High impact information on Otog

• Histological analysis of these mutants demonstrated that in the vestibule, otogelin is required for the anchoring of the otoconial membranes and cupulae to the neuroepithelia [1].
• In the cochlea, ultrastructural analysis of the TM indicated that otogelin is involved in the organization of its fibrillar network [1].
• At this stage, otogelin is detected in the epithelial cells which do not overlap with the myosin VIIA-expressing cells, namely the precursors of the hair cells, thus arguing for an early commitment of the two cell populations [2].
• Using a PCR-based subtractive method on cDNA from 2-day-old mouse cochlea, we identified a gene encoding otogelin, Otog, an inner ear specific glycoprotein expressed in all acellular structures [2].
• In contrast, in the tectorial membrane, otogelin should be a long-lasting protein since both the otogelin gene and protein were almost undetectable in adult cochlear cells [2].

Anatomical context of Otog

• The data are consistent with the requirement for otogelin in the attachment of the otoconial membranes and cupulae to their corresponding sensory epithelia as revealed in Otog -/- mice [2].
• Throughout embryonic and adult life, the expression of the otogelin gene as monitored by LacZ inserted into Otog, and the abundance of the protein are greater in the vestibule than in the cochlea [2].
• Spatiotemporal expression of otogelin in the developing and adult mouse inner ear [2].

References