scholarly journals Nonlinear calcium ion waves along actin filaments control active hair–bundle motility

2018 ◽  
Author(s):  
J. A.Tuszynski ◽  
M. V. Sataric ◽  
D. L. Sekulic ◽  
B. M. Sataric ◽  
S. Zdravkovic
Keyword(s):  
Nonlinear Dynamics ◽  
Inner Ear ◽  
Hair Cells ◽  
Calcium Ion ◽  
Actin Filaments ◽  
Characteristic Time ◽  
Biophysical Model ◽  
Myosin Motors ◽  
Ion Waves

AbstractActin filaments are highly dynamic semiflexible cellular biopolymers with diverse functions, such as cell motility. They also play the role of conduits for propagation of calcium ion waves. In this paper, we propose a new biophysical model that describes how actin filaments with their polyelectrolyte properties serve as pathways for calcium ion flows in hair cells. We show this can be utilized for the tuning of force–generating myosin motors. In this model, we unify the calcium nonlinear dynamics involved in the control of the myosin adaptation motors with mechanical displacements of hair– bundles. The model shows that the characteristic time scales fit reasonably well with the available experimental data for spontaneous oscillations in the inner ear. This model offers promises to fill a gap in our understanding of the role of calcium ion nonlinear dynamics in the regulation of processes in the auditory cells of the inner ear.

scholarly journals Unconventional Myosins in Inner-Ear Sensory Epithelia

1997 ◽  
Vol 137 (6) ◽  
pp. 1287-1307 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tama Hasson ◽  
Peter G. Gillespie ◽  
Jesus A. Garcia ◽  
Richard B. MacDonald ◽  
Yi-dong Zhao ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Inner Ear ◽  
Hair Cells ◽  
Actin Filaments ◽  
Structural Integrity ◽  
Myosin Vi ◽  
Cortical Actin ◽  
Unconventional Myosin ◽  
Myosin Isozymes ◽  
Cuticular Plate ◽  
Myosin Viia

To understand how cells differentially use the dozens of myosin isozymes present in each genome, we examined the distribution of four unconventional myosin isozymes in the inner ear, a tissue that is particularly reliant on actin-rich structures and unconventional myosin isozymes. Of the four isozymes, each from a different class, three are expressed in the hair cells of amphibia and mammals. In stereocilia, constructed of cross-linked F-actin filaments, myosin-Iβ is found mostly near stereociliary tips, myosin-VI is largely absent, and myosin-VIIa colocalizes with crosslinks that connect adjacent stereocilia. In the cuticular plate, a meshwork of actin filaments, myosin-Iβ is excluded, myosin-VI is concentrated, and modest amounts of myosin-VIIa are present. These three myosin isozymes are excluded from other actin-rich domains, including the circumferential actin belt and the cortical actin network. A member of a fourth class, myosin-V, is not expressed in hair cells but is present at high levels in afferent nerve cells that innervate hair cells. Substantial amounts of myosins-Iβ, -VI, and -VIIa are located in a pericuticular necklace that is largely free of F-actin, squeezed between (but not associated with) actin of the cuticular plate and the circumferential belt. Our localization results suggest specific functions for three hair-cell myosin isozymes. As suggested previously, myosin-Iβ probably plays a role in adaptation; concentration of myosin-VI in cuticular plates and association with stereociliary rootlets suggest that this isozyme participates in rigidly anchoring stereocilia; and finally, colocalization with cross-links between adjacent stereocilia indicates that myosin-VIIa is required for the structural integrity of hair bundles.

scholarly journals Filling the Silent Void: Genetic Therapies for Hearing Impairment

2012 ◽  
Vol 2012 ◽  
pp. 1-9
Author(s):  
Joel Sng ◽  
Thomas Lufkin
Keyword(s):  
Inner Ear ◽  
Hearing Impairment ◽  
Hair Cells ◽  
Genetic Disorders ◽  
Environmental Damage ◽  
Inner Ear Development ◽  
Sensory Hair Cells ◽  
And Function ◽  
Function Potential

The inner ear cytoarchitecture forms one of the most intricate and delicate organs in the human body and is vulnerable to the effects of genetic disorders, aging, and environmental damage. Owing to the inability of the mammalian cochlea to regenerate sensory hair cells, the loss of hair cells is a leading cause of deafness in humans. Millions of individuals worldwide are affected by the emotionally and financially devastating effects of hearing impairment (HI). This paper provides a brief introduction into the key role of genes regulating inner ear development and function. Potential future therapies that leverage on an improved understanding of these molecular pathways are also described in detail.

