MNTB fibres are functionally eliminated, whereas the remaining fibres are strengthened. Little is known about MNTB-LSO circuit refinement after P20. Moreover, MNTB-LSO refinement upon activity deprivation confined to the periphery is largely unexplored. This leaves a considerable knowledge gap, as deprivation often occurs in patients with congenital deafness, e.g. upon mutations in the otoferlin gene (OTOF). Here, we analysed juvenile (P10-12) and young adult (P27-49) otoferlin knockout (Otof KO) mice with respect to MNTB-LSO refinement. MNTB in vivo recordings revealed drastically reduced spontaneous activity and deafness in knockouts (KOs), confirming deprivation. As RNA sequencing revealed Otof absence in the MNTB and LSO of wild-types, Otof loss in KOs is specific to the periphery. Functional denervation impaired MNTB-LSO synapse elimination and strengthening, which was assessed by glutamate uncaging and electrical stimulation. Impaired elimination led to imprecise MNTB-LSO topography. Impaired strengthening was associated with lower quantal content per MNTB fibre. In young adult KOs, the MNTB-LSO circuit remained unrefined. Further functional refinement after P12 appeared absent in wild-types. Collectively, we provide novel insights into functional MNTB-LSO circuit maturation governed by a cochlea-specific protein. The central malfunctions in Otof KOs may have implications for patients with sensorineuronal hearing loss.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicolas I C Müller
- Animal Physiology Group, Department of Biology, University of Kaiserslautern, D-67663, Kaiserslautern, Germany
| | - Mandy Sonntag
- Paul Flechsig Institute of Brain Research, Faculty of Medicine, University of Leipzig, D-04103, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Ayse Maraslioglu
- Animal Physiology Group, Department of Biology, University of Kaiserslautern, D-67663, Kaiserslautern, Germany
| | - Jan J Hirtz
- Animal Physiology Group, Department of Biology, University of Kaiserslautern, D-67663, Kaiserslautern, Germany.,Physiology of Neuronal Networks, Department of Biology, University of Kaiserslautern, D-67663, Kaiserslautern, Germany
| | - Eckhard Friauf
- Animal Physiology Group, Department of Biology, University of Kaiserslautern, D-67663, Kaiserslautern, Germany
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22
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Wong HTC, Zhang Q, Beirl AJ, Petralia RS, Wang YX, Kindt K. Synaptic mitochondria regulate hair-cell synapse size and function. eLife 2019; 8:e48914. [PMID: 31609202 PMCID: PMC6879205 DOI: 10.7554/elife.48914] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2019] [Accepted: 10/13/2019] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Sensory hair cells in the ear utilize specialized ribbon synapses. These synapses are defined by electron-dense presynaptic structures called ribbons, composed primarily of the structural protein Ribeye. Previous work has shown that voltage-gated influx of Ca2+ through CaV1.3 channels is critical for hair-cell synapse function and can impede ribbon formation. We show that in mature zebrafish hair cells, evoked presynaptic-Ca2+ influx through CaV1.3 channels initiates mitochondrial-Ca2+ (mito-Ca2+) uptake adjacent to ribbons. Block of mito-Ca2+ uptake in mature cells depresses presynaptic-Ca2+ influx and impacts synapse integrity. In developing zebrafish hair cells, mito-Ca2+ uptake coincides with spontaneous rises in presynaptic-Ca2+ influx. Spontaneous mito-Ca2+ loading lowers cellular NAD+/NADH redox and downregulates ribbon size. Direct application of NAD+ or NADH increases or decreases ribbon size respectively, possibly acting through the NAD(H)-binding domain on Ribeye. Our results present a mechanism where presynaptic- and mito-Ca2+ couple to confer proper presynaptic function and formation.
