EYA1 expression in the developing inner ear.
OBJECTIVE
We sought to determine the developmental anatomy and EYA1 protein distribution in the inner ear of Xenopus laevis.


METHODS
Xenopus laevis embryos were stained with monoclonal antibodies and imaged with confocal microscopy.


RESULTS
At stage 27, the otocyst fully forms, with strong tubulin staining of early sensory cells at its ventromedial aspect. Neuronal ingrowth follows at stage 33/34. At stage 50, the semicircular canals are complete. EYA1 localizes to the anterior aspect of the otocyst from stages 37 to 44. By stage 50, EYA1 distribution is localized primarily to the sensory maculae and the endolymphatic duct of the developing inner ear.


CONCLUSIONS
Whole mount confocal imaging of the developing Xenopus inner ear delineates the exact timing of otic development, sensory cell differentiation, and innervation. EYA1 protein expression has a distinct distribution pattern at the anterior aspect of the developing otocyst in stages 41 and 44. Later stages have a more localized pattern, in which EYA1 is detected only in the sensory epithelium and endolymphatic duct. This specific pattern of expression indicates a possible role in the determination of the anterior-posterior orientation of the inner ear, as well as a later role in sensory cell differentiation.
Bane
Brian C
BC
Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery University of Iowa Roy J. and Lucille A. Carver College of Medicine, Iowa City, Iowa, USA.
Van Rybroek
Jana M
JM
Kolker
Sandra J
SJ
Weeks
Daniel L
DL
Manaligod
Jose M
JM
D000818:Animals; D007758:Ear, Inner / Q000196:embryology* / Q000378:metabolism*; D047908:Intracellular Signaling Peptides and Proteins; D009687:Nuclear Proteins / Q000096:biosynthesis*; D017027:Protein Tyrosine Phosphatases / Q000096:biosynthesis*; D029867:Xenopus Proteins / Q000096:biosynthesis*; D014982:Xenopus laevis / Q000196:embryology / Q000378:metabolism
D047908:Intracellular Signaling Peptides and Proteins; D009687:Nuclear Proteins; D029867:Xenopus Proteins; C501157:Eya1 protein, Xenopus; D017027:Protein Tyrosine Phosphatases