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The cochlea phenotypically differs from the vestibule in the Gfi1GFP/GFP mouse
Zhuo Li1, Hongzhi Chen2, Hao Feng2
1School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun, China.
Background:
Previous studies with Gfi1-mutated lines have shown that Gfi1 is essential for hair cell maturation and survival.
Results:
We analyzed the phenotype of another Gfi1-mutated line Gfi1GFP/GFP in the inner ears of neonates at P5-7 and found that the cochlea phenotypically differed from the vestibule in the Gfi1GFP/GFP mouse. Specifically, there was a marked reduction in hair cells in the cochlea, which was characterized by greater reductions in the outer hair cells but far less reductions (mainly in the basal turn) in the inner hair cells, whereas the vestibular hair cells remained unaffected. These results were consistent with findings from previous studies. Unexpectedly, the number of cochlear non-sensory supporting cells significantly decreased. However, the vestibular supporting cells did not demonstrate any abnormalities in number.
Conclusion:
Gfi1 exhibits different functions in the cochlea and vestibule during inner ear development.
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