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Expression and function of FGF10 in mammalian inner ear development.
Sarah Pauley1, Tracy J Wright, Ulla Pirvola
1Creighton University, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Omaha, Nebraska 68178, USA.
Summary
Fibroblast growth factor 10 (FGF10) is crucial for inner ear development, particularly the posterior semicircular canal. FGF10 null mutations lead to severe defects in ear morphogenesis, including agenesis of the posterior canal.
Area of Science:
- Developmental biology
- Otolaryngology
- Genetics
Background:
- Fibroblast growth factor 10 (FGF10) is a signaling molecule implicated in various developmental processes.
- The role of FGF10 in inner ear development, specifically in the formation of the vestibular system, requires further elucidation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the expression patterns of FGF10 during mammalian ear development.
- To determine the effects of FGF10 deficiency on the morphogenesis of the inner ear structures.
Main Methods:
- In situ hybridization was used to analyze FGF10 expression in embryonic ears at E11.5 and E18.5.
- FGF10 null mutant mice were studied to assess developmental abnormalities in the inner ear.
Main Results:
- FGF10 is expressed in sensory epithelia and neurons of the developing ear, including the cochlea and semicircular canals.
- FGF10 null mutants exhibit complete agenesis of the posterior semicircular canal and its sensory neurons.
- Mutants also show malformations of the anterior and horizontal canals and defects in hair cell cilia formation.
Conclusions:
- FGF10 plays a critical role in the morphogenesis of the inner ear, particularly in the development of the posterior semicircular canal.
- These findings are consistent with the known functions of its receptor, FGFR2b, highlighting the FGF10-FGFR2b signaling pathway's importance in ear development.