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Down-regulation of the large conductance Ca(2+)-activated K(+) channel expression in C57BL/6J cochlea

Chunchen Pan1, Hanqi Chu1, Yanbing Lai2

  • 1a Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery , Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology , Wuhan , PR China ;

Acta Oto-Laryngologica
|April 20, 2016
PubMed

Insights

Large conductance Ca(2+)-activated K(+) channels (BK) expression declines with age in mouse cochleae. This decrease in BK channel expression may contribute to age-related hearing loss (AHL).

Area of Science:

  • Otolaryngology
  • Neuroscience
  • Molecular Biology

Background:

  • Age-related hearing loss (AHL) is a prevalent condition in elderly populations.
  • Large conductance Ca(2+)-activated K(+) channels (BK) are crucial for auditory function, sensing membrane voltage and intracellular calcium.
  • Understanding BK channel's role in AHL is essential for potential therapeutic interventions.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To map the distribution of BK channels within the cochleae of C57BL/6J mice.
  • To determine the relationship between BK channel expression levels and the development of AHL.
  • To investigate age-dependent changes in BK channel expression.

Main Methods:

  • Studied BK channel expression in mouse cochleae across different age groups (4, 12, 26, and 52 weeks).
  • Utilized immunofluorescence, western blot, and quantitative real-time PCR to assess protein and mRNA levels of BK channels.
  • Examined BK channel localization in key cochlear structures.

Main Results:

  • BK channel protein and mRNA expression significantly decreased with age in the cochleae of aging mice.
  • BK channels were localized in hair cells, spiral ganglion, spiral ligament, and stria vascularis.
  • Expression levels showed a gradual decline from 4 weeks to 52 weeks of age.

Conclusions:

  • BK channel expression is diminished in the cochleae of mice experiencing age-related hearing loss.
  • The observed decrease in BK channel expression correlates with the aging process.
  • BK channels are implicated as a potential factor in the etiology of age-related hearing loss.
Abstract

Keywords:
BKC57BL/6Jcochleapresbycusis

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