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
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.