Differential expression of LIM domain-only (LMO) genes in the developing mouse inner ear.
The vertebrate inner ear, a complex sensory organ with vestibular and auditory functions, is derived from a single ectoderm structure called the otic placode. Currently, the molecular mechanisms governing the differentiation and specification of the otic epithelium are poorly understood. We present here a detailed expression study of LMO1-4 in the developing mouse inner ear using a combination of in situ hybridization and immunohistochemistry. LMO1 is specifically expressed in the vestibular and cochlear hair cells as well as the vestibular ganglia of the developing inner ear. LMO2 expression is detected in the periotic mesenchyme of the developing mouse cochlea from E12.5 to E14.5. The expression of LMO3 expression is first observed in the cochlea at E13.5 and becomes confined to the lesser epithelial ridge (LER) from E14.5 to E17.5. LMO3 is also expressed in some of the vestibular ganglion cells. LMO4 is initially expressed in the dorsolateral portion of the otic vesicle and its expression persists in the semicircular canals, macula, crista, and the spiral ganglia throughout embryogenesis. Thus, the regionalized expression patterns of LMO1-4 are closely associated with the morphogenesis of the inner ear.
Deng
Min
M
Center for Aging and Developmental Biology, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY 14642, USA.
Pan
Ling
L
Xie
Xiaoling
X
Gan
Lin
L
D048868:Adaptor Proteins, Signal Transducing; D000818:Animals; D003051:Cochlea / Q000196:embryology / Q000378:metabolism; D004268:DNA-Binding Proteins / Q000378:metabolism; D007758:Ear, Inner / Q000196:embryology* / Q000378:metabolism*; D004622:Embryo, Mammalian / Q000378:metabolism; D047108:Embryonic Development / Q000502:physiology; D018507:Gene Expression Regulation, Developmental; D018398:Homeodomain Proteins / Q000378:metabolism; D060588:LIM Domain Proteins; D008667:Metalloproteins / Q000378:metabolism; D051379:Mice; D008810:Mice, Inbred C57BL; D009687:Nuclear Proteins / Q000378:metabolism*; D015513:Oncogene Proteins / Q000378:metabolism; D038081:Organogenesis / Q000502:physiology; D014157:Transcription Factors / Q000378:metabolism*
D048868:Adaptor Proteins, Signal Transducing; D004268:DNA-Binding Proteins; D018398:Homeodomain Proteins; D060588:LIM Domain Proteins; C502335:LMO3 protein, human; C513044:Lmo1 protein, mouse; C513188:Lmo2 protein, mouse; C491976:Lmo4 protein, mouse; D008667:Metalloproteins; D009687:Nuclear Proteins; D015513:Oncogene Proteins; D014157:Transcription Factors