Zona Pellucida Domain-Containing Protein beta-Tectorin is Crucial for Zebrafish Proper Inner Ear Development
Resource
PLOS ONE, 6(8), e23078
Journal
PLOS ONE
Journal Volume
6
Journal Issue
8
Pages
-
Date Issued
2011
Date
2011
Author(s)
Yang, Chung-Hsiang
Cheng, Chia-Hsiung
Chen, Gen-Der
Liao, Wei-Hao
Chen, Yi-Chung
Huang, Kai-Yun
Hwang, Pung-Pung
Hwang, Sheng-Ping L.
Huang, Chang-Jen
Abstract
BACKGROUND: The zona pellucida (ZP) domain is part of many extracellular proteins with diverse functions from structural components to receptors. The mammalian β-tectorin is a protein of 336 amino acid residues containing a single ZP domain and a putative signal peptide at the N-terminus of the protein. It is 1 component of a gel-like structure called the tectorial membrane which is involved in transforming sound waves into neuronal signals and is important for normal auditory function. β-Tectorin is specifically expressed in the mammalian and avian inner ear. METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS: We identified and cloned the gene encoding zebrafish β-tectorin. Through whole-mount in situ hybridization, we demonstrated that β-tectorin messenger RNA was expressed in the otic placode and specialized sensory patch of the inner ear during zebrafish embryonic stages. Morpholino knockdown of zebrafish β-tectorin affected the position and number of otoliths in the ears of morphants. Finally, swimming behaviors of β-tectorin morphants were abnormal since the development of the inner ear was compromised. CONCLUSIONS/SIGNIFICANCE: Our results reveal that zebrafish β-tectorin is specifically expressed in the zebrafish inner ear, and is important for regulating the development of the zebrafish inner ear. Lack of zebrafish β-tectorin caused severe defects in inner ear formation of otoliths and function.
SDGs
Type
journal article
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