Expression patterns of FGF receptors in the developing mammalian cochlea

Many studies have shown the importance of the fibroblast growth factor (FGF) family of factors in the development of the mammalian cochlea. There are four fibroblast growth factor receptors (FGFR1–4) and all four are expressed in the cochlea during development. While there are examples in the literature of expression patterns of some of the receptors at specific stages of cochlear development there has been no systematic study. We have assembled a full analysis of the patterns of receptor expression during cochlear development for all four Fgfrs using in situ hybridization. We have analyzed the expression patterns from embryonic day 13.5 through postnatal ages. We find that Fgfr1, 2, and 3 are expressed in the epithelium of the cochlear duct and Fgfr4 is limited in its expression to the mesenchyme surrounding the duct. We compare the receptor expression pattern to markers of the sensory domain (p27^kip1) and the early hair cells (math1). Developmental Dynamics 239:1019–1026, 2010. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.     

In vivo notch reactivation in differentiating cochlear hair cells induces sox2 and prox1 expression but does not disrupt hair cell maturation

COVER PHOTOGRAPH: Lineage tracing of Prox1 expressing inner ear cochlear cells in Prox1CreEGFP/+; Rosa26‐EYFPloxp/+ mice at P23. All cochlear hair cells are labeled with calbindin in red. EYFP in green historically records the cochlear cells experiencing Prox1 expression during the development, which include hair cells and supporting cells (both inside and outside the organ of Corti). From Liu et al., Developmental Dynamics 241:684–696, 2012.     

In vivo Notch reactivation in differentiating cochlear hair cells induces Sox2 and Prox1 expression but does not disrupt hair cell maturation

Background: Notch signaling is active in mouse cochlear prosensory progenitors but declines in differentiating sensory hair cells (HCs). Overactivation of the Notch1 intracellular domain (NICD) in progenitors blocks HC fate commitment and/or differentiation. However, it is not known whether reactivation of NICD in differentiating HCs also interrupts their developmental program and reactivates its downstream targets. Results: By analyzing Atoh1^CreER+; Rosa26‐NICD^loxp/+ or Atoh1^CreER+; Rosa26‐NICD^loxp/+; RBP‐J^loxp/loxp mice, we demonstrated that ectopic NICD in differentiating HCs caused reactivation of Sox2 and Prox1 in an RBP‐J‐dependent manner. Interestingly, Prox1 reactivation was exclusive to outer HCs (OHCs). In addition, lineage tracing analysis of Prox1^CreER/+; Rosa26‐EYFP^loxp/+ and Prox1^CreEGFP/+; Rosa26‐EYFP^loxp/+ mice showed that nearly all HCs experiencing Prox1 expression were OHCs. Surprisingly, these HCs still matured normally with expression of prestin, wild‐type‐like morphology, and uptake of FM4‐64FX dye at adult ages. Conclusions: Our results suggest that the developmental program of cochlear differentiating HCs is refractory to Notch reactivation and that Notch is an upstream regulator of Sox2 and Prox1 in cochlear development. In addition, our results support that Sox2 and Prox1 should not be the main blockers for terminal differentiation of HCs newly regenerated from postnatal cochlear SCs that still maintain Sox2 and Prox1 expression. Developmental Dynamics 241:684–696, 2012. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.     

Both Notch1 and its ligands in B cells promote antibody production

Notch1 signaling regulates B and T lymphocyte development and also in vitro promotes antibody secretion upon B cell activation. However, it is still unclear about the role of Notch1 in antibody production upon in vitro and in vivo mixture lymphocytes activation. We first showed that Notch1 expressed in LPS-activated CD19^hi B cells and CD19^cre mediated Notch1 knock-down in LPS-activated B cells. Furthermore, we demonstrated that Notch1 knock-down in B cells reduced antibody production in LPS-stimulated B cells but did not affect antibody production in LPS-stimulated splenocytes and in experimental allergic encephalomyelitis (EAE) mice. Importantly, Notch1 ligands Dll1 and Jag1 expressed in B cells and pre-coated Notch1 protein promotes Notch1-knocked down B cells to produce antibody in LPS-stimulated B cells suggesting that Notch1 in other cells may promote antibody production by binding its ligands Dll1 and Jag1 in B cells. Together, our results suggest that both Notch1 and its ligands in B cells play an important role in antibody production.     