R449 – The Role of DPZF in Inner Ear Development and Function

2008 ◽  
Vol 139 (2_suppl) ◽  
pp. P195-P195
Author(s):  
Gao Xia
Keyword(s):  
Electron Microscopy ◽  
Scanning Electron Microscopy ◽  
Inner Ear ◽  
Hair Cells ◽  
Otoacoustic Emissions ◽  
Auditory Brainstem ◽  
Auditory Brainstem Responses ◽  
Inner Ear Development ◽  
Scanning Electron

Problem The dendritic cell-derived BTB/POZ zinc finger (DPZF) protein belongs to the C2H2 zinc finger protein transcription factor family. It is localized on chromosome 3 and widely expressed in hematopoietic tissues, including human dendritic cells (DC), monocytes, B cells and T cells. DPZF null mice (DPZF-/-) exhibit a circling phenotype, suggestive of an inner ear defect. Here, we present our work on the role of DPZF in hearing defects. Methods We used auditory brainstem responses (ABR) and distortion production otoacoustic emissions (DPOAEs) to test the hearing function of DPZF-/- mice, then gross observation and histopathology analysis including serial sections and scanning electron microscopy were performed to exam the cochlea of DPZF-/- mice. Results Auditory brainstem responses (ABR) and distortion production otoacoustic emissions (DPOAEs) showed that DPZF-/-mice were completely deaf. Disorganized and fewer hair cells of the Corti organ in DPZF-/- mice were identified by scanning electron microscopy. Besides, although the hair cells of the utricle and saccule were grossly normal, the stereocilia were greatly reduced in number. Further more, lipofuscin was seen in the stria vascularis with the amount of which increased with age. Conclusion The impaired hearing and balance function and the morphological abnormalities of inner ears are caused by the deletion of DPZF gene. Significance DPZF gene may participates in regulating inner ear development and the DPZF null mice may serve as a new disease model of hearing loss. Support This work was supported by the ground of Jiangsu Province Famous Doctor Project(RC2007010).

scholarly journals Endolymph Composition: Paradigm or Inevitability?

2018 ◽  
pp. 175-179 ◽  
Author(s):  
H. GAGOV ◽  
M. CHICHOVA ◽  
M. MLADENOV
Keyword(s):  
Signal Transduction ◽  
Cell Membrane ◽  
Hair Cell ◽  
Energy Saving ◽  
Inner Ear ◽  
Hair Cells ◽  
Hypothetical Model ◽  
Mechanoelectrical Transduction ◽  
Normal Composition

This review is focused on the unusual composition of the endolymph of the inner ear and its function in mechanoelectrical transduction. The role of K+ and Ca2+ in excitatory influx, the very low Na+, Ca2+ and Mg2+ concentrations of endolymph, stereocilia structure of hair cells and some proteins involved in mechanosensory signal transduction with emphasis on auditory receptors are presented and analyzed in more details. An alternative hypothetical model of ciliary structure and endolymph with a ‘normal’ composition is discussed. It is concluded that the unique endolymph cation content is more than an energy saving mechanism that avoids disturbing circulatory vibrations to achieve a much better mechanosensory resolution. It is the only possible way to fulfil the requirements for a precise ciliary mechanoelectrical transduction in conditions where pressure events with quite diverse amplitudes and duration are transformed into adequate hair cell membrane depolarizations, which are regulated by a sensitive Ca2+-dependent feedback tuning.

scholarly journals Functional Role of Class III Myosins in Hair Cells

2021 ◽  
Vol 9 ◽  
Author(s):  
Joseph A. Cirilo ◽  
Laura K. Gunther ◽  
Christopher M. Yengo
Keyword(s):  
Hearing Loss ◽  
Hair Cells ◽  
Atp Hydrolysis ◽  
Point Mutations ◽  
Special Focus ◽  
Myosin Isoforms ◽  
Class Iii ◽  
Myosin Motors ◽  
And Function

