This proposal seeks funding for the application of molecular biological techniques to the study of the hair cell epithelia of the peripheral vestibular system of vertebrates. It proposes the study of the proteins of the macular otoconia to determine the interactions of the hair cell containing epithelia with the apical, extracellular otoconial membrane. This membrane is a necessary component for the normal function of the vestibular end organs. In aging, disintegration of otoconia can cause vertigo.
The specific aims are to: isolate cDNA clones coding for these proteins from inner ear libraries I have constructed; use these clones to determine the developmental expression of otoconial proteins from the rat and Xenopus laevis and identify the specific site of the protein expression; use the clones to make constructs which will maintain the fidelity of protein modifications for expression of the protein in amounts suitable for protein structure determination using x-ray crystallography. The approach is to use existing antibodies raised against the otoconial proteins of rat and X. laevis to screen the cDNA libraries constructed in the expression vector lambda ZAP II. Protein sequence will also be determined using a combination of micro Edman sequencing and mass spec sequencing. This sequence information will be used to synthesize oligonucleotide probes to screen the cDNA libraries. These proteins will be used to model the interactions of proteins and calcium carbonate in biominerals. Their study will elucidate the interactions of the hair cell epithelium with its extracellular environment and specifically with the accessory sensory structure, the otoconial membrane.

Agency
National Institute of Health (NIH)
Institute
National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders (NIDCD)
Type
First Independent Research Support & Transition (FIRST) Awards (R29)
Project #
7R29DC000929-02
Application #
3461772
Study Section
Hearing Research Study Section (HAR)
Project Start
1990-12-01
Project End
1995-11-30
Budget Start
1991-07-01
Budget End
1991-11-30
Support Year
2
Fiscal Year
1991
Total Cost
Indirect Cost
Name
Children's Hospital Boston
Department
Type
DUNS #
076593722
City
Boston
State
MA
Country
United States
Zip Code
02115
Sarro, Emma C; Rosen, Merri J; Sanes, Dan H (2011) Taking advantage of behavioral changes during development and training to assess sensory coding mechanisms. Ann N Y Acad Sci 1225:142-54
Pote, K G; Hauer 3rd, C R; Michel, H et al. (1993) Otoconin-22, the major protein of aragonitic frog otoconia, is a homolog of phospholipase A2. Biochemistry 32:5017-24
Pote, K G; Weber, C H; Kretsinger, R H (1993) Inferred protein content and distribution from density measurements of calcitic and aragonitic otoconia. Hear Res 66:225-32
Pote, K G (1993) Are otoconia dynamic in birds and mammals? Physiologist 36:S38-41