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MESH Headings
- 3-Pyridinecarboxylic acid, 1,4-dihydro-2,6-dimethyl-5-nitro-4-(2-(trifluoromethyl)phenyl)-, Methyl ester/pharmacology
- Animals
- Animals, Genetically Modified
- Calcium/metabolism
- Calcium Channel Agonists/pharmacology
- Calcium Channel Blockers/pharmacology
- Calcium Channels, L-Type/genetics
- Calcium Channels, L-Type/metabolism
- Calcium Signaling
- Cell Size
- Embryo, Nonmammalian
- Evoked Potentials, Auditory/physiology
- Eye Proteins/chemistry
- Eye Proteins/genetics
- Eye Proteins/metabolism
- Gene Expression
- Hair Cells, Auditory/cytology
- Hair Cells, Auditory/drug effects
- Hair Cells, Auditory/metabolism
- Isradipine/pharmacology
- Mitochondria/drug effects
- Mitochondria/metabolism
- Mitochondria/ultrastructure
- NAD/metabolism
- Oxidation-Reduction
- Protein Binding
- Protein Interaction Domains and Motifs
- Ruthenium Compounds/pharmacology
- Synapses/drug effects
- Synapses/metabolism
- Synapses/ultrastructure
- Synaptic Transmission
- Zebrafish
- Zebrafish Proteins/agonists
- Zebrafish Proteins/antagonists & inhibitors
- Zebrafish Proteins/chemistry
- Zebrafish Proteins/genetics
- Zebrafish Proteins/metabolism
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Affiliation(s)
- Hiu-tung C Wong
- Section on Sensory Cell Development and FunctionNational Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders, National Institutes of HealthBethesdaUnited States
- National Institutes of Health-Johns Hopkins University Graduate Partnership ProgramNational Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders, National Institutes of HealthBethesdaUnited States
| | - Qiuxiang Zhang
- Section on Sensory Cell Development and FunctionNational Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders, National Institutes of HealthBethesdaUnited States
| | - Alisha J Beirl
- Section on Sensory Cell Development and FunctionNational Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders, National Institutes of HealthBethesdaUnited States
| | - Ronald S Petralia
- Advanced Imaging CoreNational Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders, National Institutes of HealthBethesdaUnited States
| | - Ya-Xian Wang
- Advanced Imaging CoreNational Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders, National Institutes of HealthBethesdaUnited States
| | - Katie Kindt
- Section on Sensory Cell Development and FunctionNational Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders, National Institutes of HealthBethesdaUnited States
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23
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Eckrich S, Hecker D, Sorg K, Blum K, Fischer K, Münkner S, Wenzel G, Schick B, Engel J. Cochlea-Specific Deletion of Ca v1.3 Calcium Channels Arrests Inner Hair Cell Differentiation and Unravels Pitfalls of Conditional Mouse Models. Front Cell Neurosci 2019; 13:225. [PMID: 31178698 PMCID: PMC6538774 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2019.00225] [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: 03/07/2019] [Accepted: 05/03/2019] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Inner hair cell (IHC) Cav1.3 Ca2+ channels are multifunctional channels mediating Ca2+ influx for exocytosis at ribbon synapses, the generation of Ca2+ action potentials in pre-hearing IHCs and gene expression. IHCs of deaf systemic Cav1.3-deficient (Cav1.3-/-) mice stay immature because they fail to up-regulate voltage- and Ca2+-activated K+ (BK) channels but persistently express small conductance Ca2+-activated K+ (SK2) channels. In pre-hearing wildtype mice, cholinergic neurons from the superior olivary complex (SOC) exert efferent inhibition onto spontaneously active immature IHCs by activating their SK2 channels. Because Cav1.3 plays an important role for survival, health and function of SOC neurons, SK2 channel persistence and lack of BK channels in systemic Cav1.3-/- IHCs may result from malfunctioning neurons of the SOC. Here we analyze cochlea-specific Cav1.3 knockout mice with green fluorescent protein (GFP) switch reporter function, Pax2::cre;Cacna1d-eGFPflex/flexand Pax2::cre;Cacna1d-eGFPflex/-. Profound hearing loss, lack of BK channels and persistence of SK2 channels in Pax2::cre;Cacna1d-eGFPflex/- mice recapitulated the phenotype of systemic Cav1.3-/- mice, indicating that in wildtype mice, regulation of SK2 and BK channel expression is independent of Cav1.3 expression in SOC neurons. In addition, we noticed dose-dependent GFP toxicity leading to death of basal coil IHCs of Pax2::cre;Cacna1d-eGFPflex/flex mice, likely because of high GFP concentration and small repair capacity. This and the slower time course of Pax2-driven Cre recombinase in switching two rather than one Cacna1d-eGFPflex allele lead us to study Pax2::cre;Cacna1d-eGFPflex/- mice. Notably, control Cacna1d-eGFPflex/- IHCs showed a significant reduction in Cav1.3 channel cluster sizes and currents, suggesting that the intronic construct interfered with gene translation or splicing. These pitfalls are likely to be a frequent problem of many genetically modified mice with complex or multiple gene-targeting constructs or fluorescent proteins. Great caution and appropriate controls are therefore required.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephanie Eckrich
