Developing Inner Ear (developing + inner_ear)

Distribution by Scientific Domains


Selected Abstracts


Restricted expression of Fgf16 within the developing chick inner ear

DEVELOPMENTAL DYNAMICS, Issue 8 2006
Susan C. Chapman
Abstract Fibroblast growth factor (FGF) signaling is required for otic placode induction and patterning of the developing inner ear. We have cloned the chick ortholog of Fgf16 and analyzed its expression pattern in the early chick embryo. Expression is restricted to the otic placode and developing inner ear through all the stages examined. By the closed otocyst stage, expression has resolved to anterior and posterior domains that partially overlap with those of bone morphogenetic protein 4 (Bmp4), a marker of the developing sensory patches, the cristae of the anterior and posterior semicircular canals. Platelet-derived growth factor alpha (PDGFA), another growth factor with restricted otic expression, also overlaps with Fgf16 expression. The restricted expression pattern of Fgf16 suggests a role for FGF signaling in the patterning of the sensory cristae, together with BMP signaling. Developmental Dynamics 235:2276,2281, 2006. © 2006 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source]


Atlas of the developing inner ear in zebrafish

DEVELOPMENTAL DYNAMICS, Issue 4 2002
Michele Miller Bever
Abstract This report provides a description of the normal developing inner ear of the zebrafish, Danio rerio, with special focus on the pars inferior. Zebrafish specimens, ranging in age from 3 to 30 days postfertilization (dpf), were processed for standard histologic sections or with a paint-fill method to show three-dimensional morphogenesis of the membranous labyrinth. Adult zebrafish (age 2 years) were also processed for inner ear paint-fills. Although development of the semicircular canals occurs rapidly (by 3 dpf), the pars inferior develops more gradually during days 5,20 postfertilization. A rudimentary endolymphatic duct emerges by 8 dpf. Differentiated hair cells of the lagenar macula are evident by 15 dpf, in a chamber located lateral and posterior to the saccule. By 20 dpf, the saccule itself is separated from the utricle, but remains connected by means of the utriculosaccular foramen. The maculae neglectae, each with differentiated hair cells, lie on the floor of the utricle near this foramen. A medial connection between the sacculi of right and left ears, the transverse canal, is also complete by 20 dpf. A ridge of mesenchyme, previously undescribed, bisects the saccule in zebrafish fry at 20,30 dpf. The images in the paint-fill atlas should provide a baseline for future studies of mutant zebrafish ears. © 2002 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source]


Laminin and fibronectin modulate inner ear spiral ganglion neurite outgrowth in an in vitro alternate choice assay

DEVELOPMENTAL NEUROBIOLOGY, Issue 13 2007
Amaretta R. Evans
Abstract Extracellular matrix (ECM) molecules have been shown to function as cues for neurite guidance in various populations of neurons. Here we show that laminin (LN) and fibronectin (FN) presented in stripe micro-patterns can provide guidance cues to neonatal (P5) inner ear spiral ganglion (SG) neurites. The response to both ECM molecules was dose-dependent. In a LN versus poly- L -lysine (PLL) assay, neurites were more often observed on PLL at low coating concentrations (5 and 10 ,g/mL), while they were more often on LN at a high concentration (80 ,g/mL). In a FN versus PLL assay, neurites were more often on PLL than on FN stripes at high coating concentrations (40 and 80 ,g/mL). In a direct competition between LN and FN, neurites were observed on LN significantly more often than on FN at both 10 and 40 ,g/mL. The data suggest a preference by SG neurites for LN at high concentrations, as well as avoidance of both LN at low and FN at high concentrations. The results also support a potential model for neurite guidance in the developing inner ear in vivo. LN, in the SG and osseus spiral lamina may promote SG dendrite growth toward the organ of Corti. Within the organ of Corti, lower concentrations of LN may slow neurite growth, with FN beneath each row of hair cells providing a stop or avoidance signal. This could allow growth cone filopodia increased time to sample their cellular targets, or direct the fibers upward toward the hair cells. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Develop Neurobiol, 2007 [source]