Prestin and the cochlear amplifier.
In non-mammalian, hair cell-bearing sense organs amplification is associated with mechano-electric transducer channels in the stereovilli (commonly called stereocilia). Because mammals possess differentiated outer hair cells (OHC), they also benefit from a novel electromotile process, powered by the motor protein, prestin. Here we consider new work pertaining to this protein and its potential role as the mammalian cochlear amplifier.
Dallos
Peter
P
Department of Neurobiology & Physiology, Northwestern University, 2240 Campus Drive, Evanston, IL 60208, USA. p-dallos@northwestern.edu
Zheng
Jing
J
Cheatham
Mary Ann
MA
D000818:Animals; D027321:Anion Transport Proteins / Q000235:genetics / Q000502:physiology*; D003051:Cochlea / Q000166:cytology / Q000294:innervation / Q000502:physiology*; D003638:Deafness / Q000235:genetics / Q000503:physiopathology; D018072:Hair Cells, Auditory, Outer / Q000502:physiology; D006309:Hearing / Q000235:genetics / Q000502:physiology; D006801:Humans; D040542:Mechanotransduction, Cellular / Q000235:genetics / Q000502:physiology*; D051379:Mice; D018345:Mice, Knockout; D020409:Molecular Motor Proteins; D011506:Proteins / Q000235:genetics / Q000502:physiology*; D000076988:Sulfate Transporters
D027321:Anion Transport Proteins; D020409:Molecular Motor Proteins; C498720:Pres protein, mouse; D011506:Proteins; C498719:SLC26A5 protein, human; D000076988:Sulfate Transporters