Abstract

Active feedback mechanisms in the ears of mammals amplify and tune the auditory response to sound stimuli, allowing these organisms to enjoy both exquisite sensitivity and sharp frequency selectivity. A requisite component of this feedback pathway has recently been identified. Targeted deletion of pres, the gene that encodes the novel membrane-bound motor protein prestin, has revealed a hundred-fold loss in hearing sensitivity suggesting that it might be part of the elusive cochlear amplifier.

Full Text
Published version (Free)

Talk to us

Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have

Schedule a call