Cytoskeletal motors produce force and motion using the energy from ATP hydrolysis and function in a variety of mechanical roles in cells including muscle contraction, cargo transport, and cell division. Actin-based myosin motors have been shown to play crucial roles in the development and function of the stereocilia of auditory and vestibular inner ear hair cells. Hair cells can contain hundreds of stereocilia, which rely on myosin motors to elongate, organize, and stabilize their structure. Mutations in many stereocilia-associated myosins have been shown to cause hearing loss in both humans and animal models suggesting that each myosin isoform has a specific function in these unique parallel actin bundle-based protrusions. Here we review what is known about the classes of myosins that function in the stereocilia, with a special focus on class III myosins that harbor point mutations associated with delayed onset hearing loss. Much has been learned about the role of the two class III myosin isoforms, MYO3A and MYO3B, in maintaining the precise stereocilia lengths required for normal hearing. We propose a model for how class III myosins play a key role in regulating stereocilia lengths and demonstrate how their motor and regulatory properties are particularly well suited for this function. We conclude that ongoing studies on class III myosins and other stereocilia-associated myosins are extremely important and may lead to novel therapeutic strategies for the treatment of hearing loss due to stereocilia degeneration.

scholarly journals Role of Calcium Ion on Inner Ear Function.

1991 ◽  
Vol 84 (11) ◽  
pp. 1507-1516
Author(s):  
Toshio Yamashita
Keyword(s):  
Inner Ear ◽  
Calcium Ion

scholarly journals let-7 miRNAs inhibit CHD7 expression and control auditory-sensory progenitor cell behavior in the developing inner ear

Development ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 147 (15) ◽  
pp. dev183384
Author(s):  
Lale Evsen ◽  
Xiaojun Li ◽  
Shuran Zhang ◽  
Sharjil Razin ◽  
Angelika Doetzlhofer
Keyword(s):  
Inner Ear ◽  
Hair Cells ◽  
Progenitor Cell ◽  
Charge Syndrome ◽  
Basilar Papilla ◽  
Sensory Hair Cells ◽  
Evolutionarily Conserved ◽  
Auditory Organ ◽  
And Control

ABSTRACTThe evolutionarily conserved lethal-7 (let-7) microRNAs (miRNAs) are well-known activators of proliferative quiescence and terminal differentiation. However, in the murine auditory organ, let-7g overexpression delays the differentiation of mechano-sensory hair cells (HCs). To address whether the role of let-7 in auditory-sensory differentiation is conserved among vertebrates, we manipulated let-7 levels within the chicken auditory organ: the basilar papilla. Using a let-7 sponge construct to sequester let-7 miRNAs, we found that endogenous let-7 miRNAs are essential for limiting the self-renewal of HC progenitor cells. Furthermore, let-7b overexpression experiments revealed that, similar to mice, higher than normal let-7 levels slow/delay HC differentiation. Finally, we identify CHD7, a chromatin remodeler, as a candidate for mediating the repressive function of let-7 in HC differentiation and inner ear morphogenesis. Our analysis uncovered an evolutionarily conserved let-7-5p-binding site within the chicken Chd7 gene and its human and murine homologs, and we show that let-7g overexpression in mice limits CHD7 expression in the developing inner ear, retina and brain. Haploinsufficiency of CHD7 in humans causes CHARGE syndrome and attenuation of let-7 function may be an effective method for treating CHD7 deficiency.

scholarly journals Stereocilia Rootlets: Actin-Based Structures That Are Essential for Structural Stability of the Hair Bundle

2020 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
pp. 324 ◽  
Author(s):  
Itallia Pacentine ◽  
Paroma Chatterjee ◽  
Peter G. Barr-Gillespie
Keyword(s):  
Inner Ear ◽  
Hair Cells ◽  
Actin Filaments ◽  
Hair Bundle ◽  
Sensory Hair ◽  
Sensory Hair Cells ◽  
Associated Proteins ◽  
Unique Manner ◽  
Electrical Impulses ◽  
Mechanical Movement

Sensory hair cells of the inner ear rely on the hair bundle, a cluster of actin-filled stereocilia, to transduce auditory and vestibular stimuli into electrical impulses. Because they are long and thin projections, stereocilia are most prone to damage at the point where they insert into the hair cell’s soma. Moreover, this is the site of stereocilia pivoting, the mechanical movement that induces transduction, which additionally weakens this area mechanically. To bolster this fragile area, hair cells construct a dense core called the rootlet at the base of each stereocilium, which extends down into the actin meshwork of the cuticular plate and firmly anchors the stereocilium. Rootlets are constructed with tightly packed actin filaments that extend from stereocilia actin filaments which are wrapped with TRIOBP; in addition, many other proteins contribute to the rootlet and its associated structures. Rootlets allow stereocilia to sustain innumerable deflections over their lifetimes and exemplify the unique manner in which sensory hair cells exploit actin and its associated proteins to carry out the function of mechanotransduction.

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