Visualizing Collagen Fibrils in the Cochlea's Tectorial and Basilar Membranes Using a Fluorescently Labeled Collagen-Binding Protein Fragment.

ABSTRACT:

Purpose

A probe that binds to unfixed collagen fibrils was used to image the shapes and fibrous properties of the TM and BM. The probe (CNA35) is derived from the bacterial adhesion protein CNA. We present confocal images of hydrated gerbil TM, BM, and other cochlear structures stained with fluorescently labeled CNA35. A primary purpose of this article is to describe the use of the CNA35 collagen probe in the cochlea.

Methods

Recombinant poly-histidine-tagged CNA35 was expressed in Escherichia coli, purified by cobalt-affinity chromatography, fluorescence labeled, and further purified by gel filtration chromatography. Cochleae from freshly harvested gerbil bullae were irrigated with and then incubated in CNA35 for periods ranging from 2 h - overnight. The cochleae were fixed

SUBMITTER: de Sousa Lobo Ferreira Querido R 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC10121988 | biostudies-literature | 2023 Apr

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature