Zona pellucida domain-containing protein β-tectorin is crucial for zebrafish proper inner ear development.

ABSTRACT:

Background

The zona pellucida (ZP) domain is part of many extracellular proteins with diverse functions from structural components to receptors. The mammalian β-tectorin is a protein of 336 amino acid residues containing a single ZP domain and a putative signal peptide at the N-terminus of the protein. It is 1 component of a gel-like structure called the tectorial membrane which is involved in transforming sound waves into neuronal signals and is important for normal auditory function. β-Tectorin is specifically expressed in the mammalian and avian inner ear.

Methodology/principal findings

We identified and cloned the gene encoding zebrafish β-tectorin. Through whole-mount in situ hybridization, we demonstrated that β-tectorin messenger RNA was expressed in the otic placode

SUBMITTER: Yang CH 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3149068 | biostudies-literature | 2011

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature