PUBLICATION

Zona Pellucida Domain-Containing Protein β-Tectorin is Crucial for Zebrafish Proper Inner Ear Development

Authors
Yang, C.H., Cheng, C.H., Chen, G.D., Liao, W.H., Chen, Y.C., Huang, K.Y., Hwang, P.P., Hwang, S.P., and Huang, C.J.
ID
ZDB-PUB-110811-36
Date
2011
Source
PLoS One   6(8): e23078 (Journal)
Registered Authors
Huang, Chang-Jen, Hwang, Sheng-Ping L.
Keywords
none
MeSH Terms
  • Amino Acid Sequence
  • Animals
  • Base Sequence
  • Cloning, Molecular
  • DNA Primers
  • DNA, Complementary
  • Ear, Inner/embryology*
  • Extracellular Matrix Proteins/chemistry
  • Extracellular Matrix Proteins/genetics
  • Extracellular Matrix Proteins/physiology*
  • Gene Expression Profiling
  • Humans
  • In Situ Hybridization
  • Molecular Sequence Data
  • RNA, Messenger/genetics
  • Reverse Transcriptase Polymerase Chain Reaction
  • Sequence Homology, Amino Acid
  • Tectorial Membrane/metabolism
  • Zebrafish/embryology*
  • Zona Pellucida/metabolism*
PubMed
21829695 Full text @ PLoS One
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.

Genes / Markers
Figures
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Expression
Phenotype
Mutations / Transgenics
Human Disease / Model
Sequence Targeting Reagents
Fish
Antibodies
Orthology
Engineered Foreign Genes
Mapping