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Updated: May 26, 2026
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Long-term Time Lapse Imaging of Mouse Cochlear Explants
Published on: November 2, 2014
Temporal expression pattern of Fkbp8 in rodent cochlea
Magdalena Zak1, Andreas Bress, Markus Pfister
1University of Tübingen, Institute of Human Genetics, Tübingen, Germany. magdalena.zak1@gmail.com
Summary
FKBP8 protein expression changes during rodent auditory development, increasing before hearing onset and decreasing afterward. This suggests FKBP8 is crucial for the development of hearing.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Developmental Biology
- Auditory Science
Background:
- FKBP8 is a multifunctional protein implicated in CNS development, viral replication, and apoptosis.
- FKBP8 expression changes in malignancies and is vital for normal mouse neurodevelopment.
- Given its role in neuronal function, FKBP8's involvement in auditory development was investigated.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the expression pattern of FKBP8 during the maturation of rodent auditory function.
- To determine the role of FKBP8 in the onset of hearing.
Main Methods:
- Gene expression analysis using RT-PCR and qPCR in rodent cochlear samples.
- Protein level analysis via Western blot.
- Localization studies using in-situ hybridization and immunohistochemistry.
Main Results:
- FKBP8 gene activity and protein levels increase before hearing onset and decrease after.
- FKBP8 mRNA is initially found in the spiral ganglion, later shifting to the stria vascularis.
- FKBP8 expression in the tectorial membrane correlates with that of α- and β-Tectorin.
Conclusions:
- A temporal shift in FKBP8 expression correlates with cochlear maturation.
- FKBP8 plays a significant role in the onset of hearing in rodents.