Where hearing starts: the development of the mammalian cochlea

The mammalian cochlea is a remarkable sensory organ, capable of perceiving sound over a range of 10¹² in pressure, and discriminating both infrasonic and ultrasonic frequencies in different species. The sensory hair cells of the mammalian cochlea are exquisitely sensitive, responding to atomic‐level deflections at speeds on the order of tens of microseconds. The number and placement of hair cells are precisely determined during inner ear development, and a large number of developmental processes sculpt the shape, size and morphology of these cells along the length of the cochlear duct to make them optimally responsive to different sound frequencies. In this review, we briefly discuss the evolutionary origins of the mammalian cochlea, and then describe the successive developmental processes that lead to its induction, cell cycle exit, cellular patterning and the establishment of topologically distinct frequency responses along its length.     

Selective and transient expression of a native chondroitin sulfate epitope in Deiters' cells,pillar cells,and the developing tectorial membrane

The tectorial membrane (TM) is an acellular connective tissue overlying the sensory hair cells of the organ of Corti. Association of the tectorial membrane with the stereocilia of the sensory hair cells is necessary for proper auditory function. During development, the mature tectorial membrane is thought to arise by fusion of a “major” and “minor” tectorial membrane (Lim, Hear Res 1986;22:117–146). Several proteins and glycoconjugates have been detected in the developing TM; however, the specific molecules which mediate fusion of the two components of the TM have not been identified. In the present study, a novel monoclonal antibody (TC2) that recognizes a native epitope on glycosaminoglycans enriched in chondroitin‐4‐sulfate revealed a transient and restricted expression in the developing gerbil TM. The localization patterns suggest that Deiters' and pillar cells secrete a TC2‐positive matrix prior to birth that later becomes incorporated into the marginal band and superior layer (cover net) of the TM. The developmental timecourse and patterns of TC2 reactivity suggest that this molecule may play a critical role in the fusion of the minor TM with the major TM. Anat Rec 256:64–71, 1999. © 1999 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.     

雷公藤甲素对2型糖尿病小鼠耳蜗毛细胞的保护作用

目的：探讨雷公藤甲素对2 型糖尿病小鼠耳蜗毛细胞的保护作用及机制。方法：选取 Balb/c 雄性小鼠,随 机分为正常组、糖尿病组和雷公藤甲素组。制备2 型糖尿病小鼠模型后,雷公藤甲素组给予雷公藤甲素0.1 mg/kg 灌胃,正常组和糖尿病组小鼠均给予等体积生理盐水灌胃。观察3 组小鼠耳蜗毛细胞的变化,检测耳蜗毛细胞内 氧化应激相关信号通路、抗氧化蛋白及凋亡分子的表达变化。结果：糖尿病组和雷公藤甲素组耳蜗毛细胞均有不 同程度的丢失,且雷公藤甲素组耳蜗毛细胞的丢失率小于糖尿病组。雷公藤甲素组小鼠耳蜗毛细胞中的p-ERK、 E2 核因子相关因子2（Nrf2）、硫氧还蛋白（Trx）表达量及Erk 磷酸化水平高于糖尿病组, JNK磷酸化水平和凋 亡分子cleaved-caspase-3 的蛋白表达量低于糖尿病组。结论：雷公藤甲素可以减缓糖尿病小鼠耳蜗毛细胞凋亡, 其机制与上调ERK、Nrf2 和Trx 的表达,下调JNK信号,抑制凋亡分子cleaved-caspase-3 的表达有关,有望成为 治疗2 型糖尿病耳蜗病变的有效药物。     

Localization of proteins associated with the outer hair cell plasma membrane in the gerbil cochlea

There is substantial evidence that the motility of mammalian outer hair cells is generated close to or within the plasma membrane. Several analogies between the outer hair cell cortical lattice and the membrane-related cytoskeleton of erythrocytes have been noted. In erythrocytes a member of the anion exchanger protein family, AE1, also known as Band 3, is involved in membrane-cytoskeleton linkage via Protein 4.1. In the following paper, the presence of these two proteins in gerbilline outer hair cells is confirmed by western blot. Furthermore, co-localization of these two proteins was detected in the lateral wall of outer hair cells by immunofluorescence and postembedding electron immunohistochemistry. Band 3 is restricted to this region, whereas Protein 4.1 has a somewhat more dispersed distribution.

Thus, the structure of these sensory receptor cells may result from an adaptation of a strategy used by other motile cells. The proteins investigated likely have a support function and may comprise “pillars” seen between the lateral plasma membrane and the cytoskeleton in micrographs of outer hair cells. The possibility that Band 3 comprises “protein particles” seen in the lateral plasma membrane, or maybe directly involved in the voltage-dependent force generation in outer hair cells, is also discussed.     

