Acf7 is a Hair-Bundle Antecedent, Positioned to Integrate Cuticular Plate Actin and Somatic Tubulin

The hair cell of the inner ear converts mechanical stimuli, such as sound waves, into electrical impulses which are then sent to and interpreted by the brain. Proper organization of the actin and microtubule cytoskeletons is important for establishing the distinct morphology of the hair cell, which is crucial for its function. Here we identify the genes ACF7, MYO9A, and MYO9B are expressed in hair cells, and may be important for hair cell development and function. Through zebrafish transgenesis and indirect labeling of mouse hair cells we show that ACF7 is positioned to integrate the actin and microtubule networks in hair cells. In addition, electron micrographs demonstrate microtubules inserting into the cuticular plate, the ends of which are decorated with proteins that directly link to the F-actin of the cuticular plate. ACF7, which possesses both actin and microtubule binding domains, is a prime candidate to be this linker.

Name thesis:degree_name

Master of Sciences

Level thesis:degree_level

masters

Discipline thesis:degree_discipline

Biology

Grantor dc:publisher

Case Western Reserve University School of Graduate Studies

Year dc:date

2013

Author dc:creator

• Antonellis, Patrick Joseph

Contributors dc:contributor

• McDermott, Brian

• Biology
• Molecular Biology
• Cellular Biology

Statement dc:rights

• unrestricted
• This thesis or dissertation is protected by copyright: all rights reserved. It may not be copied or redistributed beyond the terms of applicable copyright laws.

Language dc:language

English

Repository record dc:identifier

http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=case1365110648

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:etd.ohiolink.edu:case1365110648