- Department of Biophysics, Center for Integrative Physiology and Molecular Medicine (CIPMM), School of Medicine, Saarland University, Homburg, Germany
| | - Dietmar Hecker
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Saarland University, Homburg, Germany
| | - Katharina Sorg
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Saarland University, Homburg, Germany
| | - Kerstin Blum
- Department of Biophysics, Center for Integrative Physiology and Molecular Medicine (CIPMM), School of Medicine, Saarland University, Homburg, Germany
| | - Kerstin Fischer
- Department of Biophysics, Center for Integrative Physiology and Molecular Medicine (CIPMM), School of Medicine, Saarland University, Homburg, Germany
| | - Stefan Münkner
- Department of Biophysics, Center for Integrative Physiology and Molecular Medicine (CIPMM), School of Medicine, Saarland University, Homburg, Germany
| | - Gentiana Wenzel
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Saarland University, Homburg, Germany
| | - Bernhard Schick
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Saarland University, Homburg, Germany
| | - Jutta Engel
- Department of Biophysics, Center for Integrative Physiology and Molecular Medicine (CIPMM), School of Medicine, Saarland University, Homburg, Germany
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24
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Ceriani F, Hendry A, Jeng JY, Johnson SL, Stephani F, Olt J, Holley MC, Mammano F, Engel J, Kros CJ, Simmons DD, Marcotti W. Coordinated calcium signalling in cochlear sensory and non-sensory cells refines afferent innervation of outer hair cells. EMBO J 2019; 38:embj.201899839. [PMID: 30804003 PMCID: PMC6484507 DOI: 10.15252/embj.201899839] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2018] [Revised: 12/11/2018] [Accepted: 01/18/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Outer hair cells (OHCs) are highly specialized sensory cells conferring the fine‐tuning and high sensitivity of the mammalian cochlea to acoustic stimuli. Here, by genetically manipulating spontaneous Ca2+ signalling in mice in vivo, through a period of early postnatal development, we find that the refinement of OHC afferent innervation is regulated by complementary spontaneous Ca2+ signals originating in OHCs and non‐sensory cells. OHCs fire spontaneous Ca2+ action potentials during a narrow period of neonatal development. Simultaneously, waves of Ca2+ activity in the non‐sensory cells of the greater epithelial ridge cause, via ATP‐induced activation of P2X3 receptors, the increase and synchronization of the Ca2+ activity in nearby OHCs. This synchronization is required for the refinement of their immature afferent innervation. In the absence of connexin channels, Ca2+ waves are impaired, leading to a reduction in the number of ribbon synapses and afferent fibres on OHCs. We propose that the correct maturation of the afferent connectivity of OHCs requires experience‐independent Ca2+ signals from sensory and non‐sensory cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Federico Ceriani
- Department of Biomedical Science, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK
| | - Aenea Hendry
- Department of Biomedical Science, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK
| | - Jing-Yi Jeng
- Department of Biomedical Science, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK
| | - Stuart L Johnson
- Department of Biomedical Science, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK
| | - Friederike Stephani
- Center for Integrative Physiology and Molecular Medicine (CIPMM), Saarland University, Homburg, Germany
| | - Jennifer Olt
- Department of Biomedical Science, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK
| | - Matthew C Holley
- Department of Biomedical Science, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK
| | - Fabio Mammano
- Department of Physics and Astronomy "G. Galilei", University of Padua, Padova, Italy.,Department of Biomedical Sciences, Institute of Cell Biology and Neurobiology, Italian National Research Council, Monterotondo, Italy
| | - Jutta Engel
- Center for Integrative Physiology and Molecular Medicine (CIPMM), Saarland University, Homburg, Germany
| | - Corné J Kros
- School of Life Sciences, University of Sussex, Brighton, UK
| | | | - Walter Marcotti
- Department of Biomedical Science, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK
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