Pathomorphological peculiarities of damage to hair cells of the organ of Corti in experimental sensorineural hearing loss

Pathomorphology of the organ of Corti was studied on models of acute and chronic sensorineural damage to the acoustic analyzer. Peculiarities of hair cell degeneration, necrosis, and apoptosis in the organ were studied by light and scanning electron microscopy. The type of pathomorphological substrate in abnormalities of the organ of Corti depends on the intensity of the destructive exposure, but not on the nature of otopathological factors. __________ Translated from Byulleten’ Eksperimental’noi Biologii i Meditsiny, Vol. 141, No. 3, pp. 356–360, March, 2006     

Dll3 and Notch1 genetic interactions model axial segmental and craniofacial malformations of human birth defects.

Mutations in the Notch1 receptor and delta-like 3 (Dll3) ligand cause global disruptions in axial segmental patterning. Genetic interactions between members of the notch pathway have previously been shown to cause patterning defects not observed in single gene disruptions. We examined Dll3-Notch1 compound mouse mutants to screen for potential gene interactions. While mice heterozygous at either locus appeared normal, 30% of Dll3-Notch1 double heterozygous animals exhibited localized, segmental anomalies similar to human congenital vertebral defects. Unexpectedly, double heterozygous mice also displayed statistically significant reduction of mandibular height and decreased length of the [corrected] maxillary hard palate. Examination of somite-stage embryos and perinatal anatomy and histology did not reveal any organ defects, so we used microarray-based analysis of Dll3 and Notch1 mutant embryos to identify gene targets that may be involved in notch-regulated segmental or craniofacial development. Thus, Dll3-Notch1 double heterozygous mice model human congenital scoliosis and craniofacial disorders.     

Abortive synaptogenesis as a factor in the inner hair cell degeneration in the Bronx Waltzer (bv) mutant mouse

The bronx waltzer (vb) mutation in the mouse results in the degeneration of most but not all of the primary auditory receptors, the inner hair cells, and their afferent neurons. We analyzed the ultrastructure of 94 inner hair cells in the intact postnatal mutant mouse and in neonatal cochleas in culture to understand the pathogenesis of hair cell death and to detect factors that may prevent it. The vb spiral neurons of the bronx waltzer display two distinctive features: some of them continue to divide mitotically for at least seven postnatal days, and the type I radial fibers that innervate inner hair cells display a deficiency in immunoexpression of GAD. The growing endings of spiral neurons converge around the inner hair cells or, in their absence, invade the outer hair cell region. Their profuse sprouting among inner spiral sulcus cells contributes to the characteristic ultrastructural picture of the bv cochlea. During the first three days after birth, 40% of the inner hair cells appear normal and innervated, 40% are mostly denervated and degenerating, and 20% are immature, with minimal or no neuronal appositions. However, in mutants 6 days and older only a few inner hair cells survive, and these show either normal or superfluous afferent innervation and axosomatic GABAergic efferent innervation. Degeneration of inner hair cells begins with a distention of the nuclear envelope and the ribosomal endoplasmic reticulum. The outer nuclear membrane eventually breaks, and exudate fills the cell interior. The cellular edema leads to cell death. We propose that success or failure in synaptic acquisition is a decisive factor in the survival or decline of the mutant inner hair cells. We also suggest that the developmental delay in maturation of the spiral ganglion neurons (type I) and the failure in their synaptogenesis may be caused by an impairment in neurotrophin (NT3/BDNF) synthesis by their mutant receptor cells.     

miR-203a-3p promotes loureirin A-induced hair follicle stem cells differentiation by targeting Smad1

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) participate in the repair of skin trauma. Our previous study indicated that loureirin A promoted hair follicle stem cells (HFSCs) to repair skin epidermis. However, the mechanism of miRNA-mediated regulation of loureirin A-induced HFSC differentiation remained to be explored. In the present study, HFSCs from rat vibrissa were identified by immunofluorescence in vitro. Microarray and quantitative real time polymerase chain reaction analyses demonstrated that miR-203a-3p was upregulated in differentiated HFSCs induced by loureirin A. The expression of cytoskeletal keratin (CK) 5 and involucrin was promoted by miR-203a-3p mimics while repressed by a miR-203a-3p inhibitor. Smad1 was identified as a key target of miR-203a-3p using target prediction tools. Luciferase reporter gene test confirmed a special target association between miR-203a-3p and Smad1. Short interfering Smad1 was transfected into HFSCs, and the expression levels of CK5 and involucrin were upregulated. Thus, it can be inferred that miR-203a-3p negatively regulated the expression of Smad1 and promoted the differentiation of loureirin A-induced HFSCs. Bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) signal inhibition and Wnt activation coregulate skin injury repair. BMP/Smad1 signaling is involved in maintaining the characteristics of HFSCs and inhibiting their differentiation. Our results showed that miR-203a-3p reduces Smad1 to release BMP inhibition. Taken together, miR-203a-3p/Smad1 is a potential therapeutic molecular target in skin wound healing, and may play an active role in wound repair and regenerative medicine.     

