SoxC transcription factors shape the epigenetic landscape to establish competence for sensory differentiation in the mammalian organ of Corti.

ABSTRACT: The auditory organ of Corti is comprised of only two major cell types-the mechanosensory hair cells and their associated supporting cells-both specified from a single pool of prosensory progenitors in the cochlear duct. Here, we show that competence to respond to Atoh1, a transcriptional master regulator necessary and sufficient for induction of mechanosensory hair cells, is established in the prosensory progenitors between E12.0 and 13.5. The transition to the competent state is rapid and is associated with extensive remodeling of the epigenetic landscape controlled by the SoxC group of transcription factors. Conditional loss of Sox4 and Sox11-the two homologous family members transiently expressed in the inner ear at the time of competence establishment-blocks the ability o

SUBMITTER: Wang X 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC10450657 | biostudies-literature | 2023 Aug

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature