RT-PCR analysis of Tecta, Coch, Eya4 and Strc in mouse cochlear explants

Tecta, Coch, Eya4 and Strc are mouse orthologs of four human deafness-associated genes. Their expression is markedly restricted to specific cell types in cochleae. Cochleae were dissected on embryonic day 15 and cultured in vitro. Relative messenger RNA abundance of each gene was quantified by RT-PCR and compared in-vivo cochleae of equivalent embryonic age. After 48 h in culture, in-vivo and explant Strc expression levels were equivalent, Eya4 level reduced in explanted tissues, and expression of Tecta and Coch did not show the expected temporal rise. Expression of these genes was detectable even after 96 h. These results suggest that it is feasible to test the expression of inner ear specific genes in explanted cochleae.