Differential expression of cytoskeletal genes in the cochlear nucleus. Anat Rec A Discov Mol Cell Evol Biol 2006 Apr;288(4):447-65
Date
03/22/2006Pubmed ID
16550590Pubmed Central ID
PMC2570442DOI
10.1002/ar.a.20303Scopus ID
2-s2.0-33645749515 (requires institutional sign-in at Scopus site) 6 CitationsAbstract
The relationship between structure and function is clearly illustrated by emerging evidence demonstrating the role of the neuronal cytoskeleton in physiological processes. For example, alterations in axonal caliber, a feature of the cytoskeleton, have been shown to affect reflex arc latencies and are prominent features of several neuropathological disorders. Even in the nonpathologic situation, however, axonal diameter may be a crucial element for the normal function of specialized auditory neurons. To investigate this relationship, we used serial analysis of gene expression and microarray analyses to characterize the expression of cytoskeletal genes in the central auditory system. These data, confirmed by real-time RT-PCR, identified differential expression of intermediate neurofilament transcripts (i.e., Nefh, Nef3, and Nfl) among the subdivisions of the cochlear nucleus. In situ hybridization was used to identify specific classes of neurons within the cochlear nucleus expressing these neurofilament genes. Robust neurofilament expression was seen in bushy cells and cochlear nerve root neurons, suggesting an association between cytoskeletal structure and rapid conduction velocities. Gene expression data were also identified for other classes of cytoskeletal and structural genes important in neuronal function. These results may help to explain some causes of hearing loss in hereditary neuropathies and provide an anatomic basis for understanding normal neuronal function in the central auditory system.
Author List
Friedland DR, Popper P, Eernisse R, Ringger B, Cioffi JAAuthor
David R. Friedland MD Associate Director, Director, Chief, Professor in the Otolaryngology department at Medical College of WisconsinMESH terms used to index this publication - Major topics in bold
AnimalsCochlear Nucleus
Cytoskeletal Proteins
Cytoskeleton
Female
Gene Expression Profiling
In Situ Hybridization
Rats