Prestin and the cochlear amplifier |
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| Authors: | Peter Dallos Jing Zheng Mary Ann Cheatham |
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| Affiliation: | Departments of Neurobiology &Physiology and Communication Sciences &Disorders, The Neuroscience Institute, The Hugh Knowles Center, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL 60208, USA |
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| Abstract: | In non-mammalian, hair cell-bearing sense organs amplification is associated with mechano-electric transducer channels in the stereovilli (commonly called stereocilia). Because mammals possess differentiated outer hair cells (OHC), they also benefit from a novel electromotile process, powered by the motor protein, prestin. Here we consider new work pertaining to this protein and its potential role as the mammalian cochlear amplifier. |
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