The long-term goal of this project is to investigate functions of gap junctional coupling in the inner ear. A gap junctional channel is an intercellular cytoplasmic conduit, and is encoded by the connexin gene family in mammals. Six connexin isoforms assemble to form a hexadal connexon (hemichannel), and dock with another connexon in the opposite cell membrane to form an intercellular gap junctional channel through which molecules up to 1 kDa can pass. Cx26 and 30 are the predominant isoforms in cochlear supporting cells. Each connexin mutation can induce hearing loss. It has been found that gap junctions between supporting cells have various asymmetrical voltage gates, indicative of the occurrence of heterotypic and heteromeric hybrid channel configurations in the cochlea. The working hypothesis of this project is that Cx26 and 30 may dock to form heterotypic and heteromeric channels with specific permeability to selectively transfer ions and molecules in the cochlea; asymmetric heterotypic channels may also induce directional intercellular transfer in this multicellular system.
Specific aim (SA) 1 is to define connexin-specific functions in the cochlea. We will use immunofluorescent staining to identify connexin expression and distributions, patch clamp recording to measure channel conductance and gating to identify channel types and configurations, and fluorescent probes to assess connexin channel permeability. Charge and size selectivity in gap junctional permeability will be assessed by use of multiple florescent probes with patch clamp recording. Fluorescence recovery after photo bleaching (FRAP) with confocal microscopy will also be employed to quantitatively define gap junctional permeability. The asymmetry of transjunctional diffusion between cochlear supporting cells and directional passage in the cochlear sensory epithelium will be defined by FRAP measurement and time-lapse fluorescent microscopy (SA2). SA3 is to define the activity and permeability of connexin hemi channels in native cochlear supporting cells to further elucidate structure-function relationship of gap junctional coupling in the cochlea. SA 4 is to test the K+-recycling hypothesis that has long been proposed but has yet to be tested. We will use patch clamp technique to directly record K+ passage between cochlear supporting cells. SA5 is to explore the effect of supporting cell's junctional coupling on outer hair cell electro motility. Undoubtedly, completion of these studies will contribute signaificantly towards understanding the mechanisms of gap junctional coupling in the inner ear, and in turn, develop therapeutic and protective interventions for this common hereditary deafness.

Agency
National Institute of Health (NIH)
Institute
National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders (NIDCD)
Type
Research Project (R01)
Project #
5R01DC005989-02
Application #
6922855
Study Section
Auditory System Study Section (AUD)
Program Officer
Watson, Bracie
Project Start
2004-07-15
Project End
2009-06-30
Budget Start
2005-07-01
Budget End
2006-06-30
Support Year
2
Fiscal Year
2005
Total Cost
$257,775
Indirect Cost
Name
University of Kentucky
Department
Surgery
Type
Schools of Medicine
DUNS #
939017877
City
Lexington
State
KY
Country
United States
Zip Code
40506
Chen, Jin; Liang, Chun; Zong, Liang et al. (2018) Knockout of Pannexin-1 Induces Hearing Loss. Int J Mol Sci 19:
Zong, Liang; Chen, Jin; Zhu, Yan et al. (2017) Progressive age-dependence and frequency difference in the effect of gap junctions on active cochlear amplification and hearing. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 489:223-227
Zhao, Hong-Bo (2017) Hypothesis of K+-Recycling Defect Is Not a Primary Deafness Mechanism for Cx26 (GJB2) Deficiency. Front Mol Neurosci 10:162
Mei, Ling; Chen, Jin; Zong, Liang et al. (2017) A deafness mechanism of digenic Cx26 (GJB2) and Cx30 (GJB6) mutations: Reduction of endocochlear potential by impairment of heterogeneous gap junctional function in the cochlear lateral wall. Neurobiol Dis 108:195-203
Zhao, Hong-Bo (2016) Expression and function of pannexins in the inner ear and hearing. BMC Cell Biol 17 Suppl 1:16
Zong, Liang; Zhu, Yan; Liang, Ruqiang et al. (2016) Gap junction mediated miRNA intercellular transfer and gene regulation: A novel mechanism for intercellular genetic communication. Sci Rep 6:19884
Zhu, Y; Chen, J; Liang, C et al. (2015) Connexin26 (GJB2) deficiency reduces active cochlear amplification leading to late-onset hearing loss. Neuroscience 284:719-29
Wingard, Jeffrey C; Zhao, Hong-Bo (2015) Cellular and Deafness Mechanisms Underlying Connexin Mutation-Induced Hearing Loss - A Common Hereditary Deafness. Front Cell Neurosci 9:202
Zhu, Yan; Zong, Liang; Mei, Ling et al. (2015) Connexin26 gap junction mediates miRNA intercellular genetic communication in the cochlea and is required for inner ear development. Sci Rep 5:15647
Chen, Jin; Zhu, Yan; Liang, Chun et al. (2015) Pannexin1 channels dominate ATP release in the cochlea ensuring endocochlear potential and auditory receptor potential generation and hearing. Sci Rep 5:10762

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