Gene targeting reveals the role of Oc90 as the essential organizer of the otoconial organic matrix.

ABSTRACT: A critical part of the functional development of our peripheral balance system is the embryonic formation of otoconia, composite crystals that overlie and provide optimal stimulus input to the sensory epithelium of the gravity receptor in the inner ear. To date neither the functions of otoconial proteins nor the processes of crystal formation are clearly defined. Using gene targeting and protein analysis strategies, we demonstrate that the predominant mammalian otoconin, otoconin-90/95 (Oc90), is essential for formation of the organic matrix of otoconia by specifically recruiting other matrix components, which includes otolin, a novel mammalian otoconin that we identified to be in wildtype murine otoconia. We show that this matrix controls otoconia growth and morphology by embedding the cr

SUBMITTER: Zhao X 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC1950278 | biostudies-literature | 2007 Apr

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature