title: Regulation of cell fate in the sensory epithelia of the inner ear.
abstract: The sensory epithelia of the inner ear contain mechanosensory hair cells and non-sensory supporting cells. Both classes of cell are heterogeneous, with phenotypes varying both between and within epithelia. The specification of individual cells as distinct types of hair cell or supporting cell is regulated through intra- and extracellular signalling pathways that have been poorly understood. However, new methodologies have resulted in significant steps forward in our understanding of the molecular pathways that direct cells towards these cell fates.
authors.affiliation: Section on Developmental Neuroscience, National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders, National Institutes of Health, 35 Convent Dr., Bethesda, Maryland 20892, USA. Kelleymt@nidcd.nih.gov
authors.forename: Matthew W
authors.initials: MW
authors.lastname: Kelley
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D002454:Cell Differentiation / Q000502:physiology*; D019070:Cell Lineage / Q000502:physiology*; D007758:Ear, Inner / Q000166:cytology / Q000196:embryology* / Q000378:metabolism; D018507:Gene Expression Regulation, Developmental / Q000502:physiology; D006198:Hair Cells, Auditory / Q000166:cytology / Q000196:embryology* / Q000378:metabolism; D006801:Humans; D007760:Labyrinth Supporting Cells / Q000166:cytology* / Q000378:metabolism; D009414:Nerve Growth Factors / Q000235:genetics; D009419:Nerve Tissue Proteins / Q000235:genetics; D015398:Signal Transduction / Q000502:physiology
chemical_list: D009414:Nerve Growth Factors; D009419:Nerve Tissue Proteins