Molecular identity of the mechanotransduction channel in hair cells: Not quiet there yet

Zizhen Wu, Ulrich Müller

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

28 Scopus citations

Abstract

Hair cells in the mammalian cochlea are specialized mechanosensory cells that convert sound-induced vibrations into electrochemical signals. The molecular composition of the mechanotransduction channel underlying auditory perception has been difficult to define. The study of genes that are linked to inherited forms of deafness has recently provided tantalizing clues. Current findings indicate that the mechanotransduction channel in hair cells is a complex molecular machine. Four different proteins (TMHS/LHFPL5, TMIE, TMC1, and TMC2) have so far been linked to the transduction channel, but which proteins contribute to the channel pore still needs to be determined. Current evidence also suggests that the channel complex may contain additional, yet to be identified components.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)10927-10934
Number of pages8
JournalJournal of Neuroscience
Volume36
Issue number43
DOIs
StatePublished - Oct 26 2016
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • Hair cell
  • LHFPL5
  • Mechanotransduction
  • TMC1
  • TMC2
  • TMHS
  • TMIE
  • Tip link

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • General Neuroscience

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