Distinct expression patterns of notch family receptors and ligands during development of the mammalian inner ear

Mech Dev. 1998 Nov;78(1-2):159-63. doi: 10.1016/s0925-4773(98)00165-8.

Abstract

The cochlea and vestibular structures of the inner ear labyrinth develop from the otic capsule via step-wise regional and cell fate specification. Each inner ear structure contains a sensory epithelium, composed of hair cells, the mechanosensory transducers, and supporting cells. We examined the spatio-temporal expression of genes in the Notch signaling pathway, Notch receptors (Notch1-4) and two ligands, Jagged1 and Delta1, in the developing mammalian inner ear. Our results show that Notch1 and Jagged1 are first expressed in the otic vesicle, likely involved in differentiation of the VIIIth nerve ganglion neurons, and subsequently within the inner ear sensory epithelia, temporally coincident with initial hair cell differentiation. Notch1 expression is specific to hair cells and Jagged1 to supporting cells. Their expression persists into adult. Notch2, Notch3, Notch4, and Delta1 are excluded from the inner ear epithelia. These data support the hypothesis that Notch signaling is involved in hair cell differentiation during inner ear morphogenesis.

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Calcium-Binding Proteins
  • Cell Differentiation / genetics
  • Cochlea / embryology*
  • Cochlea / growth & development
  • Cochlea / metabolism
  • Fetal Proteins / biosynthesis*
  • Fetal Proteins / genetics
  • Gene Expression Regulation, Developmental*
  • Hair Cells, Auditory / cytology
  • Hair Cells, Auditory / metabolism
  • In Situ Hybridization
  • Intercellular Signaling Peptides and Proteins
  • Intracellular Signaling Peptides and Proteins
  • Jagged-1 Protein
  • Ligands
  • Membrane Proteins / biosynthesis*
  • Membrane Proteins / genetics
  • Mice
  • Mice, Transgenic
  • Morphogenesis / genetics
  • Nerve Tissue Proteins / biosynthesis*
  • Nerve Tissue Proteins / genetics
  • Protein Biosynthesis*
  • Proteins / genetics
  • Proto-Oncogene Proteins / biosynthesis*
  • Proto-Oncogene Proteins / genetics
  • Receptor, Notch1
  • Receptor, Notch2
  • Receptor, Notch3
  • Receptor, Notch4
  • Receptors, Cell Surface / biosynthesis*
  • Receptors, Cell Surface / genetics
  • Receptors, Notch
  • Recombinant Fusion Proteins / biosynthesis
  • Serrate-Jagged Proteins
  • Signal Transduction / genetics*
  • Transcription Factors*

Substances

  • Calcium-Binding Proteins
  • Fetal Proteins
  • Intercellular Signaling Peptides and Proteins
  • Intracellular Signaling Peptides and Proteins
  • JAG1 protein, human
  • Jag1 protein, mouse
  • Jagged-1 Protein
  • Ligands
  • Membrane Proteins
  • NOTCH4 protein, human
  • Nerve Tissue Proteins
  • Notch1 protein, mouse
  • Notch2 protein, mouse
  • Notch3 protein, mouse
  • Proteins
  • Proto-Oncogene Proteins
  • Receptor, Notch1
  • Receptor, Notch2
  • Receptor, Notch3
  • Receptor, Notch4
  • Receptors, Cell Surface
  • Receptors, Notch
  • Recombinant Fusion Proteins
  • Serrate-Jagged Proteins
  • Transcription Factors
  • delta protein
  • Notch4 protein, mouse