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Fig. 5
Analysis of upstream regulators of sensory hair cell and otolith development. (A-D) At OEPD (five somites) and placodal stages (12 somites), otic expression of atoh1b is absent in dlx3b/4b mutant embryos in comparison with wild-type siblings. (E,F) In contrast, atoh1b can be detected in dlx3b/4b mutants at 24 hpf although limited to the anterior portion of the otic vesicle. (G-J) Similarly, atoh1a is initially not expressed in the developing otic placode of dlx3b/4b-deficient embryos but present in the future domain of the utricular macula at 24 hpf. (K-N) Compared with wild-type control, otog expression is undetectable in dlx3b/4b mutants at placodal stages and restricted to the prospective domain of the utricular macula at 24 hpf. (A-D,G,H) Dorsolateral views with anterior to the left. (E,F,I,J) Lateral views with anterior to the left. OP, otic placode. Scale bar: 40 µm.