Loss of Fgfr3 leads to excess hair cell development in the mouse organ of Corti.

Previous studies have demonstrated the importance of FGF signaling at several stages in the development of the cochlea. At early stages of embryogenesis, Fgfr1, Fgfr2, and several FGFs are critical for both the induction of the otic vesicle and the initial development of the sensory epithelium. At late stages of cochlear development, Fgfr3 is necessary for the development of the tunnel of Corti. To determine the stage of development when Fgfr3 is required, we examined the expression of Fgfr3 and Fgf8 at various developmental stages. We also re-examined the Fgfr3 -/- mouse with additional markers for developing supporting cells. We confirmed the previous analysis of the Fgfr3 -/- mice, indicating that there are deficiencies in support cell differentiation. Specifically, we find that the inner pillar cell never develops, while the outer pillar cell is stalled in its differentiation. In addition, we found an extra row of outer hair cells, and accompanying Deiters' cells, in the apical two thirds of the organ of Corti in the Fgfr3 mutant. Thus, in addition to controlling the fate decision between pillar cells and Deiters' cells, we find that Fgfr3 also regulates the width of the sensory epithelium.     

C57BL/6J小鼠耳蜗内毛细胞传入神经突触的超微结构观察

目的利用投射电镜观察C57Bl/6J小鼠耳蜗内毛细胞传入神经突触的形态和结构。方法选择发育成熟的C57Bl/6J小鼠,ABR检测听力正常后获取耳蜗标本,分别经过半薄定位和超薄连续切片观察的方法寻找观察耳蜗内毛细胞传入神经突触的形态和结构,探讨发育成熟状态下小鼠耳蜗内毛细胞突触的形态和结构特点,并进一步分析它们可能出现的区域以及与周围解剖结构的关系。结果在听力正常的C57Bl/6J小鼠的不同耳蜗内毛细胞核下区域可以观察到带状突触结构,包括ribbon、突触囊泡、突触间隙和突触后致密带等典型结构;然而有时即使是在听力正常的小鼠耳蜗内,也不能同时观察到这些结构的全部,即内毛细胞带状突触的超微结构和形态可能表现出彼此之间存在明显区别的形式。结论在听力正常的生理状态下,成熟小鼠(c57BL/6J)耳蜗内毛细胞突触的形态和结构处于动态变化之中,突触的个体形态和结构可以表现出不同的特点,而这种结构上的动态变化可能和突触功能的变化有关。     

Genomic organization and functional characterization of the human concentrative nucleoside transporter-3 isoform (hCNT3) expressed in mammalian cells

Human CNT3 encodes the concentrative nucleoside transport N3 system. Previous expression studies in oocytes showed that the K_m values for nucleosides of the cloned hCNT3 were 7- to 25-fold lower than the endogenous N3 transporter in HL60 cells. Therefore, in the present study we re-examined the kinetic properties of the cloned hCNT3 using mammalian cell expression systems by transient expression in Cos7L cells and stably expression in nucleoside transporter deficient PK15NTD cells. We demonstrated that hCNT3 is a Na-dependent, broadly-selective nucleoside transporter with affinities (<11 M) for nucleosides closely resembling the endogenous N3 transporter. Pharmacological studies showed that phloridzin is a mixed-type inhibitor of hCNT3 (K_i=15 M), and the dideoxyuridine analogs are poor substrates. By epitope-tagging, we further demonstrated that hCNT3 is N-glycosylated as PNGase F and Endo H deglycosylated hCNT3 from 67 kDa to 58 kDa. Searching the human genome database, we identified the genomic organization of hCNT3. This gene contains 19 exons and its exon-intron boundaries within the coding sequence exactly match with those of hCNT1 and hCNT2 with one additional exon in the N-terminus. Our data suggest that hCNT3 gene is evolutionarily conserved with hCNT1 and hCNT2. Physiologically, hCNT3 is a glycoprotein, which transports purine and pyrimidine nucleosides in a Na-dependent manner with high affinities.